Just been watching the 1979 BBC version of Le Carre's novel. I haven't seen the current movie, so can't compare, but am really enjoying this. Like all of his novels, it's about so much more than spying. And the total antithesis of James Bond. Not glamourous or sexy, about tawdry trade-offs in dreary backrooms. Spotted Patrick Stewart as Carla, Smiley's nemesis. He's heavily bearded and says nothing at all, just facial expressions as Smiley tries to 'turn' him. The only drawback is that I keep hearing Obi Wan Kenobi in Guinness' measured tones. Lots of familiar British actors, some that I haven' t seen for years, some that you recognise, but can't put a name to. Remember Hywel Bennett? He was lovely, or is lovely, if he's still alive. And Ian Bannen does a truly Oscar-worthy performance as the damaged Prideau. What he doesn't say about being tortured by the Russians is truly chilling.
Haven't read any good books lately. The last crop I borrowed from the library were all stinkers. A male version of Eat, pray, love - very self-indulgent, called "To the last breath". Two books about dysfunctional families, one English, one Australian - didn't care about the characters at all, glad to see the back of them - and one about an man of mature years coping with being a man of mature years. No story, just random tedious observations. I think I need to go right through Le Carre's ouevre from beginning to end, and enjoy some real writing.
No comments:
Post a Comment