Great but not without flaws

Rating: 8/10 (31 January 2012)

I watched 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' after discovering Gary Oldman had been nominated for Best Actor in the Oscar nominations. After watching the film I feel a bit disappointed that it was him who received this acknowledgment.
The film itself is very good and I would highly recommend it. However, it is one of those 'blink and you'll miss a crucial moment' films where your attention is needed for its entire duration. The investigative theme of the film is carried out right to the end and you can easily miss one part and be confused instantly.
The performances in this film were all good, there is no actor in this film who I would say performed poorly. The supporting roles of actors like Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch were extremely powerful and after watching this film I'm disappointed their performances were left out of the Oscar nominations as I believe they were far more emotive in their parts than Gary Oldman.
Oldman's performance is good, it's difficult because he is playing a man of few words and a man who doesn't convey his emotions. This makes his presence in the film not as powerful as others. I think he has played this character well as Smiley is supposed to be a man of few words but unlike other characters in this film, you don't feel too much for him. The only part, probably his best scene in the film, is when he discovers his wife is cheating on him. You then feel terribly sympathetic for Smiley, but this is the only instance.
Tom Hardy also gives a good performance showing a wide range of emotions and generating sympathy within the viewer on regular occasions throughout the film.
Overall, this film is great, it's a great story and the performances are excellent. I cannot find any weak link that puts me off the film. I would warn you however that you have to pay attention all the time, it's not one of those films you can really relax to?