Gary Oldman talks Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy with Kermode and Mayo

Gary Oldman talks Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy with Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo

[@danieldunne68]

"Smiley is suspicious Percy" That line, for me speaks volumes in the film. May i also say, for many reasons, the best film ever made.

[@daniels7719]

The way control said that line was absolutely savage. So British lol 😂

[@Retrostar619]

The irony being, Control cant even trust Smiley at the time, and that delivery shows it.

[@shanenolan5625]

He speaks like an old-fashioned British school teacher. ( control)

[@LachlanMoir-hc2jj]

It's part of that characters act. To make the others believe Smiley is just jealous or angry at that character. It's so good.

[@melissaporter885]

This is one of my favorite movies. The way Mr. Oldman allows the silence and stillness to be so powerful--amazing!

[@Babesinthewood97]

I had to rewatch this film to understand what was happening. But then I became obsessed with the world they’re living in. I wanted to understand every inch of it. I love this film now.

[@jimmerhardy]

This film is a slow boil that pours over with a finale that will leave you teary eyed, both sad and proud. Unforgettable.

[@Krankyoldtime64]

Producing an accurate representation of this convoluted and meticulous novel, is such a tall order that this film is a cinematic masterpiece with this adaptation.

[@jimmerhardy]

@@Krankyoldtime64 Yeah, it's masterful.

[@user-mw8um6mc3v]

When will it be SIR Gary Oldman?? A crown jewel!

[@yellingelk]

Gary Oldman is possibly the most versatile actor ever. It's hard to believe this softly spoken Englishman played the Drexl in True Romance!

[@jamo3976]

and the bad guy in fifth element and the professional! crazy

[@anac.6369]

I'm so glad I found this video. I went to a Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy screening with my mum when I was 12. I remember feeling like a fool for not understanding what it was about. Rage and confusion in the mind of a 12-year old. 6 years later, I watched it again (or well, properly) because I think that the movie had never left me in the first place. It hadn't and it hasn't. Since then, I've watched more than 5 times and the best thing about each time is that I find something new to think about and I fall in love with the final scene repeatedly. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) remains one of my favourite films which would probably surprise that 12-year old.

[@kwisnothere]

the first time i watched tinker tailor i was a little underwelmed... but after several watches you really see what a wonderfully layered textured movie it is... little glances and looks really do mean everything. great film.

[@joecook5689]

Admit, first time it made no sense. But still awesome, I agree.

[@howardchambers9679]

Watch the series with Alec Guinness. Then comment

[@AmirHaghgooie]

Amazing actor. I hope he plays leading role more often.

[@susannorton3278]

I have watched the movie maybe 4 or 5 times by now, in awe of how the essence of the novel / original series was captured within a single movie - totally down to the phenomenal casting and resultant performances. From the visual representations of lifts, cabinets, files / horizontal lines to Smiley's specs, the sense of the novel is wonderfully captured. Oldman, Burke, Cumberbatch, Strong, Hurt et al...huge amazing cast. I felt privileged.

[@nealm4129]

This is simply one of the best films made from one of the best books written, All involved absolute genius RIP David Cornwell brilliant, Gary Oldman the best ! Where's Smileys People ?

[@c3920]

One of the best movies ever. Gary Oldman is a legend.

[@Asfrina]

Oscar robbed,Gary smashed it.

[@starwarsroo2448]

Defo robbed for the umpteenth time

[@kirk8429]

Watched the movie now several times and it really is an acting clinic across the board. Made me go and watch both BBC series and now I can't wait to see what they do with Smiley's people.

[@synchc]

+Chips Dips couldnt agree more. when le carre saw the TV adaptation of tinker i think hes quoted as saying "why didnt i write him like that?". absolutely sublime. probably my favourite performance from anything, ever.

[@synchc]

+Kirk Meyer the film left me a bit cold after the acting master class that was the BBC series. _every_ performance just breathed life into the characters of the books.

[@tomgibson9620]

Well, until now they didn‘t do anything with the Smiley‘s people or the honorable school boy material.

