I saw this last night, and I thank you for the heads-up about subtle things that might seem insignificant. I found myself making mental notes about little things that seemed to be highlighted for no apparent reason. Later on something would be said and I'd immediately understand what the purpose of these small cues was.

I am a bit confused as to who "Karlov" is; I thought at the beginning he was head of the circus until Percy staged the overthrow of sorts. After than point, the character seems to disappear from the story, but the name persists heavily.

Also, am I correct that the culprit and Jim were old friends? I couldn't quite tell if it was them in the photo together.

The person you're referring to as "Karlov" is actually "Karla". He's the one Smiley talking about having met in when he was having a drink with his colleague. The film is based off the first book in a trilogy. During that entire series Karla is never seen or dealt with directly until the last few pages of the last book. He's Smiley's unseen equal opposite.

The other two you were referring to are indeed old friends. In the book it's implied they were lovers in the past. In the film, no mention is made, but... do you remember the party flashback towards the end of the film where they smile? Kind of colors the scene that came after with those two doesn't it? Of course, that wasn't the only reason for what happened to.. well.. happen.

Oddly enough, the one character clearly identified as homosexual in the film is in fact straight in the book. The filmmakers made the switch to emphasize the theme of secrets, weaknesses and manipulation.

I was given a DVD set of the tv series this is based on for Christmas. It's got Alec Guinness in it, but I'm not sure I've got time to watch it.

It's more in-depth, for sure. It's been said that making the movie was like cramming an elephant into a teacup.

>>320

Damn.