Who do you turn to when no one tells the truth?

Rating: 7/10 (17 September 2011)

Ah Smiley - who is not at all 'smiley' and beautifully portrayed by Gary Oldman. Casting is amongst the best features of this adaptation of Le Carre's book. Other things e.g. lighting and music don't quite work. Continuity isn't quite up to scratch either - you don't have to look too hard to spot a traffic calming hump on the road (something that did not get adopted in England until significantly after when this film is set.) Nevertheless, the film is absorbing - if a bit overlong. Somehow the 'tension' doesn't quite build to the strength it ought to and this may be because we see the tale in only one dimension. Smiley's actorly coolness - whilst necessary for the plot is antithetical to the creation of audience excitement. Firth fans will feel the pain when others don't but that has nothing to do with this film/story and more with Firth's previous roles.