[@harlhequim]

Something hit me wrong the first time I saw TTSP, didnt like it. Somehow years later gave it a new try and suddenly it felt like when you identify something extraordinary but familiar, that you anticipate to relive again. Since then, I've watched it no less than 60 times. The music, the dialogues, the camera movements, the sets, the throwback to that era, the stillness of Gary Oldman, John Hurt, Cumberbatch, Strong or Alfredson's direction, makes it a truly modern masterpiece.

[@GaryOldmanWeb]

Great interview with the great Gary Oldman! :)

[@goodfellaandy]

Love the direction note Gary mentions Tomas gave him in the film, as an aspiring filmmaker myself that's very helpful :)

[@daveriegler5197]

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is my favorite movie.

[@alanna09618]

Gary Oldman has talent. While he got the Gordon look going you can see in his mind that he focused on his role of George Smiley. He also so tense talking about it almost like he trying to figure out the best describe himself with the role. I think he did a great job. I have loved Gary Oldman in everything I have seen him in. But in a couple of the interviews about Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy he is amazing with answering things.

[@markkatz7124]

If you've read the books you'll understand just how perfect his performance is ....similarly with Alec Guinness in the TV series......Kathy Burke is also totally brilliant as Connie ...exactly what you imagine from the books

[@taramagennis2400]

I can watch this film on the loop best ever!

[@007ndc]

Please please please do Smiley's People!

[@catsupchutney]

Twelve years already, damn.

[@LaStr8JacqEtte]

As Gary is a true British legend.

[@Caspar33]

Great post. What is so admirable is the lack of performance. 'Getting the job right' seems to be the only concern. Just saying it as it is. And on screen an extraordinary and unique actor.

[@Tails7212]

Brilliant interview and insight into the film

[@bodieofci5418]

Loved the film adored the acting chops. Dome great actors in that.

[@TheEleatic]

Seriously, who is capable of Oldman's depth and range?

[@ruhroah5044]

Daniel Day-Lewis

[@WarlordRising]

Fine actor. I think this will be his moment. He's had many. Alot of them in the 90s, but this should/could be the film that gives him alot of awards.

[@kawonnowak]

Revisiting Kermode and Mayo reviews, stumbled on this interview, yes this film was indeed extremely good, but I am of the generation that came to see Alec Guinness as the one and only George Smiley. I was surprised that Simon had never seen the television series. Indeed I wonder how many people who talk about Gary Oldman's performance in such glowing terms, saw Guinness in the role. As I say, I enjoyed the film but I do not think Oldman bought anything material to the character of Smiley that Guinness had not already perfected.

[@davidadams3408]

Understand you view completely but sad to say, most of those who will go to see this will not have seen the BBC adaptations of the Smiley novels. So looking at this film through unfiltered eyes it's easy to see why everyone raves about Oldman's performance.

[@MatthewLee8383]

I watched the series aftrer watching the movie, and I found the eries was a master piece, and this movie is very good but tried to squeeze too much material in.

[@guyboxerdog]

Weird, because if you go to the comments on the review video of this flick (on the right at the top) its full of people slagging it and saying the book and tv series were so much better. I never saw the series and had not read the book, maybe thats why this film is amazing to me. I adored it and every scene was magnetic. The Sammy Davis song at the party, KAthy Burkes completely engrossing rhetoric, and the amazing job Tom Hardy does as the ruthless muscle with a conscience. I could go on all day, especially ********SPOILER STOP READING IF YOU NOT SEEN FILM************** the bit where you see Peter Guillam (Benedict Cumberbatch) crying because he has to lose his lover is truly wrenching. And as far as the bit leading to that where he and Gary Oldman drink and Smiley has his monologue....well to me its as classy as Brando and Duvall in the Godfather when Santinos death is discussed. Acting as it is supposed to be.

[@synchc]

+guyboxerdog if you havent already; watch the TV series. its superior in every way with the exception of hardys performance vs bennets and, obviously, the sound track. i disliked kathy burke in this and i love kathy burke but beryl reid _is_ connie sachs. the same can be said, to a lesser extent, of all (and i do mean all, even hurt's Control) the characters in the film. a tour de force of english acting talent and screenwriting skill. no budget? no problem.

