The raging winds and biting British chill could not keep us away from this one; try though it did. The setting is the prestigious BFI Southbank, and the occasion is the premiere of the most anticipated British film of the year, TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY.
Set during the Cold War, the story follows George Smiley (Gary Oldman), who is forced from semi-retirement, in order to uncover a Soviet infiltrator threatening the integrity of MI6.
The film is based upon the John Le Carré novel of the same name, which was also adapted into a television series in 1979; starring Alec Guiness as George Smiley.
We were fortunate enough hear the thoughts of some of the cast and crew of the film. Here’s what they had to say:
Tomas Alfredson (LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, FOUR SHADES OF BROWN) – Director
With the book and the television series having been so well received, were you at all apprehensive about making the film?
‘Yes, for a while you can be nervous, but then you have to make a decision: I am in charge now. I want to do my version of this story and I will fulfill my responsibilities. To be scared or nervous doesn’t make a good film.’
How did the casting process come to fruition?
‘The project just attracted the names we wanted; everyone in the film was the first choice. It’s been a fantastic opportunity and experience to work with these people. It was luxurious. I didn’t have to do so much because they are brilliant, intelligent and wonderful at what they do. We were very lucky that their schedules allowed them to be in the same room at the same time, and that they wanted to participate.’
Do you felt you brought a different perspective to a quintessentially British story?
‘It’s very hard for me to tell. I am a foreigner, and I have a different perspective, but at the same time, as a Swede you are fed british television all the time. You are quite used to seeing the logos at the beginning and end of the programmes… LWT and Granada, etc. As a child in Sweden I watched a lot of British televison, so I think I have a fair amount of knowledge on the subject.‘
Roger Lloyd Pack (‘Only Fools and Horses’, HARRY POTTER, ‘Vicar of Dibley’) – Mendel
Can you tell us about the character you portray?
‘Mendel’ is a retired Police Officer. He is brought out of retirement by George Smiley (Oldman) in order to help find the mole. He is a ‘watcher’; one of these characters you see in the corner of the room. His main objective is to uncover information for Smiley.’
It is rumoured that Tomas Alfredson attributes animalistic qualities to characters. What animal would you say ‘Mendel’ is?
‘I was essentially cast as the horse, and I was happy to be so.’
John Le Carré (THE CONSTANT GARDENER, THE TAILOR OF PANAMA) – Author
What do you think attracts people to spy stories?
‘It works two ways, I think. Some people want to escape; people who want to interpret their world in terms of conspiracy. There are also people who are concerned about the disconnect between the man in the street and what is done in his name. They have a different take on spies. They see them as what is fast becoming an untouchable bubble of elite people. I think you get out of it what you put into it, in a sense.’
What do you enjoy about them, and what do you think of the more glamourized depictions of spies?
‘Well, for me it was life. It was the only world I knew. And to see it turned into this farcical notion of fast cars and women… it’s just junk. It can be very entertaining and well written junk, but it is just not real.’
Would you ever consider writing under another genre?
‘I don’t think so. I have my sandbox. I know the material well, and I can incorporate other aspects of storytelling into my writing; wether it be a tale of love, isolation or whatever.’
What do you think makes George Smiley an effective spy?
‘He sees a lot which is very painful. He is empathetic… a great listener, and he knows the varieties of human nature. He also knows himself and his capabilities.’
Stephen Graham (SNATCH, THIS IS ENGLAND) – Jerry Westerby
Can you tell us about what attracted you to your role?
‘It’s a fantastic role and script. I just hoped and tried to bring that character to life. To be in the presence of such great actors obviously helped an awful lot.’
Can you tell us anything about series two of ‘Boardwalk Empire’, and, in particular, your character, ‘Al Capone’?
‘The second series sees Capone grow up somewhat. Having been a boy in the first series, he has now become a man. I can’t really say too much, but some very interesting things happen, and there is plenty of violence again!’
John Hurt (V FOR VENDETTA, THE ELEPHANT MAN) – Control
What attracted you to the role, and do you think it is fair to say that the film differs from the usual male-oriented thriller?
‘I just read it as a script and thought it was marvelous. I would also say that although there aren’t a lot of women in the film, their presence is mightily felt. George Smiley’s wife that you never see is a pertinent example of that… I saw it as a film about betrayal, friendship, and finding all of the strengths and weaknesses of humanity. That is what the story is, so I merely thought of it that way, and didn’t really compare it to anything else.’
TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY is released in UK cinemas today.
