Smiley investigates Operation Witchcraft, a Soviet intelligence operation that was obtained through a key source known as “Merlin”. Control, the head of the Circus, suspects that Witchcraft is a phony and a cover for a mole within the circus. The operation involves a group of high-placed Russian sources who are supposedly funneling intelligence through Alleline. Control never trusted Operation Witchcraft, but the quality of the intelligence secured the top job at the Circus for Alleline.
In the movie, Smiley confronts Esterhaze on the airstrip, who admits that Operation Witchcraft is a sham and a cover for the mole. The log from the night Tarr reported in from Hong Kong has been removed, and the Witchcraft material is mostly “chicken feed” with just enough “glitter” to persuade the Americans to share information with the British. Smiley gets the Witchcraft information, and others in the British and American intelligence communities have been impressed with the information produced by Witchcraft.
Smiley threatens Esterhase with deportation to obtain the Witchcraft safe house address. Tarr visits the Paris station and informs London that Witch Hunt is underway. Smiley meets Toby Esterhase, who knows the location of the safe house where the Witchcraft team meets Merlin. Control, the Circus’s ailing head, snarls that “nothing is genuine anymore”, revealing that the Circus’s underlings have a new source of information, codenamed Witchcraft.
📹 Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy – ‘Witchcraft’ scene (1080p)
George Smiley is a man of few words, and this scene is a key example of how the music score helps tell us what he is thinking.
What was Operation Witchcraft?
Smiley discovers Operation Witchcraft, a secretive Circus operation run by Alleline, Bland, Esterhase, and Haydon. The operation involves Russian sources funneling intelligence through Alleline, but Control never trusted it. Smiley deduces that the source of Operation Witchcraft is Polyakov, who meets with one of Alleline, Bland, Esterhase, or Haydon in a secret London house. However, Smiley believes Operation Witchcraft is a deception, with the Russians passing along a controlled supply of interesting but unthreatening information while receiving actual important intelligence from the mole.
Smiley’s investigations uncover reports of Haydon’s strange behavior on the night of Operation Testify, which was a trap set by the mole and Soviet intelligence operatives to ambush Prideaux and prevent the identity of the mole from becoming known. Smiley reveals the mole’s plots to Esterhase, who is tricked into telling him the location of the secret London meeting place. Smiley forces a meeting between Polyakov and the mole, and Haydon is proven to be the mole. He is arrested and interrogated but refuses to say anything. Haydon insists on speaking to Smiley, stating that he became disillusioned with the capitalist West and decided to betray his country.
Haydon is set to be sent back to Russia, but he mysteriously dies on the eve of his departure. Smiley takes temporary charge of the Circus and is given the task of repairing the intelligence networks exposed by Haydon’s treason.
Who is witchcraft in Tinker Tailor?
Smiley discovers Operation Witchcraft, a secretive Circus operation run by Alleline, Bland, Esterhase, and Haydon. The operation involves Russian sources funneling intelligence through Alleline, but Control never trusted it. Smiley deduces that the source of Operation Witchcraft is Polyakov, who meets with one of Alleline, Bland, Esterhase, or Haydon in a secret London house. However, Smiley believes Operation Witchcraft is a deception, with the Russians passing along a controlled supply of interesting but unthreatening information while receiving actual important intelligence from the mole.
Smiley’s investigations uncover reports of Haydon’s strange behavior on the night of Operation Testify, which was a trap set by the mole and Soviet intelligence operatives to ambush Prideaux and prevent the identity of the mole from becoming known. Smiley reveals the mole’s plots to Esterhase, who is tricked into telling him the location of the secret London meeting place. Smiley forces a meeting between Polyakov and the mole, and Haydon is proven to be the mole. He is arrested and interrogated but refuses to say anything. Haydon insists on speaking to Smiley, stating that he became disillusioned with the capitalist West and decided to betray his country.
Haydon is set to be sent back to Russia, but he mysteriously dies on the eve of his departure. Smiley takes temporary charge of the Circus and is given the task of repairing the intelligence networks exposed by Haydon’s treason.
Are prideaux and Haydon lovers?
Prideaux, born to European banking parents, was raised abroad but attended Oxford and studied language in France. He excelled in linguistics and became a polyglot. Despite his athletic prowess, Prideaux was kind and soft-spoken, often speaking in short, precise sentences. He befriended Bill Haydon, who recruited him to MI6 for his athletic prowess.
Prideaux served in World War II, with a distinguished record. After the war, he briefly worked as a teacher before rejoining the Circus. He was appointed head of “Scalphunters”, a section of reckless agents kept on retainer for dangerous missions involving violence and assassinations. Prideaux’s military background, harsh bearing, and professional competence make him an ideal head of the section.
When the head of the Circus, Control, suspects it has been infiltrated by the KGB, he sees Prideaux as the ideal candidate to travel to Czechoslovakia on a secret operation called “Testify”. The operation turns out to be a trap set up by the mole and his controller to disgrace the Circus. Prideaux is shot and captured, enduring months of torture. Control is forced into retirement for making the Circus appear paranoid and for losing Prideaux behind enemy lines.
In compensation for his torture and distance from the Circus, Prideaux is given a small pension and a gratuity, with which he acquires an Alvis. He is set up as supply teacher, teaching French at a remote prep school. His gunshot wounds permanently damage his spine, but he keeps fit through solitary games of squash and walks through the surrounding countryside.
A year after Testify, George Smiley is tasked with identifying the mole, after one of Prideaux’s Scalphunters, Ricki Tarr, escapes Hong Kong with information confirming his existence. The book alternates between Smiley’s investigation and Prideaux’s life as a schoolteacher, as he adjusts to civilian life while dealing with PTSD.
Are Prideaux and Haydon lovers?
Prideaux, born to European banking parents, was raised abroad but attended Oxford and studied language in France. He excelled in linguistics and became a polyglot. Despite his athletic prowess, Prideaux was kind and soft-spoken, often speaking in short, precise sentences. He befriended Bill Haydon, who recruited him to MI6 for his athletic prowess.
Prideaux served in World War II, with a distinguished record. After the war, he briefly worked as a teacher before rejoining the Circus. He was appointed head of “Scalphunters”, a section of reckless agents kept on retainer for dangerous missions involving violence and assassinations. Prideaux’s military background, harsh bearing, and professional competence make him an ideal head of the section.
When the head of the Circus, Control, suspects it has been infiltrated by the KGB, he sees Prideaux as the ideal candidate to travel to Czechoslovakia on a secret operation called “Testify”. The operation turns out to be a trap set up by the mole and his controller to disgrace the Circus. Prideaux is shot and captured, enduring months of torture. Control is forced into retirement for making the Circus appear paranoid and for losing Prideaux behind enemy lines.
