By CJ Powers -
For those who have been complaining that there aren’t any good films lately, you’ll be thrilled with the complexities of “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”. Unfortunately, those who were numbed or lulled to sleep by the many thin stories released last year, might find it hard to follow.
The film is not one to sit and watch like a zombie. It takes significant thought to stay on top of the plotline and arrive at the answer of the whodunit just before George Smiley (Gary Oldman).
The film reveals its plot points in the same way secret agents have to observe and consider clues within every setting. It is the subtle differences that give the true agent a step up on others who are racing to discern the infiltrator.
For those who dive in with great observation skills, they will appreciate the length of every scene in order to capture every clue, and will be rewarded with an excellent experience. However, for those who just want to watch a movie passively, they will find the story extremely long and boring.
This thinking movie made for a great platform to showcase Oldman’s acting talents. His skill is right on the money and during his intense, yet subtle monologue, Oldman perfectly executes it with amazing skill – An Oscar winning performance in my mind. In fact, I haven’t seen such a great character performance in years.
Here are a few tips to help you enjoy this film:
1. See it with a friend so you can discuss the particulars over coffee within the hour after seeing it. This will allow you to understand a handful of nuances you may have missed.
2. Take time to learn the names of the main characters ahead of time, so you can track who’s who.
3. Pay close attention to every detail. For instance, there is a specific reason Smiley purchases a new pair of glasses in the beginning of the movie – So we can tell when we’re watching flashbacks.
4. Don’t take notes or you might miss another clue.
5. Be careful of the numerous red herrings attempting to throw you off track.
With consideration given to these key points prior to attending, you’re far more likely to solve the investigation and have your friends staring at you in disbelief. But don’t let these tricks give you a sense of false confidence. While I figured out the whodunit, I had several eye opening moments during coffee afterwards as my friend and I discussed all the nuances that I had overlooked.
Copyright © 2012 By CJ Powers
