Another stellar John Le Carre adaptation
350320
As someone who enjoyed TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY, I basically knew what to expect with this film. Instead of bombastic action, John Le Carre goes for a more subtle approach involving duplicity, backstabbing and double-crossing. Philip Seymour Hoffman leads the cast as Gunther Bachmann, a veteran German spy who runs a small outfit that uses informants as a way to catch bigger fish. And in a post-9/11 world, this represents a more scaled-back method than more controversial ones used by countries such as the US. The cast is rounded out by Willem Dafoe, Rachel McAdams and Robin Wright, who all give incredible performances alongside Hoffman, in one of his last film roles. In particular, Hoffman was excellent in portraying the world-weary spy. At times, it almost seemed like he wasn't even acting, with his heavy breathing and wheezing. The plot was rather straightforward, which was a nice change of pace from TINKER TAILOR. It tackled a timely subject with eloquence and simplicity, which I admired. The score was never intrusive, and came in at just the right moments. Overall, I quite liked it. I can understand if certain viewers might find it dry or boring, but for those who enjoy this type of spy movie that requires more of your attention, I can heartily recommend this.
4959443
The film "Capote" set the standard on this story. I have never come across a similar situation where two films issued close together cover the same ground. However if the quality is as high as this then that is no problem. This film is more sympathetic a portrait of Truman Capote with a cast and script of a higher standard. Daniel Craig is electifying as one of the murderers and worth the cost alone. The film has not had a lot of publicity but do not let this put you off - its one of the best.
1434055
John le Carre's _Call for the Dead_ is the book that introduced the brooding, conflicted British secret agent, George Smiley.  Call for the Dead was first published in 1961.  It is one of le Carre's shorter books but it is packed with all the elements that have made le Carre's subsequent Smiley novels so special: the ability to portray exquisitely the external and internal life of his characters; the ability to make the reader feel he/she is walking the dark and dangerous streets of London, Paris, Berlin, and points east; all the while writing a suspenseful novel.

The book begins with a chapter entitled "A Brief History of George Smiley".  In one brief chapter we are presented with an almost fully-formed Smiley.  In short order Smiley's university career, his discreet introduction into British Intelligence and his years in Germany in the 1930s and the early stages of World War II are set out.  So too is his tortured marriage to the breathtakingly beautiful yet famously unfaithful Lady Ann.  The first chapter ends as Smiley arrives by taxi to his office at 2:00 a.m.

The plot is straightforward.  Agent Samuel Fennan has been found dead, the product of a suicide if one is to believe the signed suicide note found by his widow, Elsa Fennan. Fennan had been interviewed by the service after a typed note denouncing him for being a communist at University was sent in.  Although he was assured at the end of the interview that his name would soon be cleared, Fennan's suicide note claims that his life and career were ruined by the investigation.  Because Smiley was the agent that conducted the interview, and because of the internal politics of the agency (one of le Carre's specialties), Smiley was chosen to conduct the post-suicide investigation and file a report. It quickly becomes apparent to Smiley that the suicide is not quite as clear cut as it appears.

Smiley is embroiled quickly in intrigue, death, and the world of spy and counter-spy.  He is presented with a jig-saw puzzle of characters including Ella Fennan, a German named Dieter (who worked for Smiley in the War), and a shifty London petty criminal.  The story races to a conclusion.  As with most of le Carre's work the resolution of the story is not what one would call a Hollywood ending.

The value of the book lies as much, if not more, in the introduction of Smiley and other recurring characters such as Mundt, the East German intelligence operative, and Peter Guillam.  Call for the Dead is a small book in the sense that it comes in at about150 pages.  But it sets the stage for virtually all of the rest of le Carre's body of work starting with the Spy Who Came in from the Cold and through the entire Smiley series.  Call for the Dead is a great place to start for someone coming to le Carre for the first time or for anyone wishing to dip their toes into le Carre again.  He is one of the few writers of this or any other genre worth going back for seconds, or thirds.

