An army of British heavyweight actors brings this spy-drama novel to life.
Set during the Cold War between the West and the Soviet Union, the film focuses on an top-secret group within the English government called The Circus, whose job it was to infiltrate the communists, and retrieve any information useful to safeguarding Britain.
However, there is a suspected mole within The Circus, and now it is up to a recently-fired member to discover who it is. Gary Oldman plays George Smiley, a former member of The Circus, who was fired after an important mission in Budapest went tragically wrong. He is brought back in by a man known as Control (John Hurt), who is the head of this group, and now wants answers.
A jaw-dropping host of British talent fills the screen in this film, including the aforementioned Oldman and Hurt, as well as Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Mark Strong, Toby Jones, newcomer Benedict Cumberbatch, and even Kathy Burke makes an appearance! Few could be unhappy with the sheer magnitude of stars in this film.
In terms of plot, it is a complicated story of political espionage, backstabbing, and paranoia (themes that encapsulate the Cold War). The director, Tomas Alfredson, makes no attempt to give in to typical filmic techniques, and instead displays bold defiance by creating a film that is intensely confusing, and unashamedly longwinded, even during these difficult financial times for cinema. Viewers may find it difficult to maintain their attention, as the story makes its slow way through minor events.
The enjoyment factor for this film, however, comes from the performances. Oldman is undoubtedly spectacular, creating a compelling character without actually saying much. Firth is his usual brilliant self, and it is wonderful to see John Hurt again…a true legend.
There are some beautifully shot scenes, and the attention to detail in bringing the film back to this era was superbly done. Probably a film worthy of a second watch to fully grapple with the storyline, but one to avoid if you have a short attention span.
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