In compensation for his torture and distance from the Circus, Prideaux is given a small pension and a gratuity, with which he acquires an Alvis. He is set up as supply teacher, teaching French at a remote prep school. His gunshot wounds permanently damage his spine, but he keeps fit through solitary games of squash and walks through the surrounding countryside.
A year after Testify, George Smiley is tasked with identifying the mole, after one of Prideaux’s Scalphunters, Ricki Tarr, escapes Hong Kong with information confirming his existence. The book alternates between Smiley’s investigation and Prideaux’s life as a schoolteacher, as he adjusts to civilian life while dealing with PTSD.
Who was the real mole in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy?
Bill Haydon, a fictional character created by John le Carré, is a senior officer in the British Secret Intelligence Service who serves as a Soviet mole. Born around 1917, he comes from an eminent family with connections throughout British high society. He is a polymath with a brilliant and charming personality, excelling as a student, taking up remote languages with ease, and showing a somewhat gifted painter while at Oxford.
Haydon is identified for recruitment in the Circus, a lightly fictionalized version of MI6. He builds a superb record in Nazi-occupied Europe and the Middle East during World War II, eliciting comparisons with Lawrence of Arabia. Unbeknownst to the British, Haydon is also recruited as a Soviet agent around that time by Karla, Moscow Centre’s crafty and legendary spymaster.
After the war, Haydon holds positions of increasing importance in the Circus, becoming its premier expert on the Soviet Union and eventually rising to the senior staff of Control, the unnamed Chief of the Circus. In the early years of the Cold War, he limits his espionage activities to “selected gifts of intelligence” that advance the Soviet cause over the American one without harming British interests. The Suez crisis of 1956 convinces him that Britain has lost all influence as a world power and leads him to become a full-time Soviet mole with no holds barred.
In 1961, he formally receives Soviet citizenship, achieves the rank of Soviet intelligence colonel, and is awarded further Soviet decorations over the next ten years.
Why did he shoot him at the end of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy?
In the film Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Jim Prideaux takes the life of Bill Hayden in retribution for Hayden’s betrayal, which resulted in Prideaux’s arrest as the mole in the Circus and subsequent detention in exchange for British spies held by the Soviets.
How did Smiley know it was Haydon?
Smiley kidnaps Esterhase and blackmails the safehouse location, leading Tarr to send a message to the “Circus” claiming he has vital information. The mole meets Polyakov at the safehouse, where they are arrested by Smiley, revealing himself as Haydon. Haydon reveals that Britain’s dependence on the Special Relationship with the United States after World War Two was intolerable and betrayed Soviet secrets.
He also reveals his Soviet handlers believed George Smiley would find out about him, leading him to start an affair with Smiley’s wife to avoid accusations of treason. Haydon was planned to be sent to the Soviets by the Circus but was shot by Prideaux when he knew about the betrayal.
Were Haydon and Prideaux lovers?
Prideaux, born to European banking parents, was raised abroad but attended Oxford and studied language in France. He excelled in linguistics and became a polyglot. Despite his athletic prowess, Prideaux was kind and soft-spoken, often speaking in short, precise sentences. He befriended Bill Haydon, who recruited him to MI6 for his athletic prowess.
Prideaux served in World War II, with a distinguished record. After the war, he briefly worked as a teacher before rejoining the Circus. He was appointed head of “Scalphunters”, a section of reckless agents kept on retainer for dangerous missions involving violence and assassinations. Prideaux’s military background, harsh bearing, and professional competence make him an ideal head of the section.
When the head of the Circus, Control, suspects it has been infiltrated by the KGB, he sees Prideaux as the ideal candidate to travel to Czechoslovakia on a secret operation called “Testify”. The operation turns out to be a trap set up by the mole and his controller to disgrace the Circus. Prideaux is shot and captured, enduring months of torture. Control is forced into retirement for making the Circus appear paranoid and for losing Prideaux behind enemy lines.
In compensation for his torture and distance from the Circus, Prideaux is given a small pension and a gratuity, with which he acquires an Alvis. He is set up as supply teacher, teaching French at a remote prep school. His gunshot wounds permanently damage his spine, but he keeps fit through solitary games of squash and walks through the surrounding countryside.
A year after Testify, George Smiley is tasked with identifying the mole, after one of Prideaux’s Scalphunters, Ricki Tarr, escapes Hong Kong with information confirming his existence. The book alternates between Smiley’s investigation and Prideaux’s life as a schoolteacher, as he adjusts to civilian life while dealing with PTSD.
Is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy a true story?
Tinker Tailor is a story about a traumatic period in British intelligence during the 1950s and early 1960s. Le Carre served in MI5 and MI6, where it became clear that the British establishment had been subverted from within. A group of people, motivated by the struggle against fascism, secretly worked for the Communist cause. Their treachery was exposed just as Le Carre was coming of age as a writer. Burgess and Maclean fled to Moscow in 1951, and George Blake and Kim Philby were exposed as traitors by the early 60s.
What is going on in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy?
The film Closed Circuit is a masterfully crafted spy game that features paranoia, anxiety, and betrayal. It has received positive reviews from various audiences, with some comparing it to James Bond or John Wick. The movie is described as calm, deep, complex, and intense, with an amazing sense setup and details. The plot is complex and may not be considered a great film due to its simplicity. However, it is a suave and sophisticated adaptation of the classic spy thriller.
The film also features an all-star cast and tremendous period detail, perfectly capturing Cold War paranoia. The plot is so complex that it might be beyond the possibility of ever being a truly great film. The film is engrossing with complex characters and interconnected stories, leading to a conclusion that hits you like a whiplash.
The film ends with a deep sigh, as if the audience had been holding their breath throughout the entire movie. The intense suspense without anything to disturb the immersive feeling of being a spy is what makes the film enjoyable. The film is rated 5 out of 5 stars by Koda and 2. 5 out of 5 stars by Stefan. Overall, Closed Circuit is a captivating and engaging spy movie that offers a unique blend of paranoia, anxiety, and betrayal.
Is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy confusing?
The film Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, rated 1 out of 5 stars by subsailor on November 11, 2023, is marred by poor direction and a lack of clarity, resulting in a waste of the talents of its accomplished cast. While the cast is satisfactory, the narrative is insufficiently developed for a film of 128 minutes in length. It is recommended that the original BBC production, featuring Sir Alec Guinness, be viewed, as it has a duration of approximately five hours. On October 12, 2023, James Wasser assigned a rating of 2 out of 5 stars.
