Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy [2011]
J.C. Chandor did it last year with his Margin Call and now, director Tomas Alfredson and screenwriters Peter Straughan and the late Bridget O’Connor manage to do it again: making me feel incredibly stupid. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is dense and complicated. These days, I don’t have much time on my hands, so instead of watching the film two or more times to fully understand every plot point and twist, I took the easier (and shameful) route: pausing the movie and checking its Wikipedia page every time I got lost (which was often). The horror! But, aside from being pretty much indecipherable, Tinker Tailor is visually arresting. Cinematography, art direction and costume design are all top-notch. But even more impressive is the cast: Gary Oldman leads the pack in his understated, Oscar-nominated turn. Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Toby Jones, Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch complete one of the best ensembles of the year.
An honest review sir. I have to say, I’m really looking forward to this, but like you confirm, I think I need to be prepared and in the mood.
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Yes, be prepared and pay close attention. A second viewing may be necessary.
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Haha I LOVED your review! But I’m wondering why, if you were so confused, you gave it such a decent grade. This is another one that I haven’t yet seen (but want to), and I hear such high critical praise, but from critics whose blogs I avidly follow, I hear a huge WTF factor.
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I didn’t understand it on my own but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad movie. Besides, I loved the preoduction design, the cinematography and the cast,
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Great review, I admire your honesty!
I loved Tinker Tailor Solider Spy, it’s great that it has received critical acclaim although I feel it should have been up for more awards. I agree with you, cast were simply stunning.
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