Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Year: 2011

Runtime: 127 min

Language: English

Director: Tomas Alfredson

Thriller

In 1973, the Cold War's chill lingers as Britain's Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) struggles to stay ahead of international espionage threats. When operations go catastrophically wrong, veteran spy George Smiley is tasked with untangling the web of deceit and uncovering the truth, relying on his sharp instincts to secure the UK's fragile safety.

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Timeline & Setting – Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

October 1973

The film is set during the Cold War, a period defined by tension between the Western powers and the Soviet Union. This era was marked by espionage, political intrigue, and secret intelligence operations, as both sides vied for dominance in global affairs. The year 1973 was particularly significant for British intelligence, highlighting the complex web of loyalties and betrayals among spies.

Location

Hungary, London, Istanbul, Kremlin

The movie primarily unfolds across several significant locations. Hungary is the site of a critical espionage mission gone awry, setting off a chain of events. London serves as the headquarters of British Intelligence, where the inner workings and politics of espionage play out, while Istanbul becomes a strategic location for spying activities and covert exchanges.

🌍 Locations 🔍 Espionage

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

Main Characters – Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Meet the key characters of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

George Smiley

George Smiley is a seasoned intelligence officer portrayed as shrewd and methodical. Although he operates in the shadows, his intelligence and intuition allow him to navigate the treacherous waters of espionage with skill. His personal losses and betrayals fuel his determination to uncover the truth behind the mole's identity.

🕵️‍♂️ Intelligence 🤔 Thoughtful

Jim Prideaux

Jim Prideaux is a dedicated agent whose mission leads to capture and torture. His resilience in the face of adversity showcases his commitment to the service, but his experiences leave him deeply affected. Prideaux's knowledge and perspective make him a critical player in the unraveling mystery of the mole.

💔 Sacrifice 📖 Survivor

Bill Haydon

Bill Haydon is portrayed as charming yet duplicitous, ultimately revealed to be the mole. His seduction of Smiley's wife adds personal stakes to the narrative, illustrating the destructive nature of his betrayal. Haydon's complexity adds depth, embodying the moral ambiguities within the world of espionage.

🔪 Deceit 🌪️ Charisma

Ricki Tarr

Ricki Tarr is an MI6 operative driven by loyalty yet flawed by impulsive decisions, which lead him into dangerous situations. His undercover work and subsequent need to prove himself showcase the personal risks taken in espionage. Tarr’s entanglement with Irina reveals his vulnerabilities, marking him as a nuanced character.

🥷 Operative 🌊 Loyalty

Connie Sachs

Connie Sachs is a former intelligence analyst whose intuition and insights are dismissed by her contemporaries. Her strong convictions about the presence of a mole display her intelligence and depth of understanding within the intelligence community. Despite her unjust termination, she remains a key figure in Smiley's investigation.

🧠 Insightful ❌ Disregarded

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

Major Themes – Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Explore the central themes of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme in 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,' manifesting through relationships and allegiances among characters. The revelation of a mole within British Intelligence underscores the fragility of trust in high-stakes environments. Smiley’s personal betrayal by Haydon adds emotional depth to the narrative, showcasing the deeply personal costs of espionage.

🔍 Secrets

The film is permeated with secrets, both personal and professional, revealing how information can be manipulated. Characters engage in a constant search for truth amid layers of deception. The struggle to uncover the mole reflects the pervasive atmosphere of mistrust and hidden agendas in the world of intelligence.

⚖️ Morality

Morality plays a crucial role as characters navigate a murky world of right and wrong. Smiley and Control grapple with the ethical implications of their actions while carrying out their duties. The sacrifices made by characters for the sake of national security call into question the moral compromises inherent in espionage.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

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