I wish that the producers could have dealt with the issue of Smiley's marriage in a more satisfactory way. This is the only criticism that I can think of: that Guiness had to put on the same face about a dozen times whenever Ann's name was mentioned.
That said, I believe this is the best television that I have ever seen. There is a pervasive feeling of solemnity throughout, reinforced by the several tragic characters, the invisible backdrop of the cold war and the ineffably beautiful and solemn signature theme. This is a story about spies. It is also a story about humanity.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOLLOW. As to the acting, note the masterful way that Guiness uses his spectacles throughout the series. Note Michael Aldridge's (Alleline) timing between Ian Richardson's tea and biscuit fiddling and calling the meeting to order in Episode Three. Just the right touch. In a really good movie you get those serendipidous unforgetable moments. Here there is no serendipidy. It is all just brilliant and inspired acting. Note Richardson's simultaneous laughing and crying.
I have read all of LeCarre's spy novels through 'The Honourable Schoolboy' and have read Tinker Tailor several times. This series is not just true to the novel, it is also 'of the LeCarre spirit'. You get the feeling that the man who told you the story is now revealing the characters to you visually. Read the book and then see this series and you will see what I mean.
I first saw Tinker Tailor twenty years ago. When I found out that it is available on DVD, I used all of my powers of persuation to convince my wife to make this my Christmas present. We have sat through it twice since then and after I blast this review off into the ether, I am going downstairs for another go at it. It is a jewel.
That said, I believe this is the best television that I have ever seen. There is a pervasive feeling of solemnity throughout, reinforced by the several tragic characters, the invisible backdrop of the cold war and the ineffably beautiful and solemn signature theme. This is a story about spies. It is also a story about humanity.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOLLOW. As to the acting, note the masterful way that Guiness uses his spectacles throughout the series. Note Michael Aldridge's (Alleline) timing between Ian Richardson's tea and biscuit fiddling and calling the meeting to order in Episode Three. Just the right touch. In a really good movie you get those serendipidous unforgetable moments. Here there is no serendipidy. It is all just brilliant and inspired acting. Note Richardson's simultaneous laughing and crying.
I have read all of LeCarre's spy novels through 'The Honourable Schoolboy' and have read Tinker Tailor several times. This series is not just true to the novel, it is also 'of the LeCarre spirit'. You get the feeling that the man who told you the story is now revealing the characters to you visually. Read the book and then see this series and you will see what I mean.
I first saw Tinker Tailor twenty years ago. When I found out that it is available on DVD, I used all of my powers of persuation to convince my wife to make this my Christmas present. We have sat through it twice since then and after I blast this review off into the ether, I am going downstairs for another go at it. It is a jewel.