Dont let me stop you!

You dont need to be nostalgic about a sherbet fountain because its exactly as it was.

There are still Curly Wurlys arent there?

Or are they gone?

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Well I think its pretty easy…

I think what attracted you?

but you know its true.

I mean just the idea of doing it seemed very cool to me.

Did you come on board fairly late then, if there were already lots of actors attached?

Actually Gary wasnt, I dont think.

I dont know who was attached, actually.

What was your knowledge ofTinker, Tailorbook-wise and TV-wise beforehand?

I hadnt read it, I dont think.

I have endlessly now.

I had seen the series but Im not sure if I ever watched it at the time in sequence.

I remember it being in the air, I remember my father talking about it.

Ive seen it now.

No, I think this was the one they had me in mind for.

Hes got a little glint in his eye hasnt he?

I think he has, yeah, I mean I think he enjoys life.

Hes also vain, he cultivates certain eccentricities, its part of his vanity.

Hes sexually active, lets say, very active.

I think thats what the film is very much about.

I think to me its a very moving, rather tender portrait of lonely men, disappointed idealists.

I think thats what its about.

What kind of spy do you think youd make?

Now, Ive seen John Hurt on the subject.

Id have to echo him, that I think Id be crap, really.

I dont want to pointlessly spoil the ending for people who dont know it.

Those are the questions Smiley asks, and John le Carre doesnt really answer them.

Those questions are very much alive, as I remember they go on for a couple of pages.

I think they can be personally driven, they can be altruistic and narcissistic at the same time.

Do you have a similar motive for wanting to be an actor?

I think that even at best, we are driven by something thats not entirely self-serving.

Im quite comfortable with the idea of mixed motives.

I think the sense of disappointment and betrayal has been around for quite a long time.

I think there is a view that people were more naive and accepting about their leaders…

So I think its ongoing, and I think it always feels current it always feels at its worst.

Can I ask about playing a character that is so fully formed in an ensemble like this one?

But the thrill of being part of an ensemble?

Its something I realised at drama school.

Theres more authenticity in the room.

I mean, it doesnt get much better than this, frankly.

I mean, these people would be on my list.

When you were on set, did you feel there was much room to deviate from the script?

Not much to-ing and fro-ing, not really.

You feel you could go into those peoples lives and get a proper story.So, is it fully formed?

Did they cut anything out ofTinker, Tailor?

Gosh, its funny.

There were a couple of Bill Haydon scenes.

Everyone lost a scene or two, I think.Theres a scene where… Could you tell us about your experience of working with Tomas Alfredson?

Is that something you experienced?

I also like the fact that he didnt dwell on things very much.

Were you on set when you received word that youd got that certain nomination?

I wondered whether you could settle back into your role afterwards?

No, no this came well before.

Where was I when I got the nomination?

You were talking about feeling a bit intimidated on set.

No, because Ive done one film since then.

Im sure its changed things in some ways, for better or worse, I dont know.

But no, for the most part, things dont change very much.

Can you ask for more money?

Did you enjoy the lead-up to the Oscars?

Yes, I enjoyed some of it.

But it was very exciting.

Do you remember walking up to receive it, or is that numbed too?

The party was over.

Just quickly Colin, I was reading you were displaced as Britains best looking man by Jensen Button.

Are you the best looking man in your household?

[laughs]

Colin Firth, thank you very much.