📹 Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy: Ending Explained Review + The Chronological Order Of The Film
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy: Ending Explained by Deffinition Read more at: http://deffinition.co.uk ▻ Music Credit: LAKEY INSPIRED …
it’s not often you find movies these days that refuse to insult the viewer’s intelligence to the degree that this movie does. it takes a lot of confidence in the script, acting, direction & editing to demand as much of the viewer’s attention as the film does. at any given time if you get distracted and look away for two seconds you legitimately might miss something crucial to understanding what the heck is happening. like everyone’s already said, it takes more than one viewing to get all the details down, but once you do – man, it really makes you appreciate the sheer quality of the filmmaking. i haven’t seen many movies that have this level of incredible acting stuffed into them.
Ricky doesn’t have an affair with Polyakov’s wife (the double/triple agent) but a second unconnected Russian agent’s wife. She just so happens to know that there is a mole in the Circus because she is an agent herself. But it is Smiley that identifies them (Bill and Polyakov) as she doesn’t know the details. Jim doesn’t know for certain that Bill is a mole but Smiley posits that deep down he suspected it which is why he warned Bill about Control’s mission. It is implied they were in a relationship at university and Bills comments about the boy and girls to pay off are more to highlight his dual nature. We see earlier that he is notorious for being the first to flirt with new girls but behind closed doors was bisexual. The Russians don’t think Jim is Ricky they just kill Irene in front of him so he’ll tell the Circus and discourage them from recruiting Russian informers. Ricky, when he returns to England, goes to Peter first (as Peter was his handler and boss) and it is Peter that informs he Minister Oliver.
Just watched this movie and, immediately afterward, this article. I have four college degrees. Two are in history. One is in Russian. I was in the Navy for six years. I bring all of that up only to establish my credentials so as to qualify the following statement: I have absolutely no clue what the heck happened in this movie.
I read Le Carre’s book many years ago and I remember it as one of the most dense and complicated story plots I had ever encountered, but also one of the most satisfying. Even with that background I had to pay attention every second while perusal the movie. Hats off to Tomas Alfredson to bringing such a novel to the screen. It was a monumental task and he did it. Pity, that the prequel (The honorable Schoolboy) and the sequel (Smiley’s People) were not also filmed by him, although the BBC did produce a multi part presentation of Smiley’s People for TV starring Alec Guinness as George Smiley.
The scene where Smiley is interrogating an associate about loyalty on the runway of an airfield was my favorite scene because the guy definitely didn’t want to go back to where he was from because he would be killed if he did go back. Of course, the Christmas party scene was a great scene because there was some peace and no good will because of Haydon having an affair with Smiley’s wife and cheating on Jim. Ricky Tar’s dedication to Smiley, although Smiley couldn’t find the woman Ricky fell in love with was noteworthy. The story of how he met her was classic. The most shocking part was the story of Jim’s captivity and mental torture in Russia after being set up. He sees the woman, who was involved with Ricky Tar and when asked if he knew her, he honestly says that he didn’t and the woman is shot in front of him. If he knew that she was involved with Ricky Tar, he might have found a way to save her, but both would probably be killed. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy was a cool espionage thriller that does require more than just one viewing. Because of its unique story, and characters, you really don’t have any idea what is happening. I love this film.
The ending set to La Mer is so brilliantly economical in its storytelling and emotional impact of Smiley’s return to the seat of power — I’d love to now how they came up with the idea of setting it to this presumaby obscure, recorded-live, classic French tune sung by Julio Iglesias. This kind of movie-making — subtle, nuanced, depending on the emotional availability of its audience — is almost never seen in mainstream offerings.
I’ve read the book and seen the tv-series. It’s my personal opinion that Gary Oldman was the better Smiley and the rest of the cast were indeed splendid too. No, I just can’t forget Mark Strong’s Jim Prideaux and that’s a really good sign. Surely anyone can see what his true feelings during the whole Bill Haydon story was. His willingness to find out for sure, and his utter disgust of himself and the whole affaire. In short, the movie adaptation emphasizes Prideaux’s linguistic and intellectual abilities, presenting him as more scholarly and reserved than the book or miniseries. Nonetheless, he is still depicted as a competent soldier. Sure, the tv-series had more of the details but I don’t mind that because the movie is excellent nevertheless. It’s a spy movie that shows clearly that progress of time for us considering the spy world hasn’t stood still at all.
I think that it is vital in understanding the background to this movie to realise the state of the UK at the time and it’s relationship with the US. The UKs self image as a world power was on its deathbed but the British establishment was desperate to operate on an equal footing with US security services in terms of Cold War involvement. The British establishment couldn’t see the wood for the trees and their desperation was easily exploited by the Russians who dangled morsels to the British that were greedily snapped up. Control and Smiley realised all this and were very wary of what was being offered. The story is, at heart, really a reflection of British decline in world affairs
I’ve watched this movie 50 times at least can’t get enough of it the style the choice of music and color there is nothing like it a good case of less is more and the end scene where smily takes off his noisey shoes and takes a lil pistol out of a tiny bag while eating tums is amazing so English I love just writing bout it
Its my opinion, that Irina was presented to Bill Haydon, to verify, if Irina’s identity was known to Control or Circus. Knowing the secret was safe, they shot her in front of Jim. So, if Jim was ever debriefed, Bill Haydon would know he is safe since Irina was disposed with. And yes, i have been perusal this film again and again. I love this films, theme song, aesthetics, acting and its haunting story of betrayal
It is a pretty linear film all things considered. The only time we ever go backwards is either when we enter Smiley’s memories or during the questioning scenes where others tell Smiley their story. Other than that the film is pretty linear. The jargon is maybe the hardest thing for people to get their heads wrapped around. But once you get it, it’s a pure joy to watch unfold. It’s one of the finest films I’ve seen in a long time. A story about a group of closed down men all in a tangled web of deceit unable to reveal themselves
Although Bill might’ve persuaded Soviets to return Jim after interrogation…. Soviets themselves make sure that Jim isn’t the one they’re looking for by shooting the girl in front of him to see his reaction. Thus, Soviets (basically Karla) realises that Jim isn’t the one they’re after (it’s actually Ricky) and hence they decide to return him back to England. The girl was also shot by Soviets because she was the one who gives away to Ricky (which Soviets thought was Jim) that there’s a mole at the top in the Circus. When the girl is caught initially in the movie and taken via boat to Russia, she hid from Soviets that the guy she secretly dated was actually Ricky and not Jim. Soviets realise that she lied when Jim says he doesn’t know who she is and thus they shoot the girl. Poor ricky trades with Smiley unknowing that Smiley by now has been told by Jim that they shot the girl (Rickys lover). Cheers.
