Eye of the Needle (1981)

 

Ah. A spy-story with roots in WW2 starring Donald Sutherland. Now this should be a treat.

There is no guesswork necessary as, after a deceptively slow start, Sutherland as "The Needle" very callously disposes of his landlady, thus exposing himself as ze German agent. Moments thereafter, another character, played by Christopfer Cazenove, drives off the road, losing the use of his legs as a result. So much for a slow start.

Director Richard Marquand is very meticulously building the feeling that our allied friends are closing in on The Needle. First by random chance, later by increased effort.  

The flow of the film is at times rather slow, as older spy-movies tend to be, portraying the patience good agents must employ. I rather like authenticity and Ken Follett's script surely provides a fine basis in that regard. It adds to the realism that all of Sutherland's kills are most quiet and efficient. 

Another thing that tends to be true for older films, the plot is quite clever. Which is the case for this film as well, though it loses itself in that respect after about an hour.

Sutherland is delectable as always. A quiet, cautious and frighteningly calm character when amongst those who know his true mission, and a jovial, friendly and chatty man when interacting with the general public. Shifting in a heartbeat if necessary. Smart move by the director as it adds tension even to the most friendly of dialogues and warmest of smiles. 

About halfway in, the film changes from a classic spy-thriller to more of a psychological thriller. This development allows Sutherland to revel even further, as his interactions with Kate Nelligan are exquisite down to the finest detail, as The Needle takes full advantage of the lonely and depressed housewife with the bitter and loveless husband (aforementioned Cazenove).

So the plot is great, though underused, the tension is superb most of the time and the acting is wonderful. My problem is with the script as a whole. The film doesn't seem to quite know what it is trying to be, as the ending undermines the plot and buildup. 

Still, there are more than enough qualities here to make it worthwhile.

7/10