MovieChat Forums > A Perfect Spy (1987) Discussion > The end

The end

posted 13 years ago by fanaticita
5 replies | jump to latest

I just finished A Perfect Spy and I have to say I was on the edge of my seat for the last half hour, thinking, NO! he's not going to . . . . . .!!!!"

This series was just amazing -the very best. I tried to analyze Pym again, and yes, he did some terrible things, and he knew he did, and kept doing them anyway. But I STILL couldn't think of him as a "bad" person. He was like a slave to "Poppy" in a way, but why? Pym was a strong person, he had to have been to be able to do all he did over a period of 30 years. Still. . . . what a complex person!

John Le Carre -what a writer!!! I loved this dvd, and now I want to read the book.

[–] youngian67 12 years ago

I too have just finished it last night. I intened to peak at the first episode to pass some time. I went to bed at 2.00am.

Not as plot heavy as the Smiley adaptations, but as a character study is was utterly compelling.

Among his many motivations for betrayel it was never the obvious one- he was closet communist. In fact it was the opposite, to further his ambitions to enjoy the full fruits of capitalism in Pam Springs. Even that was a small part of his motivation which was always changing.

Originally his betrayel was jsut a mutual with Axel to further each others career with a hint of idealism. That on its own was a fascinating premise but it wasn't even half the story.

Utterly compelling and a very special piece of drama.

[–] mdgross50 12 years ago

Me, three. Turning in at some un-Godly hour because I had to see this one through. Damn near fell out of my chair.

[–] benth04 12 years ago

he did some terrible things, and he knew he did, and kept doing them anyway. But I STILL couldn't think of him as a "bad" person. He was like a slave to "Poppy" in a way, but why? Pym was a strong person, he had to have been to be able to do all he did over a period of 30 years. Still. . . . what a complex person!

Well, in a way Pym is not very complicated. He's born and grown up up a cheater. And even if he is almost beaten by his father - he is the best.
Both Pym and his father cheats until their very last breaths. And when Pym is unmasked his life is in a way fulfilled.
Both Magnus and Rick are very charming persons - cheaters at any level can't do their business without charming the people they cheat. And the victims often feel honoured!
That's why Jack Brotherhood reacts so savagely when it occurs to him that his best sholar has fooled him for a lifetime. And his reaction is as consistent and ruthless as George Smiley's in other le Carré novels/films.
Pym is not complicated from 'his own side of the street'. But he is very complicated for those who have to 'unlock' him!

[–] thelastfaceyouwillsee 9 years ago

!!! SPOILERS !!!

The ending - Magnus's preparations for suicide as the police as MI5 close in on the boarding house - really gives me goosebumps. That whole business of setting his things just right them stripping off and putting on his robe before getting in the bath. It's so deliberate, grim and desperate.

You never know them all.

[–] pshu4 9 years ago

I couldn't help but dislike Pym's manipulative behavior around women. Even his American "friend" mentioned he made a blatant pass at his wife when his "friend" was present.

Sure, Pym has emotional issues, but he seems fully aware of the fact his behavior is selfish and will hurt others deeply in the future.