Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy **** (R)

Mark Glass | Dec 23, 2011, 1:23 p.m.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy (R) Classic spy novels, and the films based upon them, have always been complex. The genre demands a swirl of subplots and suspense, with the truths about many players and events turning out differently than how they seem to other characters and the audience along the way. If the plot doesn’t credibly keep the protagonist(s) off balance, readers or viewers lose interest. This cerebral remake of earlier filmed versions of John le Carre’s most enduring print achievement contrasts starkly with such recent high-octane conversions from page to screen as Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne adventures. It’s about as slow and moody in pace, set design and cinematography as most of the BBC spy and crime fare that airs here under PBS’ Mystery umbrella. Flashbacks and other time skipping add to the challenge of keeping up. If you’re ready to devote the patience and concentration this Cold War era film requires, you’ll be richly rewarded.

Those who remember the story will obviously have less work to do. The rest will find a handful of top officials in British Intelligence struggling to find the mole in their midst in the 1970s, when Russia was heart of the Soviet Union, and England’s greatest threat. The inescapable conclusion evolves that not only is there (at least) one traitor in their ranks, but he or she must be among the highest echelon of security clearance and authority.

Gary Oldman underplays the lead role of a quiet, methodical aide to the outgoing top banana (John Hurt), who winds up in charge of the investigation. Everyone is a suspect, including lifelong intimates (Colin Firth, Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones, to name a few), and perhaps Oldman’s character, as well. Geopolitics and personal interests are at stake. Oldman’s performance would be exceptional for most, though by this stage of his stellar career, it’s par for his very special course. (12/23/11)