Rewatched it today, such a great movie (propably ten years ago since I first saw it). First time perusal it I didnt totally understand it, for example, I thought Prideaux shot Haydon in the end just cause he was a traitor. It was just after perusal it a second time I understood there was more to it.
What always strikes me is how, if the goal of the mole is to destabilize and call into question the integrity of the British spy structure among its operatives, then the mole very much succeeds regardless of his being caught. If the goal is to remove Control (Hurt), the mole succeeds. There’s no way to see finding the mole as a success story in any way. And that’s what I really love about this movie: how it rejects the triumph or redemption that most spy movies revel in when a mole is caught.
I became so enthralled with this film, and thought the two BBC series were outstanding. Can only hope they remake Smiley’s People with the same cast in a movie or another mini-series. Tinker does a great job of not giving anything away until the trap is sprung. Smiley gets a kind of redemption but Karla is still out there. Ending song was curiously wonderful.
I was confused throughout most of this movie, I had to look up IMDb constantly to remind myself who the names of each character was. I don’t intend to rewatch it all but I do have one thing that I would like answered that this article pointed out that somewhat makes at least the ending a bit more sense. At what point is it suggested that Jim and Bill are lovers, I suppose it now makes sense his relationship with the young boy because he has the same name, but why did Jim shoot Bill at the end?
I’ve seen the film at least 5 times now and with each viewing I notice something new. The characterization is incredible, the cinematography is stunning (and also provides its own clues), and the story is woven together with themes of deception, loneliness, and the yearning of these men (and one woman) to serve their country in a way that leaves them bereft of meaning and comfort. The book adds additional layers, although it’s also incredibly dense. My favorite bit is at the end when Smiley realizes it’s Bill, and his anger is largely directed at the ugly system that, in a way, betrayed them both.
Seeing people are confused so I’ll try and do the gist. Whilst aboard Ricki Tarr started an affair with the wife of Boris, a Russian he was tailing. Irina, his wife, deduced Tarr was a spy and confessed they were both employed by Moscow Centre and that the Circus had a mole. When his operation was attacked and irina taken back, he deduced that it was real and went to ground, getting Guillam and Smiley involved. This was given more weight by Smiley’s discovery that Control had been investigating this before Tarr, and that when Prideaux had been shot and presumably killed during Operation Testify, he was trying to obtain a codename off a Hungarian general, planted by Moscow Centre as a result of Prideaux telling Haydon his mission to find the Mole in order to protect Haydon, who was a close friend. Smiley started looking into rearranging after his and controls ousting, and went to Connie who was also sacked and had been close with them. She alluded to it being over Polyakov having military history and Alleline wanting it dropped. At the time he was promoting Operation Witchcraft and nobody knew Polyakov was the source. This led to Smiley discovering various other things, such as a secret safehouse, missing log entries from Tarrs op, and payment to Prideaux’s codename, as well as Haydon’s sharp arrival the night Prideaux was shot. Eventually Smiley deduced that Polyakov had to be the source for witchcraft because he was in London all the time and had access to that level of policy.
This movie really does require constant undivided attention for the full two hours. I have ADHD so often during movies I will find myself wandering away from the plot to focus on other details for a bit before re-capturing my focus again. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was particularly hard for me because I actually really appreciated the atmosphere and environment it created, and I would often find myself focusing on things like how they managed to capture the strange dreary and ominous yet fascinating essence of the 70’s so well and how I was begging to understand Ian Flemmings inspiration for James Bond,from the stark contrast of a politically turbulent climate and exotic locations with mundane and somewhat boring British bureaucracy… which ended up with me perusal the movie and really enjoying it without actually having any idea what was actually happening, lol. Like many people have already said, you blink once and you miss a crucial plot point when it comes to this film. Once you organize everything chronologically and familiarize yourself with the events it really is a good story though.
I recommend the original mini series from 1979 starring Alec Guinness (Obi Wan Kenobi to you kids out there). Compared to the slick and atmospheric feel of the 2011 movie, it will feel dated and plodding but it is a bit truer to LeCarre’s novel. It’s complete on YouTube. I recently read Smiley’s People which prompted me to watch its mini series from 1982 also starring Guinness reprising his role. That prompted me to re-watch the 1979 series which I hadn’t seen since that year. Of course, after binging the series, I had to watch the 2011 movie again. Phew. As mentioned above, the 2011 film has a real atmosphere to it that the series didn’t have. Odd, because the series was filmed so much closer to the setting of the book (72, 73?). Maybe it has to do with the 2011 film looking back so far with a hint of nostalgia. I’m not sure there needed to be so many homosexual references in the latter film. I get the impression it is due to modern day pressure to include more gay characters etc. Fantastic cast. A ‘who’s who’ of Brit actors.
Nope. Not at all. Bill is recruited by Karla before Karla ever meets smiley. That is why he doesn’t defect: he knows he has a mole inside British intelligence and the mole will do damage. Control sends Jim, in this movie, to Hungary, Control is seen as failing and in ill health. Control sends Jim bc Control knows there is a mole and he believes the general who is defecting knows who the mole is. The entire thing is a set up by Karla and the mole to remove Control and place Percy at the head of British intelligence. Ricky’s affair confirms there is a mole—Irina is able to provide info abt this. That’s why Smiley is brought in. Ricky tells Smiley’s assistant and the assistant brings this info to the cabinet ministers awareness. Smiley unmasks the mole. He does this by stealing files, and learning abt the safe house. He also talks to Jim. The traitor is unmasked as Bill. Bill and Jim had been lovers in college and cared for each other. Bill shows that he is willing to let Jim die for his cause. Jim kills Bill bc he was set up by Bill (and Karla) for torture and possibly death. Smileys weakness is his wife. He loves her, she doesn’t love him. She sleeps around for entertainment. Karla did tell Bill if possible, sleep with her. Ppl therefore would think Smiley was mad at Bill for this and dismiss Smileys belief Bill was the mole. It was insurance. Nothing more. Anyway, in this movie Smiley and Ann get back together. They do not in the book.
Excellent movie. it not only captures the original story but also replicates the look and feel of the time in which the story is set (1970s). The clothes, cars, London scenes all look right, the use of a telex machine from that era is absolutely correct. I do wonder if this detail passes over or confuses those young enough that they did not live through these times.
