Darkness Visible: Gary Oldman's Karla Scene

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Based on the classic novel of the same name, the international thriller is set at the height of the Cold War years of the mid-20th Century. George Smiley (Gary Oldman), a disgraced British spy, is rehired in secret by his government -- which fears that the British Secret Intelligence Service, a.k.a. MI-6, has been compromised by a double agent working for the Soviets.
Release Date December 9, 2011 (select cities)
Wide US Release Date January 6, 2012
Starring
Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch, Toby Jones, David Dencik, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Stephen Graham, Kathy Burke, Ciarán Hinds
Directed By
Tomas Alfredson ("Let the Right One In")
Screenplay By
Peter Straughan & Bridget O'Connor; Based upon the novel by John le Carré

[@shamus10011]

Don't understand how he didn't win an Oscar for this performance. Between this scene and his final scene with Colin Firth where he raises his voice for the only time in the entire movie, he was magnificent. I have watched this movie a dozen times and find something new each time. I really do hope they finally make the other books in the series.

[@SavileRow65]

Excellent film. Seen it at least a half-dozen times.

[@majorsmythe1]

Me too. May go watch it now again. Such a smart film, refreshing to see instead of the crap today.

[@jburgett45]

Ha! Must have you beat by 15 or so (who counts?) It irritates me immensely when people criticize and compare this movie to the BBC series. This movie is another dimension which complements the series...and the music is far far better. Netflix has it currently so I'm in hog heaven!

[@garysnellis4512]

Dozens, here. Sometimes, I use it as a kind of lullabye in the wee hours

[@shizuokaBLUES]

GaryS Nellis yes. That or the BBC radio series (now on KZbin ) and it’s quite relaxing

[@zacharybrown2413]

Even better novel

[@GollumLover]

Love how Karla is never fully, physically shown yet we get to know I'm intimately through George in this scene

[@chrisst8922]

I thought that perhaps Karla was only a shadow to leave a free hand in casting an actor in the event of a sequel. Then TTSS made such small returns.

[@davidw.2791]

@@chrisst8922 To be fair, how would Karla finally showing up at the end of SP hit if we didn’t see him a little bit in TTSS? kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYHPf4BjiL9kh7M

[@markjbaldwin]

In that scene Oldman captures Smiley's disillusionment with his career -- his life's work really -- and the death of his marriage all happening at the same time. This heartbreaking monologue all by itself should get some award. Perfection and grace. Thank you, Mr Oldman.

[@hereslookingatyoukid3504]

Loved this movie. Every actors performance in this film was brilliant. Gary Oldman - what can I say - he was magnificent.

[@majorsmythe1]

A fantastic movie.

[@nhmooytis7058]

Here's Looking At You Kid Ever see the miniseries with Guinness? Much better, Oldman is just imitating him.

[@DJ-sp4if]

My friend

[@Izaan2810]

@@nhmooytis7058 Oldman doesn't imitate ANYONE. Dude is one of the absolute best actors of all time. He rocked the role with his own approach and input. Give him credit.

[@nhmooytis7058]

@@Izaan2810 seemed to me he drew on Guinness but then I’m a huge Guinness fan. Am also an Oldman fan.

[@Nick83Fairfax]

This has to be one of the best acted scenes in cinematic history. Unbelievable

[@abosij]

Agreed!

[@lukemarsh3103]

Yea after 20 - 30 takes

[@DJ-sp4if]

I don’t know about y’all. But the scene where Smiley sees his Boo kissing that guy in the courtyard was heartbreaking.

[@jaekim2554]

Even without any line i could feel the atmosphere around Smiley in every scene. By far the best and the most beautiful acting I have ever seen in my life

[@f.g.h604]

Genious way of storytelling! Stars to Gary Oldman and Thomas Alfredson!

[@CLASSICALFAN100]

Smiley's People will NEVER get filmed. Tinker,Tailor only made about 2x - 3x over its production cost---"A little money", in Hollywood terms. (The same thing is true about the GREAT films "L.A. Confidential" and "The Hours") Face it---sequels & franchises only get made if the 1st film is a mega-hit, such as "Diehard", "Terminator", etc...

