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Movie: The Vault

I liked the image thing with Drake, how is seen to some as a hero in England but basically a pirate in Spain.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 7:05 PM on August 10, 2021

Flint Town: Welcome to Flint Town

Having lived in Flint for many years, I see parts of myself in this series. perhaps I'm biased but the show is outstanding. I know quite a few folks in this show and the policing style is unlike anything I have experienced. I remember hearing about camera crew's in flint and lived there during the filming of the show. What struck me was the timbre of the filming, twilight skies, night scences, elements of what is terrifyingly beautiful in flint.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 1:57 PM on April 3, 2018

The X-Files: Babylon

I'm inventing a film term. The blue eye fishcrane guilt shot.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 3:48 AM on February 25, 2016

Elementary: A Study in Charlotte

I'm thinking, Mr. Hudson.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 7:55 PM on February 19, 2016

Elementary: Down Where the Dead Delight

I watched it twice as Joan is fascinating and brillant in her own character, but her comment about "race you to the bottom" is on par with the protective nature of Watson towards Holmes. In the Doyle Canon, Watson dislikes committing crime even for moral balance. But we are not really talking morals anymore but ethics. Doyle's Watson does burgle and bend the truth but for ethically the right reasons. But when Doyle's Watson is confronted with similar ethical dilemmas, he rises to a… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 5:28 PM on February 8, 2016

Empire: True Love Never

I rewound that scene 3 times. I believe it was her partner. She clearly seems to be getting tired of holding the Deal together. I thought she may have refered to a business take over by the line " it won't take much longer" or to that effect.
Luscious just controls and bullies then apologizes then has a flashback and leaves to record.
Mimi is a fascinating character and is played wonderfully.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 1:26 PM on November 12, 2015

Deutschland 83: Bold Guard

Had not heard of this show, thanks.

If you do decide to do a post on AA, please get the facts straight. For example, operation RYAN and why on November 6, did Moscow centre send the London Residency a checklist of indicators for a suprise attack culled from thier own plans.

These idiots damn near launched a nuke using their own plan!
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 7:46 PM on July 30, 2015

Smiley's People: Part 2

"Die Blau Diamand" or The Blue Diamond.
Interesting note, sir Alec gave himself a hernia filiming the smokes on the Heath scene. It wasn't luck but tradecraft. He retraced the generals steps and figured why he sidestepped. He knew the General was a big smoker and no smokes at the crime scene. George also deduced the carton was recently opened from the flat examination giving him further cause as to investigate.
Sampson with a P.… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 6:51 PM on April 17, 2015

Why do you suppose they did that? Poor Bobby. Kill the dog but leave the loose cash and other clues?
I suppose it could have been window dressing.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 2:48 AM on April 18, 2015

Yeah, a yapping dog being hauled to the firescape would not make that much noise. This suggests amateurs.

"I'm sure George knew what he was looking for when he returned to Hampstead Heath."

Incredible luck that.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 10:14 AM on April 18, 2015

he hadn't found the Gauloises the next four episodes

Would most likley have him chase down the "La Blau Diamond" led.

The expression on George's face when he finds the photo envelope says it all; "This is to easy".
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 8:39 PM on April 18, 2015

When George develops the film, what does he see that convinces him that this is the proof he seeks. We see Kirov in the photo. Proof of what, that Kirov can be blackmailed? Kirov Leds to KARLA? Why is this photo damaging enough to hide from dozzy Lacon. Was this the generals idea, to blackmail Kirov? The flashback scene affirms something in George but seems elusive to the audience.

As to the generals flat. The hit team on the Heath were pros, that umbrella says it all… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 9:39 PM on April 18, 2015

"was wondering what the book had to say about the search of the General’s flat, etc., and, in the highly unofficial-looking PDF e-book edition of it I downloaded ea..."

So this is why books are not brought into some "discussions".
You folks don't even know the two proofs for sure? Kay then.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 7:42 AM on April 19, 2015

Smiley's People: Part 1

I loved how yellow chalk and missing ciggerettes led Smiley to his initial reaction, KARLA. Lacon warning him off. Stricklands thumbing his tumbler while balancing the phone line to Sir Saul. (my fav character actor in this opus) the Vodka in the safe house raised questions about acquisition. The more pertinent question is the ciggerettes, they were fresh and harder to obtain. The death of the generals dog "bob chek" or bobby disturbed me in the routine and brute nature like the… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 5:52 PM on April 13, 2015

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy: Part 6 - Smiley Sets a Trap

Having viewed the proper episode, (what were we missing) What is a "Ju-Ju man" that Jimbo refers to concerning Prideaux.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 6:45 PM on March 26, 2015

"It's hard to imagine this chap getting involved in a gunfight in the Cambodian jungle"

The book seems good, to bad it won't be produced for a movie if it's an Oldman vechile, as there was no Jerry. But having not read the book (saving it for prison), I cannot draw a comparison.
This is honest Jerry. Being drunk is almost an asset for Jerry. He wrote Smiley concerning Toby's strange reaction and George burns it. Plus, he doesn't wince when Jer… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 9:35 PM on March 26, 2015

"He really lines this one up, and I think he goes to all the effort to sweat Tobe just because Jerry let slip that the ol' rum chap had been telling stories about his wife."