As comments below….watch the BBC 1979 adaptation with Alec Guiness as Smiley. Much much better than this film, and once you’ve immersed yourself in that, watch the following “Smiley’s People” series where George finally gets to trap Karla. Guiness’ Smiley is superlative, but my favorite portrayal is of Toby Esterhase by Bernard Hepton. Both series filmed when there was still an East Germany and Soviet bloc….hence more realism.
Wow! “The movie relies on drama rather than full blown action set pieces”. You’re absolutely correct! Too many movies these days have a very thin plot and use those over the top action scenes in order to make a movie. It’s to the point of being ridiculous. The action scenes are in reality, dull. You already know the protagonist is going to come out on top. It’s only a question of how. Plus, they depend on a huge suspension of belief. Give me a movie such as “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” over “Mission Impossible – 187 The Studio Needs Money” any day…
I liked this even more than the original Alex Guiness version. Firstly, Gary Oldman was superb. Guiness was too but slightly studies, taking his glasses off to clean them as a mannerism secondly Firth is stunningly charismatic. Thirdly I loved the throwbacks to a happier time – the xmas party, where everyone was happy. The music particularly makes this so familiar to those of us who lived thru the sixties and seventies, and it brought ot out of the cerebral level of main protagonists to the fuller spectrum of life as it happened – great glimpses into the personal lives of the actors in the drama. I liked that everyone was different- Aneline? Etc including Anne who we never see except once from the side where she looks distinctly tarty (also right at the end when Smiley returns to a glimpse of her in the kitchen). The original Hungarian could not be surpassed. Also I liked the original Jim Prideaux, though this one was good too. Congrats to everyone- set, music were stunning.
Gary Oldman is brilliant in this film. He plays Smiley in a very minimalist kind of way. But what drives this story is Control’s search for the mole which eventually gets him fired. Smiley is the one who picks up the story. Smiley’s take on the Cold War is that you had the British on one side and the Soviets on the other each side probing the other to find their weaknesses. And this meant not just the weakness of the organizations involved, but the personal weaknesses of the people running them. Smiley’s personal weakness is his marriage which is quite fragile, but he manages to rise above it. In the process he finds the mole and the plot they put together to extract intelligence from the British and the Americans.
Due tothe extensive use of ‘Flashback scenes’, an important part of the story in the movie adaptation is the short scene near the beginning when Smillie goes to the optician to get new eye glasses. Very often in the flashbacks, the only indication that it is in fact flashback rather than real time, is the glasses that George is wearing
Having absolutely loved the BBC miniseries with Alec Guinness, upon hearing of a cinematic adaptation I was kinda exasperated and asked “why bother?” Here was a deeply complex and already perfect miniseries, and now they want to ruin it by whittling it to two hours? Imagine my utter astonishment when perusal the film on cable and realizing here was the best film I’d seen in the last five years. Of course, understanding (somewhat) most of the plot points already helped. Since then, when switching websites and TTSP is playing, I put the remote control aside and watch until the end. This has happened multiple times.
The 1978 mini series starring Alec Guiness was far superior to the 2011 film. The film tried to pack too much into two hours while the mini series spreads the story out over four or five hour-long episodes. Also, Alec Guiness was fantastic as George Smiley. The complete series is available on YouTube (the last time I checked).
When Jim Predeaux shouldered the rifle with which he woukd kill Bill Hayden and set off through the grounds of the camp where the double agent was held, the breezy, washed-clean atmosphere alone was surreal and otherworldly. I had flashbacks to days way back in my childhood when the world felt so right and when I felt it should stay that way forever. But always those days would recede quickly away leaving only memories behind. Sigh!!
dad took me to see it when i was 14. he didnt really get it even though he remembered the BBC series, and I was 14. tried perusal it again with constant rewinding and wikipedia as a companion when the film didn’t give context, and i still needed this article. couple things: they really should have had a closer shot of Control assassinated, it was so far away I couldn’t tell what had happened and they had a flashback a few scenes later with him alive and it threw me off cause when when it turned out Jim Prideaux was still alive I thought “is this also a flashback?” I didn’t know why they shot the Russian girl in front of Jim, and now that i know the explanation im not sure if it was my fault for not being smart enough or the films fault for not explaining what the fuck that was all about I didn’t know THAT MUCH thought went into Bill having an affair with Smiley’s wife, I thought he just did it to throw him off I thought Bill and Jim were really close friends, but not “really close” friends. I’m not the type of person to think that Isaac Newton was a lifelong bachelor and the man who lived with him was just his roommate, but besides how emotional he got when he killed him, there weren’t any indicators they had a relationship with each other there was also a scene this article didn’t explain where Alleline was phone tapping a conversation where he was being called a bitch, but then i realized he’s not who they were talking about and so he was just listening to a random convo and getting pissed for no reason and im still like ?
This was a pretty good article. For some reason, I never got the idea that Jim Prideaux was suspected of being Irina’s lover. Wouldn’t they have known whether he had or hadn;t been in Istanbul? The rest of the movie is pretty straightforward. Jim and Bill were lovers, the Ann-affair was meant to throw off Smiley, being the “achilles-heel” of a British spymaster that Karla otherwise respected, Control strongly suspected Bill as the mole, and hoped to leverage his feelings for Jim against him, Tobey caving into Smiley because he was terrified of being sent back East, etc. It’s all pretty much straight forward. The only part I’m not sure about is that last time that Smiley crosses paths with Percy after Bill’s arrest, and his own (likely) downfall. Percy walks past Smiley crestfallen, not even looking at him, nor giving any sign that he’s seen him. Was that genuine?
I need to watch the movie version again because I dont know what happened to Toby Estehasse. In TTSP BBC version we know Tody suffered in the end but was not removed or sent back to Eastern Europe. In Smileys people he was a close to being a hero as he could get. So, what happened to Toby in the movie?
The story, of course is legendary. But I much prefer Alec Guinness and the BBC mini-series. LeCarre essentially said that Smiley was written for Guinness, and I can see nobody else in the role. But even at 4-5x the length of this movie, even the TV mini-series had to leave out much of the richness and intrigue of the original book.
Director Thomas Alfredsson did a superb job. He made a movie from a book and following a long running series which would have been an excruciatingly difficult job. Who woulda thought that songs by Sammy Davis Jr. and Julio Iglesias would fit in? To say only that “Smiley was reinstated” is a bit incomplete. He is reinstated surrupticiously and nobody at the mole penetrated Circus knows it.
I’ve watched the movie 8 or 9 timess, It’s one of my favorites and I think that Gary Oldman becomes Smiley. Now the one question that I had about the end was how did Jim find out where Bill was. Did the Circus send him there to get rid of their problem. I just finished reading the book and I found that, while the Circus didn’t send Jim they certainly were not unhappy that Bill died. To find out what happened read the book. It is slightly different than the movie but still the same story. It’s over 400 pages long so I am not surprised that they cut things and turned them around.
