The Russia House

The Russia House

source: The Russia House

This is a thoroughly enjoyable movie, With adventure and romance but grounded in the cynical world view (some might've call it realism) that has always distinguished LeCarre from other writers. .

Most parts leave their (ambivalent) conclusions to the viewer, it might seem too slow if you don't take your time to do so. Like the book, it demands some understanding of cold war dynamics, if you didn't experience it first hand. Same goes for the UdSSR in its last days. The more you remember, the better it gets. There is no personified villain, don't expect field agents jumping around in action scenes, no gun fire, no explosion. Talking, sitting, walking, drinking, professionalism and respect on all sides, it's closer to the real deal. Outstanding performances, beautiful pictures and a remarkable Jazz soundtrack (symbolizing anarchy and deconstruction) complete the package.

Saw this when it came out in the theaters and years later bought it on DVD. I'm convinced that it was re-cut and edited to be more romantic on the DVD version. I don't think it was as full of music (which is truly remarkable - Branford Marsalis is right up there with the great saxophonists) or had such a sappy ending (I think) when it was first released. There's some great acting in it, particularly by Roy Scheider on the CIA side, as well as James Fox and Michael Kitchen on the British side. But most especially by Klaus Maria Brandauer. He stands up well to Sean Connery. Hated Ken Russel. Don't like his movies much and hated his acting. So, does anyone know if this was re-cut for DVD release?

This is one of my favorite films. A "thinking-man's" suspense film, it contains performances by Sean Connery and Michelle Pfeiffer that are among their best. The plot has many interesting twists and there is fine character development.

This is a treat for Connery fans who may want to see him in a movie where he's not always about to be blown off the face of the Earth. In this movie, he has a pivotal role working for British Intelligence, but there aren't any explosions and whatnot. It's thrilling and exciting in the way of an espionage thriller. The romance between his character, Barley, and the Russian go-between, Katya, is earnestly portrayed by both Connery and Pfeiffer. The supporting cast do a good job in creating a suspenseful atmosphere. Important to listen, as there aren't many visual effects to tell the story.

Is it just me or does Sean Connery have a good track record for making uninteresting movies, particularly where he's the main character? This is much like "Cuba", another bore from him from over a decade earlier. The only movie by him I really liked was the Hitchcock film "Marnie" and he wasn't the central character in that. Watch him as James Bond, though he's far from the best Bond, in my opinion, and his Sixties' Bond is rather tepid compared to the later ones, including Roger Moore. Don't get me started on other stinkers from him, like "Outland", "The Name of the Rose", "The Offence", "The Hunt for Red October", "The Man who would be King", "Rising Sun", "The Molly Maguires", "Wrong is Right"...

I loved this movie based on Carrès book. Connery and Pfeiffer interact great and persuasive. The music-content and music-scenes makes it a ten-score. Touching, true, intelligent and sensitive. Some politics, some anarchism, some concerts, some spying, some history and some romance. Perfect! The filming of Russia is stunning and real. The people, buildings and weather sums it all up. Katjas uncle and children...it is all so real and convincing. Growing up love, Russia and US fall in love, integrity and affection for each other: In the middle of a huge plot between Dante and American investigators who wants to sell "a Picasso" to Mr. Publisher Barley. But Mr. Barleys "Picasso" is not for sale...The man's got integrity and to the American investigators anger, anarchistic tendencies. Except for one of them, who actually want to help Mr. Barley. Pretty sympathetic for an American to be...

Sean Connery as well as the entire cast performed effectively to define a man (Barley Scott Blair) who's life was essentially empty until he became a "Good Man" to a mysterious Russian author. Was Barley and Katia an unlikely match? Most likely under ordinary circumstances. But when all the best plans of the men in grey suits began to fall apart, Barley's unselfish and risky rescue of Katia, her children and her Uncle became one of the most endearing romances I have ever seen. Watching the movie, I couldn't help but envy him, that's what movies are for, but then I wonder could I have matched his courage.