[@sergeantwaters9668]

Its done so well you don't even see a man just telling a story. You actually picture the scene him talking to Karla. Great Movie. Great acting.

[@Agaravalia1]

If Gary Oldman does not get an oscar in this next installment of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy something is seriously wrong with the Academy.

[@bentillotson8241]

fantastic scene from a fantastic movie, gary oldman probably the best British actor in the last 30 years. Pure class.

[@gerigoogli]

And he didnt get his well deserved Oscar here. sigh...

[@praveenkkg5656]

After Alec Guiness

[@colonelhart5721]

God damn I love the idea of Karla that this movie gives - basically a communist Joker - someone who cannot be modified by any external pressure, and who terrifies all who try to buy, bully, reason, or negotiate, with him. Religion is a distraction - and it's a hell of a distraction. Enough to end our species. But humanity's endgame is oligarchy vs democracy.

[@jburgett45]

and by now you can see that those bloody oligarchs need to be restrained - they've corrupted true Democracy! At least Karla couldn't be bought....I rather liked his ideals. But I loved Smiley better!

[@timrandall9479]

Colonel Hart Aristotle and Plato 2,400 years ago would have wanted either oligarchy or a rule by one man. In other words order rather than the chaos of democracy which they saw as rule by the mob. Unenlightened and coarse, thus the philosopher king, an enlightened despot to bring order but rule wisely. Perhaps the Prince?

[@JoachimderZweite]

Karla was "modified" in Smiley's People when he gave it all up for his daughter who was in Switzerland. What I dislike about all this is that lesser men are getting a free ride on the genius of Le Carre.

[@jaida728]

I think this may be my favorite scene in the film- the lack of the flashback is particularly powerful in my opinion, especially because they used flashbacks earlier in the film. Oldman just draws you in and keeps you there. It’s a fantastic scene

[@kenoliver8913]

Yep, one of the bits of the movie that worked better than the memorable BBC TV version (which did use a flashback to the Indian prison). Gary Oldman is a very fine actor, but overall his Smiley cannot match Alec Guiness' unforgettable performance.

[@jb47vintage]

Gary Oldman is a masterpiece.

[@Lurker1979]

Like a one man play.

[@user-dc1dr9kr8x]

Even a master spy like smiley made mistakes, the lighter, his wife, putting his complete faith in control, he remembered every second, and reminded himself you have to have a soul to win

[@cari7281]

Why was the lighter a mistake? And by his wife, you mean choosing someone who'd be unfaithful?

[@user-dc1dr9kr8x]

@@cari7281 well karla kept his lighter as a trophy and used it on screen in the movie......whether or not his wife is faithfully and whom she is invoved with is an issue for smiley because it removes the seperation of work and personal life....in the books and movies the spy game appears to be best navigated coldly and with no emotion. In my opinion someone at the highest floor of the circus shouldnt make that mistake in his profession life, in his personal business we all have to swim in the same water

[@bh8365]

Your posts are informative. So, how was Smiley's faith in control a mistake? Was it the screw up where the Mark Strong character got shot and captured? And can you expand some more about the lighter? Thanks. I'm just now checking out the BBC series.

[@michaelmazowiecki9195]

The BBC TV version with Alec Guinness playing Smiley was deeper , more atmospheric, subtle. Did the book proud. But this was a good effort despite being truncated.

[@nhmooytis7058]

Miniseries with Guinness is better, and Oldman is simply imitating his voice. Sir Patrick Stewart was superb as Karla in that.

[@billthestinker]

need a physical Karla who does not speak, and Patrick Stewart is still around bloody well use him!

[@nhmooytis7058]

billthestinker EXACTLY.

[@El6Magico6Arlequin6]

nah man, not seeing Karla made his character more mythical, and more omnipresent. he was like a plague maligning the circus from the inside. he may not have been there physically, but we felt his shadow darken every bit of conflict. that made karla feel more powerful imo.

[@nhmooytis7058]

wiley man agree!

[@scytale2242]

@@El6Magico6Arlequin6 Exactly !

[@DUFMAN123]

To each his own. This film was my first introduction to Le Carre, and i found the restraint not to show the figure of Karla throughout the film much more menacing than through the flashback scene in the miniseries.