So George is getting revenge against some cheap hood for making cracks at his wife? Will George use Toby again? Or Jerry? Hmmm. The "rum chap" comment is in reference to your fork and spoon/ hugger- mugger eyebrows conversation. He is playing along with George. Jerry knows the… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 4:40 PM on March 27, 2015

Jerry is the cheap hood which referenced in the previous episode which George related "not going to go weak in the knees because some cheap hood made a..."

Whatever made you think Tobe was sleeping with Anne? I assume we cannot reference books or other movies to build the character yes?
Apologies for throwing loose jargon around, it can be confusing. Yes, Jerry did toss out Anne real quick and Jerry relates something non-specfic concerning hence… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 6:30 AM on March 28, 2015

with "....... rot out here in your drunk, Jerry" and takes his leave.

film index for this line because I don't recall that.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 6:40 AM on March 28, 2015

Yes, I concede, after re watching that exchange towards the end, George rolls his eyes up at Jerry but is that the dog whistle or Jerry trying to tattle on Tobe for talking about Bills fling with Anne. Either way, Jerry does have an idea something is up after all the subject matter was Tobes odd behavior concerning the Czech story and the subsequent burnt letter. So Jerry knows something's up. "Rum chap"
But good says George, hinting to Jerry that Tobe is not the problem.… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 6:54 AM on March 28, 2015

I just pondered.
"Did Toby sleep with Anne?"

As in "The Circus Turns".

You hit it, it's George's 'thing' but he knows that Anne does this and it is accepted to some degree. When George suspects Bill, at some point, he uses that against George in Bills 'interview', with a Callo no less.
What George sees is that others use that for his weakness which it is but less so then anyone… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 9:42 AM on March 28, 2015

"Yet another thing that I caught in this watch that I hadn't pieced together before is that Toby feels someone behind him when he goes to meet Peter about a Polish fur trader, he's got a long, searching look over his shoulder before the door opens. Then George is suspicious and sees a 'shadow' (quite confident that it's not Toby's man, I think George already suspects who it is). Peter's feeling it too, there's one man back there but they can't quite put eyeballs on him. And it's confirmed… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 10:02 AM on March 28, 2015

Well, perhaps even KARLA does not want Bill, so if he is watching, he is doing just that and letting the chips fall... Could this be KARLAs undoing?

I think your hunch about George aware of someone, most likely Jim, and he being mum makes sense. But that would revel a part of George that is the old cold George. If he is thinking ahead, he knows what Prideaux will do. It seems a big risk, breaking the rules but he is dealing with KARLA.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 5:17 PM on March 28, 2015

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy: Part 5 - Tinker Tailor

"Oh, the safe houses I have known"
Best forshadowing. Good synopsis. The sticking point is that Jim is supposed to have full anonymity concerning his relocation. Jim knows nothing and likes it. This version has Mendel appear but the book and new movie have George just showing up.
Jim is the key to George's hunch of Bill being the baddy due to their close past. (1937 in the novel)
So it's carful treading because Jim initially thinks George is still… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 12:24 AM on March 21, 2015

"a big key to getting him to talk about Operation Testify. "

Agreed, but I think it would be confusing to enter the books plot thus the key is for George to ascertain the part of the craft most dangerous, a cold, possible hostile contact that if discovered could get them both killed. This is that understanding that George and Jim dance with ala the neck comment.
"Dame Ya gorge".
Once they understand Lacon and Co. Are at the… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 4:02 PM on March 21, 2015

"At least when Prideaux is retching we finally get a logical reason for lighting a cigarette. That may be the only time it's not excessive, seemingly pointless tobacco-burning in the whole series."

you little scalp hunter. Was just thinking that.
That scence is key and shot with cinematic genius. A quick cut before we seem him inhale.
Empathy
Goerge being George
Routine
Predictable
Logic versus extractions guilt.
Cut.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 4:08 PM on March 21, 2015

