I agree. I think the thing about Smiley is that he's so incredibly self-contained - it goes beyond "hidden depths". It's a bit of cliche to say people aren't what they seem, but in his case... Plus he has this deep sense of compassion and morality even though he's at the same time such a formidable operator in a business where they're the first things to go by the wayside. And as you say, Guinness brings it all out in an incredibly nuanced and subtle performance. I especially like the scene towards the end of the series after "Gerald" has been unmasked where Smiley is presiding over what's left of the Circus and you sort of see a different side of him, except that it's been there all along just below the surface.
Another thing I'd say about the TV adaptation is that it's so stylised. Top class directing - it looks and sounds and generally is a little bit weird, a little bit off-kilter, which fits the themes and the plot very well.
I think Gary Oldman can do just about anything he wants - I think he's a very, very good actor. Unfortunately, like many of our very, very good actors he's spent the last 20 years or so doing a lot of roles that don't really require somebody of his talent. But you know, they do it for a living, don't they? I've read some talk that this role might get him an award or two. I hope so.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2011-08-25 09:01 pm (UTC)Another thing I'd say about the TV adaptation is that it's so stylised. Top class directing - it looks and sounds and generally is a little bit weird, a little bit off-kilter, which fits the themes and the plot very well.
I think Gary Oldman can do just about anything he wants - I think he's a very, very good actor. Unfortunately, like many of our very, very good actors he's spent the last 20 years or so doing a lot of roles that don't really require somebody of his talent. But you know, they do it for a living, don't they? I've read some talk that this role might get him an award or two. I hope so.