The Ipcress File
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Movie Reviews of The Ipcress File
Movie Review: I'll have the Chateuneuf des Papes and the firing pin for a Beretta, please
Summary: 5 Stars
10 years before Sidney Pollack's extraordinary "Three Days of the Condor," "The Ipcress File" was released. We saw for the first time the master-servant relationship between the handlers and the operatives in the spy world. And it wasn't very pretty.
Our belief then was that the Soviets were evil and tried to pass among us as if they were 'normal,' bringing their denomic philosophy.' And James, well Bond was Mr. Cool. Girls just jumping out of their bathing suits and couldn't keep their hands off him. Remember him getting out of that skin tight wet suit wearing an Austin Reed white dinner jacket? And carnation?
But Michael Caine in his second starring role was like us. He was normal. And he was a spy!
I think that Harry Palmer was the first movie to raise the question that maybe we did the same things as the Russians. Maybe we kept "normal" guys and forced them into a harsh life and harm's way.
Caine of course was to go on to more and more greatness. This is his prime though, and he's brilliant. Who needed Bond? He was just 'Valley of the Dolls' with a lot of gizmos. The fact was, Caine was real. 5 stars for Caine and Len Deighton's character Harry Palmer. Larry Scantlebury
Movie Review: Simply the best '60s spy film
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the spy game at its core: Nasty, dull footwork with the occasional killing or double-cross, where life is cheap and wages are low. Michael Caine takes the character from Len Deighton's novels -- a middle-class [wise-guy] who uses his wits more times than his gun -- and nails it perfectly. It also keeps you guessing until the end, which is better than 95% of the stuff now running at local theatres. The DVD is great in showing the wide-screen version; the shot composition by director Sidney J. Furie is absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, Furie's problems with the producer (Furie was fired after finishing the film shoot) must still cloud his thinking, because his commentary track banks heavily on negative comments. Film editor Peter Hunt's comments, meanwhile, provide plenty of good inside tales about the film. (He also manages to prod Furie into some of his better moments.)Purists may argue that "The Spy Who Came In From The Cold" is a bit more-realistic. "The Ipcress File," though, is entertaining -- and an excellent example of transferring a film to DVD.
Movie Review: Wonderful- dry and low-key. Michael Caine's first lead role
Summary: 5 Stars
Exciting, grimy and witty, this is the first and best of the trio of Len Deighton novels about the Harry Palmer character [in the novels, the character has no name, written in the first person]. Michael Caine is perfectly cast in the role. He plays a deceptively understated and devious agent for the bureaucratic British Secret Service, having accepted the job reluctantly to avoid going to jail, following some dodgy dealings whilst in the Army. Following the disappearance of several top scientists, Palmer is sent to another department to investigate, having replaced a previously assassinated agent. There is, however, more than meets the eye, and the true motives of Palmer's posting keeps you guessing up to the conclusion of the film. Very well acted and shot, it is the complete antithesis of all that is James Bond- and all the more attractive and realistic for it. John Barry wrote the music, which adds a chilling atmosphere throughout. A great depiction of not- so- swinging 60's London. Highly recommended.Movie Review: Surly Spy Harry Palmer Reels Them In With Class!
Summary: 5 Stars
Len Deighton's classic spy novel comes to life with Michael Caine as the insubordinate, kitchen savvy, smart-alec, Harry Palmer - every supervisor's nightmare. Yet, when he comes face-to-face with a clever enemy that is attempting to eradicate the scientific braintrust of Great Britain through mind-altering deprivation techniques, Palmer is in his element. With class character-actors like Nigel Green and Guy Doleman as competing superiors, and with Sue Lloyd as the beautiful love interest, Palmer scours wonderful London locations to the exciting beat of John Barry's magnificent score.
I can't possibly throw enough superlatives at what I believe is the best spy movie ever made. The tedious surveillance scenes ring true with me and the classic organizational in-fighting (that's generally overlooked in similar films) brings a realism that is enhanced by Michael Caine's terrific portrayal. This is worth every moment of your time.
Movie Review: Great spy character development.
Summary: 5 Stars
Michael Caine was a shoe in for the part of Harry Palmer the cockney protagonist in this spy story. He was born and raised in East London, a rough district. Palmer's beat however is more in the West end, and the mood of the city is captured well on film. It's significant how much can be accomplished with a good story, excellent character development and appropriate props and location. This was not an expensive film to make (vis a vis Bond 007), unless the cost of printing it in widescreen and color is considered expensive. The part of Major Dalby "a passed over major" working for the Home Office is done superbly by Nigel Green. He is Parmer's 2nd boss, after he is transfered by his 1st boss Colonel Ross. The trio are a right bunch to track down spys, and in the inimitable British way of understated action, accomplish a hell of a lot through old fashioned intelligence!