I loved this movie and have recently listened to the audiobook which is different from the book. So I dont know which was taking artist leeway. The movie was packed full of extreme images of violence, and alot of foreign locations around Europe. I did watch the movie several times to get the whole gist of the plot. The acting was excellent, the scenes were spot on especially Smiley’s hidden office and Control’s grubby apartment. I felt like I was really there and could even smell the stench. British really are far better actors then Americans in my opinion. I just finished another of LeClair’s books ‘Smiley’s People’ (audiobook.) Also excellent and easy to follow the intricate spy plot and how Smiley is so quietly brilliant and doesn’t give anything away.. I also loved hearing his old spy buddys were back to help him solve his new suspenseful assignment. Especially Connie and Peter. I was disappointed that Esterhaus was not sent back to his old country for retribution in the audiobook. I recommend these spy novels, excellent.
I’ve always enjoyed this movie and I believe I understand the main plot however I’m slower than the other children. Can someone please explain how all the main characters are at a Christmas party where a Lenin like Santa steps onto the stage and all the characters start singing what sounds like the Russian national anthem? It’s always made me think that even Smiley is the next planted Russian spy leading the circus. I’ve never read the book…please help!
My summary: The Brits thought they had recruited the perfect double agent (Polyakov) that would give them primo Russian intelligence (Witchcraft). But in order to give Polyakov cover as to why he was meeting with British intelligence agents, Toby Esterhase poses as a British mole who is giving primo intelligence to the Russians via Polyakov. From the point of view of the Brits, the idea is that Toby would give Polyakov British “chicken feed” to keep his bosses happy, while Polyakov gave them quality intelligence. But in reality, the opposite was happening. Polyakov was giving the Brits Russian “chicken feed” while receiving the “crown jewels” of Brit intelligence via Bill Hayden. Basically, everything the Brits were trying to do to the Russians was being done to them.
here is my review its great having heard the audiobook on youtube, and saw the show as well, seven episodes, and its basically the show but with more dramatic beats, but I do like aspects of it, I liked the realness of it, as well as the style, its great to see, i think the story made more sense in both mediums, one thing I hated or disliked was the constant reflection of the guy getting shot in the cafe, i dont think they needed that, is the only con, it didnt drag at all which is a sign of a good movie, everybody plays there role great, the show and movie are both great in their own way, the soundtrack is great, production design is steller, as well as set design and fashion is great as well, really looks of the time, like siskel or ebert, a recommend thumbs up, 5/5 stars. I would say its hard to understand probably has to watch it a few times, to really understand, but I think im okay, for a for a casual cinema watcher, maybe a couple of tries to understand, i dont think there should be a remake, since i feel like there is no way to top this.
Im here because its a good movie. I like the fact that there were questions unanswered on my part and not so predictable. Odd we never saw Smileys wife…GREAT cast and acting, must seek out the book.. I tried the 4 hour mini series on Youtube, tho highly rated 8.5 on imdb it was darkish and quality of picture due to age not good. Made it to 30 min or so…
As a stand alone film TTSS was very enjoyable but bears absolutely no comparison to the BBC Alec Guinness series, a pinnacle of British TV drama. It also has no need for a Youtube explanation. The final episode in the Karla trilogy, Smiley’s People is equally brilliant. RIP Michael Jayston, the definitive Peter Guillam, who has just died.
There was no reason to remake this except to prove that Alec Guinness is unbeatable as George Smiley. The original 6-part TV series is still on Youtube. It’s the 2nd best spy movie ever made after Smiley’s People, which is still on Youtube as a 6-part TV series (also with Alec Guinness). Gary Oldman is great, but he can’t hold a candle to Guinness’ performance. Not sure why the ending needs explaining, that certainly wasn’t the case with the original.
After multiple viewings, I have come to understand the plot or multiple plots and I really love the film. I have not read the book or seen the TV series but I will now. What I think is disappointing is the ending. If I am correct, there are multiple people that are passing secrets to the Soviets….Esterhaus, Alleline, etc….besides Haydon, whose betrayal is more egregious of course. But what happened with them? At the end Smiley is Head of the Circus, so are we to assume they were kicked out and prosecuted?
I somewhat understood the ending with just a few missed details, however, there’s still one thing that is not clear to me. How can Irene be executed when Jim was captured when Ricky met her in Turkey later on? Either something’s off with the film OR, Ricky was in Turkey with Irene a year before and also before Jim was captured so then Irene was executed in front of him which means Ricky didn’t know that Irene was executed for a long time, possibly a year. Can someone clear this? What a great movie tho!
Wow, what a coincidence! I checked out this old film just now, and here I find a (much needed) explanation vid you posted just yesterday! I couldn’t make any sense of the ‘capture’ scene in the safe house. Oldman and Cumberbatch were coming into the room with their guns to capture the mole… Aaand then Cumberbatch lets Polyakov stroll past him out the door, and (was that Oldman) already has a gun on Firth? Did Olman run in ahead of Cumberbatch, uncoordinated? And why would they let Polyakov go? And why did Polyakov say Firth would go to Moscow?
Wow. I just watched this for the second time. First when it was just released in cinemas, second time tonight, October 2018. I was still pretty lost, with many loose ends, so THANK YOU for this explanation. It was super clear and helpful, without being over wordy, given the complex and subtle nature of the movie. I think I’ll re-watch it soon, with this breakdown by my side, as I find this the most enjoyable way of perusal tricky movies, and “getting” them, at the same time! 🙂
HS – thanks for your efforts and insights. Just watched TTSS for a second time and it is indeed a masterpiece. Loved the Mark Strong performance and complexity of his character. As the film concludes – Jim is sitting dejectedly in his travel trailer and appears to be drinking Vodka, perhaps with his coffee – and runs off his favorite lad, Bill – as if he’s suffering a crises of pride, betrayal or simply aware of his foreboding assignment. Do you believe his killing of Haydon is yet another assignment given him by the Circus or is it perhaps an assignment given him by Karla (a la the Vodka) I’m lost, was it perhaps anger over unrequited love and betrayal of country – which he was aware of…? Was he simply overwhelmed? (I don’t think Karla would have tortured him if he was a Russian asset – but perhaps he had suspicions.) Again, I’m lost here…. Thanks for any remarks you may have! Best, j
I did not get the impression that Jim was aware that Hayden’s affair with Mrs. Smiley was part of an espionage plot. However, the film does suggest that, before leaving for Hungary (Czechoslovakia in the BBC series and the book), Jim tried to subtly warn Hayden that he was under suspicion by Control for being the mole. The implication being that Jim himself suspected that Hayden was the mole and wanted to give him a heads-up out of his personal loyalty and love for Hayden. I don’t remember this being in the BBC series, and I can’t remember if it was in the book. I think it is clear that Hayden and Prideaux had been lovers, back in university, at least. Though perhaps that’s more clear in the BBC series from the 1970s. Anyway, while both the film and the tv miniseries have their merits, there’s nothing like reading the book (not to mention re-reading it).
