Innovative camera positioning and John Barry's simmering music score really do highlight this low-key, but stylish British espionage thriller. The film's alluring instrumental music theme, has got to be one of my favourite cues by Barry. As for the story, it's rather grounded in its mundane reality of shifty characters, calculative murder plots and double-crossings, where more time is spent behind the desk, within briefings and at informative meet-ups. The real flash is indeed brought upon by director's stylised handling (with camera-work that makes you feel like you're part of the action) over anything truly exciting in the plot. Still, the dialogues pack bite and there's enough going on behind the scenes which kept me engaged throughout, and the cast really do make it happen. Michael Caine shows up - dry wit, sharply dressed and an ace in the kitchen. He snugly fits the unassuming spy role which they're going for here. There's also nice support by Nigel Green and Guy Doleman.
Review of The Ipcress File
