The film, set in 1973, begins with the shooting of a British agent in Budapest. He had been given the task of uncovering a mole in British secret service, called the Circus here, who has been passing secrets to the USSR. He had been betrayed himself and this is not the last betrayal in the film. Throughout the film it becomes apparent that nations, friends, lovers and partners are all betrayed. I suppose really it is a side effect of employing devious people who have heightened skills in observation and subterfuge.
Pinning the whole film together is a masterly performance by Gary Oldman, who plays George Smiley; the spymaster given the job of uncovering the mole. His performance is one of great stillness, only saying what needs to be said. This is of course a good interrogation technique; it gives the interviewee space to tell their story and also gives them enough rope to hang themselves with.
As there are enigmas and subterfuge throughout the film it’s fitting that the photography is subtle. Backgrounds are often out of focus which of course concentrates attention onto the characters. Most of the film is spent as well putting pieces together as the story and the intrigue unfolds. It is quite intricately constructed throughout as we reminded and shown the past and the present. At one point there is talk of spies being good watchers, it’s not often that characters empathise with the audience. This is quite frankly a glorious film.
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