I had some trouble with this movie, mostly because I’d watched, re-watched and absolutely loved the 1970’s series (and Smiley’s People too) with Alec Guinness. Though I think Gary Oldman is a more authentic spy, just from his look and general demeanor, I thought the movie felt rushed. Smiley’s interrogation of Esterhase was the pinnacle of the writing (and acting) in the TV series but in the movie it was a very brief skit. Quite disappointing.
Not a bad synopsis…not bad, at all. Actually, I listened to it expecting to hear some flaws. (I’ve been reading Le Carre’, perusal the TV and movie versions, and listening to the radio versions for 40 years.) I loved the movie, but I don’t really think there is a “best version”. You get different levels of detail from the books, the movies, the TV mini-series, and the audio/radio versions. The movie version was definitely more “Hollywood”, whereas the British TV version was more like the book. Both are good. I’d also recommend the BBC radio versions of the George Smiley series on Audible.com.
This synopsis is a disaster. You might consider reading the book, or another synopsis before mistaking several plot points which hold sway over dynamics of the plot and other books involving the character Smiley. Le Carre uses the world of deception within the world of espionage as a metaphor for the deception within failed personal relationships and it is the personal relationships which pose the true mysteries within the novels. There is always a tragic hero perceived as week and ineffectual by his peers who holds a passion for a love lost and yet proves to be the most informed and competent actor in the end. This will usually require the hero to make some substantial sacrifice since his love is unrequited. The timeline is usually epic in construction and the object of the hero’s desire is either completely removed from the present action by either portraying the affair in the past or even after the love interest has died. It is in the nature of re-evaluating the relationship and re-affirming the desire has survived beyond the relationship that creates the true tension in the protagonist.
Jim Prideau’s, Mark Strong, knowledge of Bill’s affair with Smiley’s wife was never the catalyst for believing Bill Hayden was a double agent, well not in the book, nor in the BBC series. His participation in the failed attempt to ‘bring over’ a Czech General, was on direct order of Control. This was of course a trap set by Karla to discredit Control, who he knew was getting close to finding the mole. Bill Haydens affair was purposefully common knowledge in case Smiley, still employed at the Circus at that time, made any such connection as it would appear like sour grapes as Bill was sleeping with Ann. The Czech affair was designed to end Control’s reign and allow the mole to work more freely under a new regime with the fake Witchcraft material. It was only Ricky Tarr’s chance meeting with Irina and her subsequent disclosure which alerted British officials outside the Circus and Smiley was brought in to pick up the pieces. The actual mole’s identity was never fully known until the final trap set by Smiley. 3 remained as possible moles, Bill Hayden, Percy and Roy. Smiley’s trap flushed out the mole to an urgent meeting with his Russian handler in London to request an immediate evacuation to Russia. Of course Smiley and Co, knew where they’d meet and caught him red handed. Jim Prideau was following from the sidelines as he and Bill were close throughout university and during their time together in British Intelligence. He felt betrayed by Bill and killed him!
I always imagine Harry Palmer is at that Christmas party mingling in and eying up the spare crumpet, As it was early 70s and harry was a seasoned intelligence operative he would have been the man to source out anybody whose loyalty was questionable, But even Harry Palmer would have his work cut out with this lot .
I would disagree with your use of the term “triple” as triple agents are typically self interested narcissistic sociopathic individuals using all sides for their benefits and playing both sides and both sides against the other solely for their personal benefits. The “double agent” was a false double agent… involved in a very competent counter-intelligence operation but the analysis was excellent. Other than the disagreement over the use of terminology. Understanding the ideological ideology of individuals is crucial in intelligence operations but often due to corruption culture… The use of political appointees and cronies intrudes into the professionalism and the economic interests and economic exploitation agendas create a expectation for economic influence over ideological beliefs. Everyone can be paid. Not everyone can be bought. Smileys nemesis made a career out of single meeting… stealing his lighter and identifying his Achilles heel weakness. He turned the attempt to recruit from a dangerous precipice on the edge of failure to a rebirth of ideological fervor creating a tremendous opportunity and apparently sold that opportunity by possession of the watch and the psychological emotional approach in conjunction with ideological weakness exposed by the comments in relation to economic agendas. Often what makes the movie so fabulous is the depth of human behavior patterns and human nature patterns… Some people thrive in the field and some thrive in the office… but it’s not thriving that creates success.
Two questions: You seem to be saying that Control learns about the mole through Ricky Tarr (via Irina), and sends Prideaux to Hungary. My impression was Control somehow knew about the mole already, sent Prideaux to Hungary, then later on Ricky meets Irina and calls the minister. Please clarify? I get that Bill seduced Smiley’s wife, and that Bill and Prideaux were very close, but were they in fact in a homosexual relationship? Or was it that Prideaux was gay and Bill kept them at a friends level, thus frustrating Prideaux? Please clarify? Thank you very much!
Love both the film and BBC series, hav’n’t read the book (shame) ……but never really got the premise: if Moscow Center has a mole in place, why the need for Witchcraft and safe house and involving 3 or 4 other non-mole agents. why couldn’t Haden have come up with his own pumkin to hide sectrets in, his own safe house, whatever? Love it all never-the-less
Though thoughtful and stylish (in an understated way) I’m not much impressed by this version of the story. It strays too far from the source novel, which is a masterpiece of complex understatement. Beyond Gary Oldman being too young and slim to play the aging, past-it, overweight Smiley, few others in the film seemed well matched to their roles. And same-sex romance (in youthful schoolboy days, as in the novel) among the British upper class is not the life-and-death matter it may be in America. And where is Anne Smiley? She had to know that even just having it off with one of her husband’s underlings would compromise him terribly. If known, it would be a career ender. She is the ultimate mystery in the story–and Smiley still adores her.