[@daveriegler5197]

The movie and the TV series is all excellent

[@RMS5006]

Great movie film.

[@SharkTheBruce]

Gary Oldman can not be touched by any actor for true greatness. The kind of greatness only an British actor could produce.

[@outerlimits007]

I have to go see this!

[@xxl96]

He is an amazing actor

[@xxl96]

BTW, Darkest Hour is even better

[@Condor1970]

I'm so ticked. They aren't showing anywhere in the Seattle area. I checked online, and no one has it listed anywhere. I guess I'll have to wait for Blu-Ray. :(

[@rumleech]

Has the intensity of someone like Oliver Reed but tempered with the precision of an older generation of actors (Geilgud. Richardson, Guinness). I'd pay money to watch Oldman mowing the lawn.

[@StephenLafferty]

It doesn't matter where Oldman lives, just that he acts in material that is available to lots of people, as his acting is of a very high calibre.

[@rob001001]

00:57 If you squint your eyes a little, the chair and Gary's jacket make it look like he has a hump :)

[@StephNuggs]

Thought I was watching that midget movie again. Scary stuff

[@starwarsroo2448]

I thought he'd cultivated a hump with age until I read your comment

[@johnrudy9404]

GO cities 1973...things were not good, even so long into it. I was 12, But my family always mentioned something about the USSR(we have Polish/Slovak backrounds). We in the US still felt a kind of uneasiness with how the world was being targeted by the USSR. TTSS, the TV Series just nails it. No Bond, just the day to day and wondering who is your friend. Guiness is great.

[@johnjudd2183]

Watching this back, watching the film back and remembering it’s probably one of the best films I’ve ever seen then looking back at the films nominated and that won awards that year does make you wonder what goes into the decisions that lead to the films that get nominated then win awards. I mean, this film wasn’t even nominated for best film at the oscars that year. At least nothing’s changed in the 9 years since and shit films still walk away with top prizes because the narrative is what’s on point at that point in time.

[@Chaddlee]

I love the fact that some filmmakers still assume the audience is intelligent.

[@sirhumphreyappleby8399]

It didn’t need to be a film. Guinness can never be beaten.

[@bathroomsexmurder]

agreed

[@philippankhurst6680]

@@bathroomsexmurder Agreed - never, ever.

[@leedstown]

Great interview still watching in 2021

[@ironjoker101]

Girls and David Bowie. Two best things ever.

[@RamBam3000]

In your defence I would say that if you're not familiar with the story, then the movie is hard to understand, because they''ve had to cut so much out to fit the running time. I would really, really suggest reading the novel and getting your hands on the TV series.

[@andiman45]

he should play David Bowie in Ziggy Stardust as they have a resemblance

[@ThePurpleView]

Probably the coolest man ever.

[@bathroomsexmurder]

'...Homosexual playwrights, Lee Harvey Oswald', LOL

[@alphabetaxenonzzzcat]

It’s now 8 years - so, where the hell is the next film then? I am guessing they are going to do “Smiley’s People” as “The Honourable Schoolboy” doesn’t feature Smiley much.

[@sprucemoose18]

@themenaceanish Gary Leonard Oldman (born 21 March 1958) is an English actor and musician. From Wikipedia, my friend.

[@Blink182Omar]

Wise. Gary's wise.

[@wingsfan1450]

Good to see Romanian nobles out and about these days...

[@leonthesleepy]

Hes in his Commissioner Gordon character...

[@TheKlink]

The thing with glances is that nobody's ever truly sure of all the meanings loaded into them. Or I don't anyway.

[@TemplePhantom]

My name is Gary Oldman and I will HAVE MY INTERVIEW!

[@alcabane3125]

here is my review its great having heard the audiobook on youtube, and saw the show as well, seven episodes, and its basically the show but with more dramatic beats, but I do like aspects of it, I liked the realness of it, as well as the style, its great to see, i think the story made more sense in both mediums, one thing I hated or disliked was the constant reflection of the guy getting shot in the cafe, i dont think they needed that, is the only con, it didnt drag at all which is a sign of a good movie, everybody plays there role great, the show and movie are both great in their own way, the soundtrack is great, production design is steller, as well as set design and fashion is great as well, really looks of the time, like siskel or ebert, a recommend thumbs up, 5/5 stars. I would say its hard to understand probably has to watch it a few times, to really understand, but I think im okay, for a for a casual cinema watcher, maybe a couple of tries to understand, i dont think there should be a remake, since i feel like there is no way to top this.

