I watched the movie version of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy yesterday (it’s based on the John le Carré novel).

It was well done and followed the book faithfully. I had a few small quibbles, but nothing that ruined the film at all.

At first, I didn’t like the casting of Gary Oldman as George Smiley: he doesn’t suit my vision (and I’m not sure who would); but, after shaking my head in consternation once,  I decided that a movie is a different medium than the book and I should get over it. Oldman did a fine job.

The acting was first-rate, and the mood of the film fit the story well.

 

It wasn’t a luminous movie, but it was very good. I’m not sure how cohesive it would be if a viewer hadn’t read the book, but I was able to follow the story easily (I always prefer to read the book before watching its movie version. After watching this movie I want to re-read the novel).

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