While the "Smiley" trilogy is rightly feted as one of the greatest Fiction trilogies of the 20th Century, this Novel is my personal favourite of Le Carre's formidable and rather intimidating catalogue.
Strictly meant for lovers of serious Fiction,this is easily the bleakest book that I have ever read in my life. Written at the height of the Cold War, I remember taking a shower at midnight after I was done with it to "cleanse" myself. A hard, bitter,relentlessly cynical and disturbingly realistic peek at the sordid workings of an Espionage network.
Le Carre begins in his customary languid style, setting the tone and mood before the plot begins to tighten almost imperceptibly; culminating in a claustrophobic and an almost schizophrenic climax that leaves you numb, stunned and pondering over the astonishing capacity of the human mind to weave webs around itself.
A small piece of seemingly important information comes into the hands of "The Department", an almost defunct Brit Espionage network that is gasping for breath and hanging on by the skin of its teeth. The "Circus" (Le Carre buffs will be familiar with the term) starts to flex its muscles and what ensues is a painstakingly precise Espionage procedural and an intense struggle for establishing individual identity which will inevitably be brushed aside with ruthless efficiency keeping the "larger interests" in mind.
Le Carre admitted that this was his most realistic,nihilistic and hard hitting book and suggested that the stiflingly bleak tone may have been too much for even most hardened readers. He was damn right !
Do not pay heed to the average ratings here and follow the herd. They don't count for cow crap !
Likely to be enjoyed and savoured by discerning,mature readers who can separate the wheat from the chaff.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Harakiri A.K.A. Seppuku (1962)
For sheer compelling theatre, feral intensity and emotional depth; few Films (if any) match this savage,uncompromising Masterpiece that can stake a legitimate claim to being the greatest Film of all time.
Oh yes, its that damned good ! Tatsuya Nakadai (Those who watched the brilliant "Yojimbo" will remember him) delivers a startling, infernally inspired performance as an old ex-Samurai warrior who is looking to commit Hara-Kiri (A suicide ritual considered sacred among Samurai warriors) for reasons that reveal themselves slowly but surely.
An understanding of Japanese History in the 17th Century may help in better appreciation but even so, this is a Film of rare,breathtaking beauty and matchless appeal. The final 15 minutes of swirling Samurai swordplay with the raging emotions bubbling forth is probably one of the greatest Climaxes ever.
It may not be as well known as "Citizen Kane" or "Seven Samurai" but watch this Jewel and decide for yourself.
In Japanese with English Subs.
Oh yes, its that damned good ! Tatsuya Nakadai (Those who watched the brilliant "Yojimbo" will remember him) delivers a startling, infernally inspired performance as an old ex-Samurai warrior who is looking to commit Hara-Kiri (A suicide ritual considered sacred among Samurai warriors) for reasons that reveal themselves slowly but surely.
An understanding of Japanese History in the 17th Century may help in better appreciation but even so, this is a Film of rare,breathtaking beauty and matchless appeal. The final 15 minutes of swirling Samurai swordplay with the raging emotions bubbling forth is probably one of the greatest Climaxes ever.
It may not be as well known as "Citizen Kane" or "Seven Samurai" but watch this Jewel and decide for yourself.
In Japanese with English Subs.
"The Thin Man" Series
A platinum plated Series that is a shoo-in into my list of Films that you can watch a Zillion times !
Not for nothing was the suave,charismatic Bill Powell and the gorgeous,bewitching Myrna Loy considered to be one of Cinema's greatest couples. In fact, I would put 'em right at the top of the heap for you'd search long and in vain to find a chemistry as electric and as crackling as this one.
As far as Comedy-whodunits go, nothing comes near this Series. For once, even the irrepressible Dashiell Hammett was pushed into the background as Powell took to Nick Charles with the alacrity of a cat that has just smelt cream. That it was a "dream" role was obvious. Powell's infectious Joie De Vivre, coupled with his pitch perfect body language was a sight to behold.
Polished,urbane wit and sophisticated,twinkling charm aside; it is astonishing that the set of 6 Films managed to maintain the quality of the original (The first entry based on the Hammett novel) almost throughout.
A staggering achievement and a must own !!
Not for nothing was the suave,charismatic Bill Powell and the gorgeous,bewitching Myrna Loy considered to be one of Cinema's greatest couples. In fact, I would put 'em right at the top of the heap for you'd search long and in vain to find a chemistry as electric and as crackling as this one.
As far as Comedy-whodunits go, nothing comes near this Series. For once, even the irrepressible Dashiell Hammett was pushed into the background as Powell took to Nick Charles with the alacrity of a cat that has just smelt cream. That it was a "dream" role was obvious. Powell's infectious Joie De Vivre, coupled with his pitch perfect body language was a sight to behold.
Polished,urbane wit and sophisticated,twinkling charm aside; it is astonishing that the set of 6 Films managed to maintain the quality of the original (The first entry based on the Hammett novel) almost throughout.
A staggering achievement and a must own !!
Homicide (1991)
If a Film's greatness is to be judged by its inherent capacity to puzzle/make a person think, this should easily be the greatest Film of all time by a country mile !
My second viewing but it was like watching a brand new Film unfold in front of my eyes !! The mental conflict of choosing between professional integrity and ethnic loyalty is captured disarmingly with subtle finesse and characteristic Mamet bluster.
The film is a social commentary, a character study and a genuine mystery all rolled into one. So essentially, you get 3 Films here, livened up by razor sharp "Mametspeak" and culminating in a trademark "con" that Mamet is so famous for.
Most people who have seen the Film are likely to be disillusioned because the ending seems to raise more questions than answers. But in Mamet's world, conspiracies operate in a much wider space than normal and a "straightforward" explanation is just not on because too many things happen simultaneously.
Mamet is a genius because his elliptical explanations are not "complete' which hints at a plausible suggestion that some things happen by chance and that's why his Films (flawed diamonds) are such fun for an intelligent and discerning Cinephile.
OUTSTANDING Film that's a must watch !
My second viewing but it was like watching a brand new Film unfold in front of my eyes !! The mental conflict of choosing between professional integrity and ethnic loyalty is captured disarmingly with subtle finesse and characteristic Mamet bluster.
The film is a social commentary, a character study and a genuine mystery all rolled into one. So essentially, you get 3 Films here, livened up by razor sharp "Mametspeak" and culminating in a trademark "con" that Mamet is so famous for.
Most people who have seen the Film are likely to be disillusioned because the ending seems to raise more questions than answers. But in Mamet's world, conspiracies operate in a much wider space than normal and a "straightforward" explanation is just not on because too many things happen simultaneously.
Mamet is a genius because his elliptical explanations are not "complete' which hints at a plausible suggestion that some things happen by chance and that's why his Films (flawed diamonds) are such fun for an intelligent and discerning Cinephile.
OUTSTANDING Film that's a must watch !
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)