Remarkable work of art

Rating: Null/10 (24 January 2000)

There is no bigger enthusiast for the uniqueness of the original TV series than me.I have many dozens on tape,and while some are not so hot,many,even with faults,are so unusual and creative as to be TV classics - thinking man's TV.Nothing else EVER came close. My opinion of this film,although it is completely different to the TV series,is that it is an extremely brilliant classic for several reasons. True it doesn't 'feel' like the TV show,and it's technology gimmicks aren't as good,nor does it use some of the popular formulas of some of the best of the episodes,eg time shift or false locale ploys. But it has attained something that I can't recall any other espionage movie has,and never thought I'd see -it's a poetic spy story.It has heart,humanity,realistic double crossing with no limits,a plot of some complexity as opposed to the usual mindless stuff,and a real feel for the death of characters.Cruise's character was exceptional and brilliantly played - the reaction to the team deaths,his edgy nature,those were marvelous.The only thing lacking was some of the styles of the plot of the series and some more gadgets.The best scene to me was the chat between Cruise and 'Phelps' in London - the counterplay between what one character thinks is happening and the possibilities and actualities was first rate,and very subtle,a perfect scene,along with the music.So,although this is not a big screen version of the TV series feel,I'd say it can proudly call itself MI.The director and Cruise have created something extraordinary - an artistic,emotive espionage story.Classic.If only the sequel could be more of the same...and a TV spinoff...dream on!