I've lost count over how many times I've watched this brilliant adaptation of John Le Carre's novel. Each time I watch it I find something new to marvel over. Guinness was perfectly cast for the role of George Smiley, and seemed to play the part almost effortlessly. The rest of the cast are also superb.
Audiences initially found the film slow, baffling or indeed boring. But the truth is that the life of a spy is so far removed from the 'James Bond' image that a more down-beat approach was needed to tackle the adaptation. It is through this film that we realise that the creation of George Smiley is a work of pure genius, and Guinness so perfectly portrays this, simply dominating every scene.
The plot seems quite simple at first, but as I have watched and re-watched the work (and read the novel) I realise that it is much more complex than it seems.
In conclusion, a first class cast giving superb performances throughout. Dominating the entire film is Alec Guinness, who deservedly won the BAFTA for best actor.
Audiences initially found the film slow, baffling or indeed boring. But the truth is that the life of a spy is so far removed from the 'James Bond' image that a more down-beat approach was needed to tackle the adaptation. It is through this film that we realise that the creation of George Smiley is a work of pure genius, and Guinness so perfectly portrays this, simply dominating every scene.
The plot seems quite simple at first, but as I have watched and re-watched the work (and read the novel) I realise that it is much more complex than it seems.
In conclusion, a first class cast giving superb performances throughout. Dominating the entire film is Alec Guinness, who deservedly won the BAFTA for best actor.