[@martyemmons1859]

Hallelujah! I've stumbled upon a post of some professionals description of superior artisans creating a masterpiece of a scene. I've watched "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" a number of times. No matter how many times I watch this movie, I never get bored. Every scene is its own unique piece of a vital part of a great creative 'fresco'.

[@bullwinklejmoos]

Loved the movie. Loved Gary Oldman as George Smiley, but to me, Sir Alec Guiness will always be George Smiley.

[@mikewilliams3384]

Yes this is a terrific performance by an outstanding actor. And maybe I am old fashioned but for me the very best George Smiley was Alec Guinness. It was much closer to not only the book but the incredibly evocative era of the Cold War.

[@vivazapata1962]

Mike Williams you’re not old fashioned. although gary oldman is great, there is no equal to alec guinness as smiley.

[@nhmooytis7058]

Mike Williams Sir Alec WAS Smiley, Oldman is Oldman imitating Guinness.

[@pinecone5089]

I think Oldman is terrific within this particular film, but Guinness is Smiley incarnate. He even somehow seemed to physically shrink in this role, despite actually being taller than Oldman. It is almost like Smiley walked out of the pages on to the screen. On rereads, always picture him as Smiley. But funnily enough, always see Firth as Haydon too when I read, because he is physically closer to the character. (Just to be clear: in terms of performance alone, Richardson probably has Firth beat.)

[@davidw.2791]

@@pinecone5089 Oldman is let down by some choices this script made.

[@tomcooper6108]

Guinness had his chance at this scene and did pratically nothing with it. Hell, Patrick Stewart stole the scene and never spoke a word. Gary took this scene and nailed it like a true professional.

[@opdawg817]

Call me a heretic if yo like, but this scene rivals Shaws Indianapolis speech in Jaws

[@TralfazConstruction]

Ten years old. That decade had wings.

[@MrJeanBaguette]

Masterpiece. Period.

[@jburgett45]

hell yeah!

[@farrog]

He really deserves an Oscar for this - let's hope they get it right this year!!

[@hesoyam7516]

They got it right.

[@Temis221]

Great film, Gary Oldman superb, he deserves the award this year.

[@NotTheRealRogerMurdock]

this is the performance i would have liked to have seen him win his oscar for

[@malisuper627]

Masterclass in acting

[@Cristina.V.58]

This scene is so beautiful and Mr Oldman is very brilliant. This movie is a masterpiece. Indeed! ❤️

[@richardlecomte9833]

I like the Alec Guinnes performance much better.

[@theoldbuilding4818]

This is as good as you get for acting. How on earth he didn't win an Oscar for this I have no idea.

[@ChristerLindblad]

One of the best films. I love almost every scene and the music. It makes everything mysterious.

[@jaikumarjadhav6575]

Mr Oldman was brilliant in the film especially this scene. You could feel despair, hopelessness engulfing him.

[@santiagoroo4691]

Dammit...we need a sequel so badly

[@Kristina-gz2wu]

I love both versions, the mini series with Alec and the movie with Gary. Both excellent.

[@ameliastark2586]

Good luck, Gary Oldman, I hope you'll win the Oscar this year!

[@MrJohnybirchall]

It's on the same level as the uss Indianapolis monologue, in jaws .

[@LittleB2007]

You're right. Robert Shaw was out of this world in that scene. So is Oldman here. You don't need a cheap flashback to tell a character's background story or motivation if you have a great thespian, a truly skilled director, well-written script AND patient audience

[@chrisst8922]

@@LittleB2007 He had to be. I read that Shaw tried to do the scene but screwed it up because of his alcoholism. After some apologising he returned the next day and nailed it on the spot.

[@dantean]

Would love to see a mini-series version done by this cast, directed by Alfredson, allowing them to flesh out the ENTIRE story the way Guiness et. al. did. It's so truncated I find it somewhat difficult to enjoy as much as would have been possible given the room to do the whole thing.

[@kenoliver8913]

This movie has some wonderful things in it - this scene being an example, and much better than the flashback the BBC series used instead. But you are correct that the problem the movie has is that it is trying to tell a long, complex and subtle story in too short a time - Le Carre's plot works better spread over eight hours rather than two.

[@paulfox3697]

Maybe Peter was looking at his point of view.