Oh that's the genius, the match barely strikes and cut. It's the motion he goes through to distract from His own emotions
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 2:18 PM on March 22, 2015

That lighter damn near cost the whole lot.
George's lighter from Anne pinched by KARLA in 1955. Why did he let Karla take it. Was he hot, the weather not the lighter but likely...
The lighter is not KARLAs ticket to the top of the special sauce bureau no, it's a sovengher si sp.
Karla already had bill in his pocket by 55' so he wasn't returning to the cellar basement, he was coming in from the cold to take over with the help of George's lighter after all who… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 9:27 PM on March 22, 2015

and to see them more precisely.
posted by sobarel

Yes, I think sir Alec knew this hence his stare at the line "...on the wanted list" to Tarr in Ep. 1.

'A comparative George'
would make a neat project.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 9:34 PM on March 22, 2015

Gassman taking the lighter was George's own mistake by volition.
KARLA was not active yet but what did the lighter do, reactivate bill because HERE is smileys lighteryoubozrembergeorge?Gassmans flummoxed boss is replaced. Seems the likely route.

But why show it to Prideaux? To shut him up/ confuse and mis-direct him most likely.
It's george it's control its bland or Bill but certainly not Tobe.
But Jim evading reference to bill (I… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 3:40 AM on March 24, 2015

EP. 5, scene index 4: "Pub Tales". George "runs into" Jerry and gets the czechko bar story which he reported to tobe-one after Jers' Budapest drop. Jerry is not in episode 6. The end of Ep.5 is the interrogation of Toby who's voice once again modulated towards the right pitch of snob with a slight Hungarian "dwroll" that sounds like slight lisp. Toby folds after George's "thesis". "5, Lock-Gardens, Camden Town" The Polyakov circle, like a… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 11:53 PM on March 24, 2015

"George Smiley conducts two interviews, first with old hand Sam Collins, the duty officer on the night Jim Prideaux was shot"

This incident took place in episode 4, scene 6. at the CHC which Sam runs.
Are you using the US 6 episode version or the BBC 7 episode version?

Jerry Westerby: Rum chap, Toby Esterhase.
George Smiley: But good.
Jerry Westerby: God, brilliant! First-rate chap! But rum.… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 12:45 AM on March 25, 2015

Ah, sorry for crossover, no intended spoilers.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 3:29 PM on March 25, 2015

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy: How It All Fits Together

George never seems to get a decent meal. Poor George.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 10:25 PM on March 20, 2015

"A man with message and cleft stick does reach Brixton does he?"

Probably the best Percy quip. Very elite in both class and work structure.
Brixton/ Vauxhall. 6 has a sence of humour.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 11:46 PM on March 20, 2015

Quite.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 9:27 AM on March 22, 2015

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy: Part 1

After some preliminary searches, did not know a BBC version existed, has anyone seen it. I was raised on PBS version, when we had to wait, and Acorns' wonderful copy. Yeah, time jumping does not usually work. Digress: I like the cinematic license used. It encompasses what keeps every screen writer going: FADE IN.
Here is genius of comedic proportion, absurdity and character development in under a few minutes. Ventriloquistic yet robotistic Toby. Bland as Bland. Percy loomingly… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 9:44 PM on March 21, 2015

I cannot place Roddy in the schematic other then plot device. Roddy is a tool's tool. Can't place him other then sanctioned gossip.

"Who's the clever boots"
Percy puppet/ nag/ jebedee/red brikANNE/oh dam

I like that the movie used the shim.
A shim spotted is not easily replaced.
Which is an askme.
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 9:49 PM on March 21, 2015

Retract the shim. (SP)
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 9:25 AM on March 22, 2015

Backstrom: Dragon Slayer

i like how the writers are using retro cognition as his trick. The last scene with the doctor was excellent. The isolation and failed moral character is given. It's about ethics and his gift for truth. His disposition towards self destruction is similar to Holmes in as it relies on solving crime, doing good in a nililistic world. The trials of redemption are what BS seems to convey. The scene were he shoots himself and the perp is dark humor but it played out rather common place. The show has a… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 8:38 PM on February 2, 2015

”It would still have made more sense to boil the bastard down to make glue, Bäckström thought. For in spite of his many failings and shortcomings, he was still a man with a strong sense of basic justice.”

"I'm a bit annoyed, since Leif Persson is an interesting person and (from all accounts I've heard) a really engaging crime writer. It feels like a lot is lost in translation here."
posted by koeselitz

Really, lost in… [more]
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 11:47 PM on February 4, 2015

Sleepy Hollow: Magnum Opus

And Templars!
posted to FanFare by clavdivs at 1:48 AM on November 27, 2014