As in the book, the buildup is slow, meticulous in this high-ranking (in 'best UK TV ever' charts ) four-part drama. Familiar faces (from Tinker, Tailor) show up, small puzzle parts are put in place. And, also as with reading the book, viewers need to pay attention as one after another claustrophobic plot-overturning scene develops.
The closeness in which Le Carré's masterpiece is followed I find particularly enjoyable. But then again, his masterful dialogues read a as film script, so why try to improve?
If you read the book first, you get even more respect for Alec Guiness bringing George Smiley to life. A big surprise for me was Michael Lonsdale's Grigoriev character. In no way would you dream that behind this crucial witness in part four, sits the genius Anglo-French actor. In about 5 minutes his Grigoriev paints an emotional spectrum, from arrogant diplomat to crushed victim, with faux camaraderie, a hysterical telephone scene, Shakespearean monologue in between - even outperforming Alec Guiness.
As I said, worth the wait, here too the reward is in the end.
The closeness in which Le Carré's masterpiece is followed I find particularly enjoyable. But then again, his masterful dialogues read a as film script, so why try to improve?
If you read the book first, you get even more respect for Alec Guiness bringing George Smiley to life. A big surprise for me was Michael Lonsdale's Grigoriev character. In no way would you dream that behind this crucial witness in part four, sits the genius Anglo-French actor. In about 5 minutes his Grigoriev paints an emotional spectrum, from arrogant diplomat to crushed victim, with faux camaraderie, a hysterical telephone scene, Shakespearean monologue in between - even outperforming Alec Guiness.
As I said, worth the wait, here too the reward is in the end.
