Harry Palmer - Il caso Ipcress

I didn't believe my ears when I heard that ITV were going to make this into a six part series, my hopes weren't high, hence why I'm so late to The Party. I'm always happy to eat humble pie, I was very wrong not to watch this, it's a cracking series.

It's of course very hard not to make comparisons between this and the film, both are very different beasts, let's just deal with this on its own merits.

The six part format allows the story to really develop, and whilst a few liberties are taken, the essence is there.

It's fast paced, it's dramatic, it's well acted, it looks divine. I think the cinematography is the best element, if like me you love shows from the 60's and 70's, you'll love how it looks, the camera angles and shots, the cars and fashions, it's decadent.

Prepare for car chases, brain washing, shootouts, it was like stepping back in time.

Acting, very strong, Cole and Boynton are great, and both play it as though from the time, really impressed with Tom Hollander and Ashley Thomas, excellent also.

On this basis, please ITV get some more novels adapted.

Very good 8/10.

While some may be overly critical of this show by comparing it to the classic 1965 movie, I think this show can stand on its own. I loved the "vintage" cinematic look they achieved. They could have done something atrocious as many remakes do, of "re-imagining" to the modern era (and they certainly could have--the cold war is back). As this show sets out to be a very different animal than the earlier classic, there's no need to compare.

The story moves quickly and smoothly, though it meanders a bit in the middle episodes to establish a second arc. But very little is wasted; no unnecessary side arcs, no eyerolling overtures to politically correctness or woke agenda. It stays laser-focused on telling the story.

The acting is very good if not excellent. Cole doesn't fit the stereotype British agent, but he makes it work, though he deadpans most scenes. Boynton is well cast as a beautiful but cold and bitter agent who warms up to Palmer in a believable way, and really carries the show. Hollander gives an excellent performance, as well, as a pragmatic veteran spook who finds himself trapped by his past.

I'm not sure if they will fabricate a second series, but this first one can stand alone very nicely.

ITV have done a good job on Len Deighton's cold war thriller. Lots of fun period detail: beehives, Ford Zodiacs, Routemasters, Sten guns, etc and we even get Michael Caine's glasses for good measure. Joe Cole is a very decent Harry Palmer, and the whole thing is held together by the always watchable Tom Hollander as Dalby. Enjoyable!

The Ipcress File is quite enjoyable. In a classic style of way. One way is the fact is that it doesn't have the necessary action, booms and bangs that current movies have. More cerebral and dialogue driven. Multiple homages to the original movie and Michael Caine. Yet there are moments that "drag" on a tad too much.

The style of shooting of the "Dutch tilt" is effective and relevant for particular suspense moments. Unfortunately it is over used, and not necessarily required in literally 90% of the show.

Acting from the main cast is realistic and well portrayed for the relevant time / era.

Always enjoyable to see Tom Hollander excel as usual.

I think the reviews here are overly negative.

Sure, we all like to stand up for old movies with actors like Michael Cain and proudly announce how superior that is to anything that's new. This is also the people that think vinyl is superior due to the warmer sound....

I thought this show was pretty entertaining. Sure, it has its flaws - it struggles to find its place in comedy, drama and thriller - but does it have to be one thing?

And sure the angled camera shots gets REALLY old already half-way through episode one - but, I just felt that it added to the whole 'cartoonish' take on the story. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It has some fun with the source material.

I for one rather enjoyed the ride.