Last September I wrote a glowing review of Tomas Alfredson’s Swedish-style adaptation of John le Carré’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. So I was delighted to see that the film has picked up three Oscar nominations.
Actor in a Leading Role: Gary Oldman (Smiley)
Music (original score): Alberto Iglesias
Writing (adapted screenplay): Bridget O’Connor and Peter Straughan
On hearing the news of his nomination in Berlin – the former heart of the Cold War depicted in the film – Gary Oldman declared himself to be ‘in shock’.
While this is a first nomination for Oldman, it’s the third for Iglesias, a Basque composer who has written film soundtracks for The Constant Gardener, The Kite Runner and All About My Mother, amongst others. You can listen to a clip of his brooding, jazz-tinged score on the film’s webpage.
The writing nomination is a highly poignant one, as Bridget O’Connor died last year at the age of 49 following a battle with cancer. Her husband, Peter Straughan, gave his reaction to the nomination here.
The 2012 Oscars will take place on Sunday 26 February.
Mrs. Peabody Investigates 
Fingers crossed 😉
Would be nice 🙂
All well deserved. Apparently the screenplay was originally going to be written by FROST/NIXON playwright Peter Morgan, but in the end he just got a producer credit.Many continue to say they found the story hard to follow in this adaptation – never bothered me, but as a fan of the book and the TV adaptation that is perhaps to be expected. Film Studies legend David Bordwell has written a truly insightful ‘Guide for the Perplexed’ on his blog and it is well worth reading, even if you could follow the story: http://bit.ly/wlHXGi
Sergio
Many thanks, Sergio – very interesting. I saw the film before I read the novel and followed the plot fine, although when I read the original shortly afterwards, I did have a couple of ‘Oh I *see*’ moments. I’ll definitely check out the post you recommend.
Is the film out on DVD yet? I did enjoy it and quite fancy another viewing.
It is indeed, as is the DVD of the original TV series with Alec Guinness as Smiley 🙂
Ahhh. I have that already and believe me it has been watched many times.
I got it for a song before Xmas and am looking forward to seeing it again (remember it only dimly from my youth when my father watched it on’t telly).