Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this pageThe Human Factor (1979)
Director: Otto Preminger
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
As directed by the erratic Preminger and scripted by Tom Stoppard, this is pretty faithful to Graham Greene's novel about loyalty and betrayal in the espionage world, at least in terms of plot. Dealing with a couple of British agents suspected of leaking information to the Russians, it comes across well enough in its portrait of loneliness and conscience, and - despite being worthy and almost totally bereft of any real action - the plot mechanics are unusually clear for a spy movie. But the whole thing badly lacks any sort of central thematic focus, and the strangely obsessive Englishness of Greene's world is altogether missing. Craftsmanlike rather than inspired, it's watchable thanks largely to its solid performances.Author: GA
Cast & crew
Director: Otto Preminger
Producer: Otto Preminger
Cast: Nicol Williamson, Richard Attenborough, Joop Doderer, John Gielgud, Derek Jacobi, Robert Morley, Ann Todd, Richard Vernon, Iman full cast
Genre(s): Thrillers
Duration: 114 mins
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Has David Cronenberg turned tame?
Has director David Cronenberg veered too far from his radical and bloody roots with new film 'A Dangerous Method'?
The 10 worst date movies
Just in time for Valentine's Day, we present ten of the least romantic films ever made
Where to watch this year's Oscar-nominated films
Find out where to watch 2012's Oscar-nominated films in London cinemas
10 unlikely badboy biopics
Featuring Phil Collins, Jeremy Clarkson, Nick Clegg, David Starkey and a host of other unlikely subjects
Interview: Sean Durkin on 'Martha Marcy May Marlene'
The first-time director of the brilliant new thriller discusses religious cults and robot boxing
Pop-up cinema for Valentine's Day
Side-step romantic clichés with some alternative Valentine’s viewing
What do you think?
Post your review now