Director: Tomas Alfredson
Starring: Gary Oldman, Benedict Cumberbatch and Toby Jones
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors in Hollywood have ability to catch the attention of audiences like Benedict Cumberbatch. Ever since his rise to fame amid the 1990’s, Cumberbatch has become a bold icon. Whether it’s bold political leaders, strong sorcerers or action heroes, Cumberbatch has portrayed several bold characters. Arguably, Cumberbatch’s strength as an actor has often been his commitment to his craft. His is one of those rare actors which has always poured his heart and soul into every role. Even when he is not the main focus of a film, Cumberbatch has left a lasting impression. Through his ability to portray strong characters that are compelling, Cumberbatch has created a legacy which has been lasting. A British icon, Cumberbatch has become an iconic actor audiences cherish. By his abilities to play strong characters, Benedict has proven to be an actor audiences treasure. Throughout a career, Cumberbatch has made many memorable movies which are absolutely worth taking about.
I’m a huge fan of Cumberbatch and adore all the movies which he has created in his career. However, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” is truly my favourite. Released in 2011, Tomas Alfredson’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a bold spy book. Packed with captivating production, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best espionage films ever made. At a centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Benedict Cumberbatch, who personifies an agent facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most spy movies, the film tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. A mesmerizing spy masterpiece, there are many reasons why “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” is worth seeing.
Set during the Cold War, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” tells the story of a spy facing obstacles that are far. Gary Oldman plays George Smiley, an espionage veteran with a talent for solving crimes causing adversity. After spending many years in the spy profession, Smiley has made a decision to retire from careers causing tension. However, Smiley’s life changes when he’s all of sudden forced out of retirement to embark on missions causing disaster. Assisted by partner Peter Guillam (Benedict Cumberbatch), Smiley seeks to uncover conspiracies. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, George soon starts to wonder whether it’s possible for him to be a strong spy enduring disaster. Facing obstacles which terrify, George wonders if it’s possible for him to maintain his iconic position as a spy.
Tomas Alfredson is a newcomer toward stories of spies. A fantastic filmmaker, Alfredson had never made a movie about spies in his career before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to adapt a legendary book about spies enduring adversity but he succeeded immensely. Using stunning cinematography, Alfredson captures a spy embarking upon a journey to discover his Identity. Emulating Martin Campbell’s “Casino Royale”, Alfredson captures a spy embarking on a journey through the point-of-view shots. For instance, POV shots enhance the business scandal scene. During this memorable scene, Smiley discovers shocking secrets about spies causing adversity. Through spellbinding POV shots, Alfredson crafts a portrait of spies that is compelling. POV shots are often tricky to use in most films. Morten Tyldum’s “The Imitation Game” demonstrated that POV shots enhance commemorated historical biopics. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this film. Through stunning visuals, Alfredson captures tensions that spies embarking on a mission are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” that deserves appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, the movie is very well-made. Evoking Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Norhwest”, Alfredson captures tensions that spies face through costumes. Throughout the movie, George Smiley’s costumes illustrate his strong transformation into a spy. For instance, costumes elevate the business meeting scene. During this unforgettable scene, Smiley has a tense business meeting with spies that cause tension. Using captivating costumes, Alfredson creates a portrait of spies which is compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Alberto Iglesias’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie tense atmosphere capture a heavy burden that commemorated spies are forced to bear. Through strong production, Alfredson captures the lives of commemorated spies embarking on a mission which causes tension.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” is an espionage film that’s compelling. The film is expertly written, and successfully uses silence to capture lives of spies which are influenced by violence. For instance, silence enhances the farewell scene. During this memorable scene, Smiley faces a moment of silence after he bids an emotional farewell to spies in profession. Through strong silences of silence, Alfredson crafts a portrait of spies which audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave” proved clearly, silence enhances movies about slaves. Joe Wright’s “Atonement” demonstrated that silence enhances period pieces about doomed love. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through an extraordinary screenplay, Alfredson captures the lives of spies facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Benedict Cumberbatch delivers one of his best performances as Peter Guillam. Cumberbatch first earned appreciation for playing inventors in big biopics. With “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a spy embarking upon a dangerous journey but he succeeds. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him in the past before: intense, chairman and emotional in his most memorable role. Cumberbatch has often excelled at playing emotional heroes that are under tense pressure and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” showcased his strength as an actor. With riveting expressions, he captures the anxieties, grief and resentment of a spy embarking on a dangerous mission. It’s a strong performance from one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Cumberbatch, the supporting cast is terrific and also worthy of appreciation. Gary Oldman is outstanding, capturing the tension faced by an espionage agent that questions a devotion to profession. Toby Jones is terrific, bringing a sense of authority to a spy that questions his loyalty toward a profession causing adversity. Lastly, Colin Firth deserves appreciation. As an aging spy, he brings wisdom to the movie.
Finally, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing the tension faced by spies that terrify. Unlike most movies about spies, it discusses strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses themes such as anxieties, mental health and grief that would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the book to enjoy it. It delivers a profound message about trust that will resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” is one of those rare movies about spies everyone would absolutely without a doubt adore.
Fans of Benedict Cumberbatch will definitely enjoy “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” and so would audiences seeking engaging entertainment. A captivating espionage classic, it celebrates an actor that’s iconic.
Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking espionage film about spies facing obstacles causing tension, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor with a strong dedication towards his craft that has made unforgettable movies throughout his illustrious career which are worthy of appreciation.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 