The Spy Who Came In from the Cold (1965)

The Spy Who Came In from the Cold
Directed by Martin Ritt
Written by Paul Dehn and Guy Trosper from the novel by John Le Carre
1965/UK
Salem Films Limited
Repeat viewing/Netflix rental

[box] Control:  You know, I’d say, uh… since the war, our methods – our techniques, that is – and those of the Communists, have become very much the same. Yes. I mean, occasionally… we have to do wicked things. Very wicked things, indeed. But, uh, you can’t be less wicked than your enemies simply because your government’s policy is benevolent, can you?[/box]

Possibly the saddest spy movie ever made.  Also one of the best.

Alec Leamas (Richard Burton) has been head of British Intelligence in Berlin for several years. An agent he was trying to protect is slain crossing the border into West Berlin.  Alec figures it is time for him to return to London.  This he does but Control has further use for him in East Berlin.

Alec creates an elaborate back story as a former spy who has been abandoned by his employers and is ripe for defection.  He drinks heavily in his part.  What no one counts on is Nan Perry (Claire Bloom).  She is an idealistic Communist and rapidly falls in love with Alec.  Both will be pawns in a convoluted game.  With Oskar Werner as an East German.

Martin Ritt brilliantly captures the bleak cynicism and empty world view of men who have come to believe that the end justifies the means.  I like this one a lot but it’s nothing to watch when you need to cheer up!

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold was nominated for Academy Awards in the categories of Best Actor and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black-and-White.  I can’t understand why Oswald Morris’s cinematography did not also get a nod.