Written by Bridget O'Connor and Peter Straughan
Directed by Tomas Alfredson
Starring Gary Oldman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones and Mark Strong
George Smiley: We are not so different, you and I. We've both spent our lives looking for the weaknesses in one another.
The words, “Trust no one,” are the first that are said in TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, the debut English-language film from Swedish director, Tomas Alfredson (LET THE RIGHT ONE IN). Their effect is felt immediately as we are introduced to a barrage of seemingly shady characters through a series of non-sequential moments, conversations and clues to an investigation we know nothing about yet. The style is distinct, different and definitely daring and the entire ensemble, led by the excellent Gary Oldman, is exceptional, making this John le Carré adaptation a mature and accomplished spy film. Subsequent entries in the genre will have much to live up to and subsequent viewings of the film will surely reveal much more to the mystery.
