(no subject)

[ivyfic]

Just watched Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (the most recent movie). I've never read it or seen the mini series, so two non-spoilery things:

- I had no idea what was going on for at least a half an hour. I mean, truly no idea. I still don't know what some of those shots were about.

- I did have a grasp on the plot at the end, but I don't know--the reveal wasn't very dramatic? I think because I'd barely figured out what everyone's name was, so...perhaps this is not a book that can be turned into a two-hour movie.

Comments

[mithras03.livejournal.com]

Well, the original mini-series was something like 7 hours, so...

[ivy03.livejournal.com]

This suffered a bit from--you know the only one of the possible suspects to get any screen time? He did it! I seriously expected there to be another twist, it was so not satisfying.

[cubby-t-bear.livejournal.com]

Huh. Very different reaction here. But then, I loved the book. I guess people who've read the book and those who haven't yet are completely different audiences.

[ivy03.livejournal.com]

There just isn't enough movie to even learn who all the characters are, let alone build emotional stakes in them. As I say above, the one who did it is the only one with significant screen time, and there are two instances that point enormous flashing arrows at him, so it's not a surprise at all.

Also, I kind of almost admire the ruthless efficiency with which they removed women from the movie. I mean, Smiley's wife is a main plot motivator, and we see the back of her head twice and she never says anything. Haven't seen a woman so reduced to instigation of a man's plot arc since Mentalist.

[derryderrydown.livejournal.com]

I'd definitely recommend the Alec Guinness version over the Gary Oldman.

[ivy03.livejournal.com]

So basically all this movie did was spoil me. Great!