[@andrewgardner9615]

Cold war nuclear obliteration-Rings a bit true again today.

[@SharkTheBruce]

@Kretek and proud

[@shawndimery]

Hey its Mason Verger!

[@Hugh_Morris]

It is true, back in the 80's as a kid, I was told that there was going to be a war, people were certain about it, and I was so scared, we grew up learning where to hide when a nuke gets dropped. When the Berlin wall came down, people celebrated, when Poland, Hungary and Czechoslovakia had their revolutions, we supported them. When Gorbachev came on the TV and said the Soviet Union was soon to be gone, we sighed relief. Finally, when we saw that red flag over the Kremlin, go down, we partied.

[@MsPeps69]

oion.The film was madne of the best films iv'e seen in years.I can understand the horse anus reference as the film was put together with an intelligent and informed audience in mind.

[@TheHappydead]

one of the finest actors ever, even if the films 'meh' Gary is always great

[@Meursault1942]

@themenaceanish He was born in London...

[@bill-fk7tl]

He didn’t admit the series was 100 times better This movie shouldn’t have even been made

[@13mysticmeg]

Gary Oldman & Mark Kermode should do the show together...two intelligent characters :)

[@arctic6650]

The glance across the room he is referring to in the film between two characters is at the end while the French song Le Mer is playing during the Christmas party scene. It is between the characters of Jim Prideaux (Mark Strong) and Bill Haydon (Colin Firth), right before Bill moves to seduce Smiley's wife. Prideaux realizes at that moment that Bill is the double agent because he can see Bill has lost sexual interest in him and has, in a calculated way, moved it to Smiley's wife. Sonething a double agent would naturally do to suceed at his mission to cloud Smiley's judgement.

[@michaelwhittaker5432]

Excellent point which most people miss ,Jim knows Bill is gay ,completely if he's having an affair with Smileys wife its because he's been ordered to by his handler ,thus he must be the mole . If you watch the Christmas party scene when George goes looking for his absent wife and finds her out side with Bill, The scene at1.34 when George smiley collapses against the wall in shock disbelief finding out his wife is having an affair Is again completely misunderstood , its because he now knows who the mole is -Bill Hayden , he knows bill is gay if he`s having an affair with a woman its because he`s been ordered to by his Russian handler , in one of very lasts scenes when smiley goes to see bill in prison there is a beautiful exchange of words ` Kalla told me to have an affair with your wife , she was every thing to you it would distract you` to which George Smiley replies ` Up to a point ` its that one sentence that turns the film on its head

[@HavendaleBlvd80]

Just watched it last night... I'll have to watch it again. It was just a bunch of suspicious faces throughout. It was difficult to follow.

[@LachlanMoir-hc2jj]

It's a wonderful and fantastic movie. It's not anywhere as near as good as the TV show, but that's not to knock it.

[@BillyJango]

@JONATHAN3034 Thats because Gary Oldman hates interviews. He is the best actor ever but he hates being famous and doesnt like talkin to people about his acting. He is much better at acting than he is at being himself and those are his own words. Yes he does 'fumble to start' and 'has no clue about finishin' as you put, it but he will openly admit that. His talent is acting.

[@sprucemoose18]

@themenaceanish Michael Jackson was a singer, and singers, especially those that sing in English, are well known all over the world. Actors are a different matter, because a majority are only well known in their home countries, A list actors being the notable exception. Yes, most actors would live in America mainly because most of the really well known ones worldwide are American, plus America has a lot of directors and the money to make many films regularly. This, of course, benefits an actor.

[@Sophiex7]

hahaha! true!!!!

[@joecook5689]

My favorite movie. Or most not understanding movie ever

[@sprucemoose18]

@themenaceanish Well if they made it big in America, they likely would live in America, as it means more work for them. Doesn't really have anything to do with hating the home country if you think about it logically.