This edition contains a brief but valuable introduction by the marvelous P.D. James.
661141
This adaptation of Le Carre's novel proves to be a success.  The dialogue and direction are good, but the performances of Brosnan and Rush stand out.  Brosnan finally shows us his range as an actor, playing a fantastic bad guy.  Rush plays his tailor just as well.  I loved this movie, but I could definitely see how some people might not like it.  If you like spy movies, this will be pleasantly surprising, but if you don't, you could find yourself in for a long two hours.
4792010
Brilliant book - one of the best that I have read in years; definitely in my Top 3 by Le Carre. Excellent story, absolutely masterful storytelling. You need not to have heard of George Smiley, the Circus or Control to enjoy.
4811566
This was the second book in the Smiley trilogy and all three books are beautifully written with well constructed multi-faceted plots to keep the grey matter involved.  As is the case with many of John Le Carre novels, there are many things happening at all times therefore it is difficult to read for those readers accustomed to the short chapter, one thing at a time popular mass market novels.  The novel is set in many locations with many difficult names for the anglo-saxon reader however, not taking note of the names and locations of the various players will be punished with re-reading.  I will be suprised if this novel is used for cinema such as Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy because of the number of locations and nationalities involved although, if the movie motivates you to explore The Circus in the control of Smiley, you will be rewarded by this novel.
3042168
Brilliant adaptation of this classic allegory expertly written and acted - especially the lead actor playing Daniel. As intelligent as breaking bad , Rubicon, or the killing
2735879
Martin Calvary seems like the same guy as John Purkiss, but both are AWESOME. Stevens writes withe the intrigue of le Carre and the action of Ludlum.
934753
The Great Gatsby is a novel that has famously failed to cross into other mediums. With this latest adaptation, by director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge), I was curious to see how Luhrmann's unique style would translate to this classic story. I entered the theater with a fair amount of trepidation, especially after the largely mixed reviews that I'd read. To my surprise, however, I really enjoyed this adaptation.

There were a couple of major alterations to the novel's original story, namely Nick's background and the events that take place after his time with Gatsby, but the film was mostly faithful to the novel. Many of the reviews argued against the director's style over substance approach, but I completely disagree with these claims. While there are moments of dazzling camera acrobatics and 3D effects, there are also many moments of quiet introspection. DiCaprio's Gatsby is probably the most sincere portrayal of this character that will ever appear on film. His interactions with both Maguire's Nick and Mulligan's Daisy seemed genuine, and I could really feel the soul of the man behind the facade he had made for himself.

This Unique interpretation will, no doubt, garner a variety of reactions amongst the faithful readers and casual moviegoers. In the end, it is probably impossible to perfectly translate the intentions of the novel into a film, but this one comes pretty close.
2780289
John Irving has become a favourite of mine and he doesn't disappoint with this book.  I saw the film years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it.  There is an interesting write up by the author detailing the differences to the book, and why.  The book is an exceptional read with the typical style I've noticed with this author of bringing incidents together to meaningful conclusions. The complexities of the human relationships of the characters within the story make it a thought provoking page turner.  Worth every minute spent on it.
3588480
The entire cast is excellent in the fine adaptation of the classic D. H. Lawrence novel.  I was surprised that Wendy Hiller didn't receive an Oscar nomination since Trevor Howard did.  Dean Stockwell was excellent too.  I cannot understand why he didn't have more leading roles after this film. The direction is sensitive and the cinematography is brilliant.  I would recommend this film to anyone interested in films and literature.
3815879
The mini series is beautifully made and Alan Delon's performance is as great as ever before.  The location is beautiful.  The story is interesting and plots move along very fast and gripping.  All main characters are well established.  A totally enjoyable experience.  Worth watching it again and again.  Yes, I have it in my DVD collection.
1713898
Great fun, well acted.  As a reader of the novels many years ago, I've forgotten all the details and enjoy this admittedly cinematicized rendition of the story.  It is beautifully shot in beautiful places with beautiful actors.
3822885
A story of conscience, honor and dishonnor. Poignant and relevant LeCarr continues to deliver with his strong character development and delectable phrasings. This time the window passes across the lives of two men for whom action is finally the only option as together they attempt to expose a great wrong from their past. They learn that the Establishment protects itself come what may regardless of the cost.
1658208
This is a very well written book with well developed characters.  The story is engaging and the ending is highly satisfying and worth waiting for.  The characters show the same kind of moral ambiguity seen in Le Carre's best books.
3545489
If period dramas are your thing, then do see this fantastic adaptation of Ms. Austen's Persuasion, starring Amanda Root and Cirian Hinds.  Ms. Root wonderfully portrays the disillusioned yet romantic Anne, and captures the essence of her being, which you can see in the touching metamorphosis she goes through, both  touching and empoworing. Mr. Hinds brings subtlety to the dashing Captain Wentworth and the sense of reserve and resentment he harbors for Anne is all but broken through his acquaitance with her.  But the beauty of the film lies in the way it presents British society, and the interaction between the classes for power, love and money. The supporting cast brilliantly contrasts the fickleness and superficiality of the titled, with the more greagarious, engaging, and friendly non-titled-- the rich landowners, the educated, the Navy, and the working class...

This gem of a film brought to us by BBC Films is beautifully shot, and the restraint that true lovers have with one another is one of the most poignant episodes in the rocky courtship between Anne and Wentworth.

Less comedic than Ms. Austen's other works, Persuasion really is about knowing what you want, and be pursuaded to pursue your happiness.

I loved this film for its beautiful lighting, its dialogue,and the way it depicted relationships between people, romance, courtship and marriage, and ultimately society and social etiquette in the 19th century.

I hope you will too.
2737744
Saw the movie before reading the book; as is so often the case, changes in the script and casting decisions detracted from the story. Le Carre's command of the language and the English vernacular is extraordinary. I couldn't put it down, even though I knew how it ended.