I came across this particular interview with John Le Carre by chance, where he discusses the making of "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold," makes a few references to his novel of the same name. I was fascinated by everything Le Carre said, his being a natural raconteur. He doesn't shy away from discussing some of the things that occur within the film industry and on this particular film set: the difficulties he and director Martin Ritt had with leading actor Richard Burton, the general paraphernalia that goes with being around a film star etc. I can imagine the writer's frustration at being used as a peace negotiator between actor and director, being flown all the way to Ireland where filming took place and all because Burton wasn't happy with his dialogue and wanted it rewritten! I saw this as an example of a once promising actor, merely exploiting his own star status (whatever that is worth) and not being stimulated enough to make the effort to actually act. There are other things that the writer discusses during the interview but I won't say what they are. John Le Carre himself, comes across as an elegant, highly intelligent and insightful individual and not without a sense of humour. I enjoy listening to people who have a similar command of the English language, compared to the way our language has become something of a joke in the modern world.
Don't miss out on seeing this interview!