[@JONATHAN3034]

Does anyone else find this interview incredibly awkward when Simon asks Gary to briefly outline the Cold War for listeners. He clearly doesn't know enough about it and tries to bat it away by saying he was more interested in girls and Bowie at the time but Simon tries again! The way he fumbles to start sentences that he has no clue about finishing is probably one of the most difficult things I have watched recently. Just listen to the pause when he first has a stab at it and says... er, yeah.

[@michelelongchamps9946]

JONATHAN3034 the powerful concentration!!!! To stay in character! Seems actors need a script to talk? I bet if he was coached and given a script he would blow your socks off!!!!!!!! Ad lib? Not his forte!

[@ghanaboyz]

Yes, awkward. Like the guy saying "No, not in the film you dont" when Gary Oldman says he hopes he wont dissapoint? Just akward. No idea how these interviewers could get such a great actor and then underperform on interviewing him.

[@liamobrien6151]

It is annoying that nobody could just give a solid line on the cold war. The stakes were as high as they have ever been. Thankfully in the film in a meeting with Lacon where Roy Bland (Hinds) lays out the stakes. It's the main NATO intelligence agencies holding back cryptic but aggressive soviet interests and preventing the 3rd world war. It's so important. And for that reason I will always despise attempts to do a clinical or flippant treatment of the cold war. Freedom is not free.

[@Mankind081]

07:25 Gash Chamber LOL

[@Mr223P]

Coxie!

[@gerdienlee-heemskerk1516]

Dinah Eel

[@frasermccready8238]

If you want a better interview about the movie, watch Opie and Anthony

[@Spaceman2921]

@slewis But it was a good film...

[@RamBam3000]

Gary Oldman is the business. He's one of Britain's best actors ever. His performance as Smiley fully equals, and maybe is better than, the original Alec Guinness version from the 70s TV show.

[@Meursault1942]

@themenaceanish Should've known you were American...

[@laekrits]

The Cold War's over?

[@billshire2681]

Cause like musicians they are blank slates in "real life" to save the mojo. And Tinker Tailor didn't work by the way. It's always like that. They're best pieces happen way before they're recognized and applauded.

[@whatshisname3304]

i do nt think gary oldman exists as a personality , hes like a programmable shell, somebody ought to write him a one .

[@StephNuggs]

Ok Gary can you slow it down a bit? Geez, think before you speak

[@lewisfilms]

Hated the film, LOVED the performances.

[@davidlawrencegraham6722]

his voice is putting me to sleep not the best interview hes a legend tho

[@Meursault1942]

@themenaceanish When your work is done predominately in America, then it makes sense to live there. You seem a little bitter, as if he's actually offended you.

[@jacobcastro1885]

De Niro doesn't hold a candle to Oldman.

[@alsybroth]

Don't feed the trolls. End of.

[@chanceie12]

Lol at comment from american a few pages back , sure he lives in america what good british actor wouldnt that is where 80% of the movies he stars in our shot .. and if he really didnt give a shit about Britain why does he do indie british movies for pennies for??

[@ghanaboyz]

Not the best of interviewers. What on earth did the guy mean by saying "No, not in the film you dont" when Gary Oldman says he hopes he wont dissapoint? Just akward. No idea how these interviewers could get such a great actor and then underperform on interviewing him.

[@davidadams3408]

Lol Mark was simply enthusiastically reassuring Gary that he doesn't disappoint in this film, pretty obvious really

[@simonmcmanus1397]

it is a brilliant film but can i just say, Peter Guillam can not be gay! Dont get me wrong, i have nothing against gay men, but the Peter guillam character ? No

[@liamobrien6151]

It's annoying and painful to watch these guys reduce a brilliant and intelligent novel and series and film down to the 21st century catnip of sex, emotion, and anything but the specific stakes and realities of this universe. In the words of Barry Lincoln, "all the world is shlock."

[@howardchambers9679]

Gary is a fine actor but this film was a mistake for him. Imho he should have realised that Sir Alec Guinness defined the role and should have left it well alone. I can only assume his vanity got the better of him.