By Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy has been receiving strong reviews across the board since its first screening at the Venice Film Festival and subsequent release in the UK. Unsurprisingly, with Gary Oldman expressing his interest in reprising his role as mild-mannered spycatcher George Smiley, production company StudioCanal are reportedly keen to capitalise on their success by adapting more of John Le Carré’s Smiley novels, of which there are eight. According to The Guardian (via Collider), the news could be announced at a Paris press conference as early as next week.
I loved Tinker Tailor, but noted that its coldly intellectual style and gradual pacing might not be for everyone. There have certainly been reactions on UK film sites backing that up, with a commenter on my blog criticising everything from the ‘plodding’ plot, characters’ lack of emotional development and even the performances. It will be interesting to see how the film fares when it is released in the US on December 9th, but I for one applaud the prospect of having a series of more grown-up, logical spy dramas to look forward to in the midst of Hollywood’s barrage of explosions and sex.
[via The Guardian]