[@chrisst8922]

There's only one Karla and that's Patrick Stewart.

[@sailendra_sahoo]

Just masterful acting . Love this movie

[@loverdudley4208]

I like this scene a lot and probably better than the flashback scene in TTSS on BBC. However, showing Karla in the BBC film helped humanize who he was and was about immensely, and allowed for all the more believable passion of Smiley to snare him - finally. And this exact point was brought home masterfully in BBC's second film, "Smiley's People," when we'd hear Karla spoken of as "the priest," and devoid of possessions, and materialism. And, of course, we remembered what Karla looked like in TTSS, so he was real to us...we knew who Smiley sought as "Smiley's People" played out. I've watched both BBC films three times each, and they now reside in two of the top three slots for greatest films of all time - my lifetime; films I've seen and which have great meaning for me, or which moved me immeasurably to the extent that some things from these films such as lessons learned have stayed with me for decades. "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (BBC film; 6+ hours) ranks #1. The Godfather Part II ranks #2. Smiley's People ranks #3. Dr. Strangelove, The Graduate, To Kill a Mockingbird, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Taxi Driver come next mixed with Midnight Cowboy, The Hustler, Annie Hall, Manhattan, A Prophet (French), The Irishman, and Airplane!

[@MA_808]

He was always competing with Alec Guiness.

[@justwatching1980]

One of my favorite parts of the movie. It's also key to figuring out who the mole is.

[@mikespearwood3914]

how?

[@justwatching1980]

Mike Spearwood Smiley is telling Karla more about himself and his own weaknesses than finding Karla’s. Just look at the inscription on the lighter. Karla kept it. And he used that info later.

[@thomasherman1278]

That's why I love movies.

[@babybutchie]

Don't you just love the moral equivalence of East and West in le Carre's work? I sure don't.

[@dufus7396]

That soliliquoy was Shakepearian

[@flopius1]

The best example of tell dont show.

[@purplesamurai8964]

Is smileys people going to come out and when ?

[@brunovanhove1832]

Carré's beste boek,hield veel van de serie,de cast,de gecreëerde sfeer, was excellent toen ! Deze film stelde mij teleur,bekende namen konden slechte casting niet recht trekken! Als je mij vertelde dat de casting director ,nooit het boek heeft gelezen ,of kan lezen ,zou ik dit direct geloven! Alles wordt steeds smakelozer hé,maar het niveau ook !

[@HudsonStillwater]

Gary Oldman is the world’s best actor.

[@stevebailey5591]

It was so counter intuitive to not film the Smiley/Karla meeting - it's practically the only cinematic thing in the novel (which mostly comprises of Smiley searching through files for evidence). However, the film maker's decision works brilliantly.

[@chrisst8922]

I like that there's a few scenes in the movie that fill in the gaps and the film could only be a couple of hours or so.

[@danilorainone406]

where was karla on camera?

[@king2real1]

Brilliant scene...

[@petercallaghan9851]

I'm sorry. After Alec Guinness this movie was such a let-down. I even bought it, with great anticipation but it failed to deliver on most levels. Gary Oldman was adequate and that is all that can be said.

[@mwellmwell]

One of my top 10 favorite movies for life.

[@DSDMovies]

Would you like some eggs to go with that Mr Oldman?

[@blondegirlsezthis8798]

Jealous prick

[@sakurathornsickle5681]

The absence is the power.

[@dustco28]

Can we get a sequel please.

[@elijahjohnson601]

Loved this video!

[@PreacherAtArrakeen]

Crappy movie. You can't condense that book into a 2 hour movie. The original mini-series is far superior.

[@jerryrichardson2799]

No, this was the best you could get in two hours. The TV series was better, but it wasn't a movie. You're right about cramming a novel that rich into two hours, however.

[@M124M]

Yes..... but so slow

[@martkbanjoboy8853]

The series had your James Bond moment. That is the takedown of Jim Prideaux. When I saw that I was not sure what I had just watched because it was such an ugly scene all round. But it was a brilliant scene esp. with the 'smile for the camera' bit. The STASI was the largest single customer for Polaroid film.

[@ianhudson9398]

Shit film that barely recognises the book...... ........ and acted in a wierd fashion that the Great Sir Alec would barely notice....