Firstly the film, despite its brilliant cast, does not do justice to the storyline. The original BBC series and sequel Smiley’s People, with the incredible Alec Guinness, is far superior. The characters are more fully developed over the 6 episodes and the plot, whilst maintaining subtle hints towards the mole, is far more believable. Plus the series was produced in the 70’s giving more authenticity to the feel of the production as does the unglamorous nature of characters and situations.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is not really as complicated as people like to make it out to be. Smiley’s exposure of the mole is really extremely simple: he finds out where the mole meets his Russian handler, arranges a false message to be sent that will bring them together and then waits in hiding until the mole walks through the door. Cleverly executed no doubt, but in principle very straightforward. That said, it is easy to be distracted by things that don’t really matter. All the nonsense, for example about whether Prideaux and Hayden were lovers. I can’t recall how much of that was in the book, or just elevated by the film to give it a bit of spurious gay sex interest, but it’s irrelevant either way. The book doesn’t even confirm that Prideaux kills Hayden, though it is heavily implied. Equally, I’ve never really understood why it matters to this story that Smiley has marital difficulties with Ann. I get that Karla might be generally interested in the personal life of a top British spook, but so far as Smiley’s investigation into the mole is concerned, his problems with Ann don’t influence him one way or another. So Hayden being instructed into an affair with Ann – on her side she doesn’t need a lot of instruction to hop into bed – inserts a bit of salacious side-showery, but it doesn’t advance our understanding of what happened and how it is resolved.
I enjoyed this movie less and less as it went on, and even less now that it’s over. We are basically told in the first ten minutes that one of five people we know nothing about is a mole, and then we proceed to learn nothing about those same characters for the rest of the movie. At the very end, we learn that one of them is actually a mole, and was having an affair with Smiley’s wife, and is probably gay. I’m annoyed that any screenwriters found it acceptable to give so little information and call it a story, and I want my time back.
1:10 incorrect, he tried to convince karla by talking about HIS (karla’s) wife “u must have a wife/family think about them” to get him to defect. He was projecting his own insecurities that let karla know his weak point. And the lighter he basically stole which was another give away of smileys weak point as the engravings showed as much and the fact he would let an item of significance like that be taken. I enjoyed the movie, but it is slow and quite pretentious under the guise of subtle ambiguity which pisses me off. Also a lot of great actors who’s talent was wasted in short scenes giving a silent Gary Oldman 90% of the run time and tbh his acting was quite boring if not pretentious as well. Also one could argue the whole plot to seize the role of control was administered by smiley making him the ultimate threat. But for him to put in motion the events by accident seems more likely.
Its a good movie but has critical failing of doing the exact same plot and era as the book and the 1979 TV series. A little bit boring to anybiody whose read the book and seen the Alec Guinness version. They should have set the movie somewhere around 1990, the near end of the cold war, not just modern but different, or maybe corporate rather than govt espionage.
I think you nailed most of it, there are a few omissions and miscalculations, I think, but I’m more of an expert on the story, as opposed to this version of it.. 1. I think it’s important to mention the situation at the Circus, itself.. Factional, nobody trusting anyone.. The lack of security, standard or otherwise.. These factors are the reasons a mole could exist and flourish in the first place, and I believe it was one of the main themes of LeCarre’s work, especially this book.. 2. Not quite sure I agree with your assertions about Karla’s goals with Smiley’s marriage.. Karla wants Smiley to remain married and remain cucked.. Break up the marriage and Smiley could react in a number of ways Karla doesn’t like, or leave the Circus entirely, inviting a more stable force to take over that role.. A cucked man is predictable..
I was really hoping this would explain the ending of TTSS. There’s a plot line scarcely noticed and almost never mentioned. Control is not dead: he is seen by Roddy Martindale (I think) in South Africa. I’m not sure Haydon is a mole. And I know he admits to being so. Mmm… will have to read it again. Again.
Not sure what wasn’t clear in the film that you’d need to watch this, but good article non the less. However, I don’t believe Jim & Bill were in a relationship together, just that they were really good friends and Jim killed Bill because of the massive betrayal enacted by Bill and as well as all of the people who were killed or destroyed as result of said betrayal.
I think suggesting Prideaux and Hayden are ina relationship is unsupported. Hayden’s mentioning of “a boy” involves giving a small amount of money, totally unnecessary had Prideaux been the 2nd party. There’s nothing to suggest more than what it claims to be – A close friendship that Hayden betrayed.
Hundsfott z niemieckiego, pierwotnie tchórz i bezwstydnik, to łajdak i szubrawiec. Neologizm powstały ze skrzyżowania psa ze sromem na wzór łacińskiego cunnus cannis. Łaciński pies to człowiek bezwstydny lub uszczypliwy, zjadliwy, pasożyt, pieczeniarz i pochlebca. To także najgorszy rzut kości w grze. “Rzut kostką nigdy nie zniweczy przypadku.” Kiedyś kurtyzany z gestapo nie umiały czytać, dziś nie rozumieją mowy ludzkiej – bezdenne dno!!! Powieść “Ludzie Smiley’a” Johna le Carré kończy się sceną w tureckiej dzielnicy w Berlinie. Zniesmaczony brudem, smrodem, nędzą mistrz-szpieg pyta: Z czego oni tu żyją? Odpowiedź na to pytanie została ukazana w chanburskim burdelu, gdzie kurtyzany z gestapo dają “very artistic show” – pedofilska mafia panów z prehistorii, którzy nie mają z czego żyć, bo mowy ludzkiej nie rozumieją, zagubili się w akcji, w czaso-przestrzeni i nie są zdolni odrobić lekcji z historii Drugiej Wojny Światowej!!! Rzucona na bruk zapalniczka jest symbolem nazizmu – dzieci nie powinny się bawić ogniem!!! Swastyka to 3% Europy – nie więcej, oznacz brud, smród i ubóstwo. To właśnie są pedofile i ich ciężko chore seksualne niewolnice.
I disliked this film because it was such a slobber-fest over British talent; a triumph of Studio Canal marketing over actual quality. And it worked, they had the names. they had the marketing budget, and people went to see it…but it’s a bad movie. It doesn’t hold a close candle to the tv series, which I dearly recommend to any fan of film making in this age of serials as an example of how a story can be adapted when it’s done with care and with consideration — which is not something a 2.5 hour film can do adequately to a story like this. My subjective dislike for this film beyond the inadequate editing of story, film, and screenplay, is how they spent so much money in production design to make it look like the tv series and yet have so many terrible wigs. Laughable and utterly removing of a viewer’s involvement in the plot when the film is filled with so many stars who look so unconvincing. If SC had used up and coming talent it might have been been more believable, alas, no. Oof, I’m sorry, I’ve just vented my spleen. But if you haven’t watched the tv series, do so, and if you think I’ve vented haplessly then I’m here waiting.