One of my most anticipated films of this year is Tomas Alfredson‘s adaptation of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. The film is a 70’s set spy thriller about the hunt for a Russian mole inside the British Intelligence Service. Today brings us a new poster from the film, which is not quite as brilliant as the first but still has the tone of brooding menace. More interesting though are the first reactions of people who saw a special preview of the film in AMC Theatres.
The reviews are from IMDb, so take the reactions with caution. One is positive and one is negative. The good news from these is that it could be an audience splitter, which are almost the best kinds of films because there is something within that film which makes different people simultaneously love it and hate it, therefore it has been made with a particular purpose by a filmmaker. If Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy ends up like that, I’ll be quite pleased.
Of course, the main reason why some people will take against it is most likely due to the complexity of the plot and its demand for attention. The book is a very multilayered and subtle piece of work but for me, it was utterly compelling and I understand why it may turn some people off.
Here’s the positive reaction:
I knew nothing of the book, but I liked the movie. I understand why certain people wouldn’t enjoy it. But I think those who appreciate acting and dialogue will be rewarded. It’s definitely not for those with short attention spans. Judging by the looks of some in the crowd, I wondered why they came — but it is free, so…Â Anyway, if you’re looking for something like the Bourne films, it’s not your type of movie. If you liked Michael Clayton or The Good Shepherd, check it out. Gary Oldman gives a great(but restrained) performance. He’s come a long way since his younger over-the-top days.
And the negative reaction:
I’m afraid to say that this movie does NOT live to it’s trailer and book. My wife and I are highly disappointed and I wasn’t the only one. This movie is soooo boring and soooo slow that people started to leave the theater right into the 1st 25 minutes of the movie. I fell asleep 3 times in 1 hour, my wife had to elbow me to wake me up. I tried giving it a chance, but alas I couldn’t…I left the theater after 72 minutes…72 minutes that I will never get back again.
In a way, the negative reaction I take less seriously considering the message board user didn’t watch the whole film, even if it bored you and you hate every minute of it, you stay till the end.
Transformers Dark of the Moon I hated from the first 5 minutes but I stayed through the remaining 150 despite myself. However, the reactions on what was an unfinished print is promising, and I am still very, very excited to see it.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy will be released in the UK on September 16th and the US on November 18th.
Source: The Film Stage
