Martin Ritt's "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold", based on the classic John le Carré novel of the same name, was released only a few years after Ian Fleming's creation James Bond first hit the big screen. This is an entirely different affair, though, showing spies and espionage in a much different light.
The film is relentlessly downbeat and has none of the light entertainment of James Bond. In fact, to me, it seems that the film may have tried too hard to consciously distance itself from James Bond's escapades. The plot can be convoluted at times, especially since we only learn what the operation is all about as it's being put into effect. Also, because the film is so unremittingly gloomy I found it a rather lifeless affair until about the final quarter of the film.
Richard Burton shoulders most of the acting load and doesn't do a bad job. However, I find it a little difficult to engender much feeling for his dour character, particularly since almost all of his actions are part of an act. Claire Bloom holds more appeal as Burton's naive love interest while Oskar Werner delivers the film's best performance as an ambitious Communist agent.
Martin Ritt's direction is well-handled and shows some interesting touches at times. The stark black-and-white cinematography is also worthy of note. The score is pretty forgettable, though.
One of the film's taglines was "Brace Yourself for Greatness". I would say "Brace Yourself for Bleakness". The film is certainly not bad but its pessimistic approach will not appeal to all.
The film is relentlessly downbeat and has none of the light entertainment of James Bond. In fact, to me, it seems that the film may have tried too hard to consciously distance itself from James Bond's escapades. The plot can be convoluted at times, especially since we only learn what the operation is all about as it's being put into effect. Also, because the film is so unremittingly gloomy I found it a rather lifeless affair until about the final quarter of the film.
Richard Burton shoulders most of the acting load and doesn't do a bad job. However, I find it a little difficult to engender much feeling for his dour character, particularly since almost all of his actions are part of an act. Claire Bloom holds more appeal as Burton's naive love interest while Oskar Werner delivers the film's best performance as an ambitious Communist agent.
Martin Ritt's direction is well-handled and shows some interesting touches at times. The stark black-and-white cinematography is also worthy of note. The score is pretty forgettable, though.
One of the film's taglines was "Brace Yourself for Greatness". I would say "Brace Yourself for Bleakness". The film is certainly not bad but its pessimistic approach will not appeal to all.