Today’s study in plot structure. Brilliant and complex. Present-day storyline intercut with straight flashbacks, flashbacks to illustrate present-day voiceovers, straight-up memories depicted (the Christmas party), memories recounted in narration (Smiley’s meeting with Karla). The flashbacks are used to elucidate the present-day storyline, piecing together the puzzle, following the clues. The memories deepen the characterization of Smiley, the central character.
Since I am not a maestro on a level with Le Carre or the screenwriters, I could never handle the intricacies of deconstructing the story this way. Besides, my story is not constructed as a mystery puzzle, so using flashbacks to tell the backstory this way wouldn’t work. However, the idea of presenting the backstory in a parallel timeline won’t completely leave me alone. A few things to note:
–the way the story keeps circling back to things you’ve already seen and presents them in a new context.
–the brilliant image of the train tracks switching — perfect image for a major plot point. I need an image like that. Note that it was set up by previous scene of Smiley looking out the window at the train yard.
–the snooping scenes where the snooper almost gets caught. These scenes always freak me out, make me look away. Find a way to use this. The freaky almost-getting-caught-snooping thing.
–complex motivations even for minor characters, and the way they all fit together perfectly to make this Byzantine puzzle.
–the use of the memory scenes to deliver emotional gut punches.
–aftermath of torture – no fingernails. Strapped in with headphones playing intermittent loud noise.
–the cigarette lighter – carries emotional baggage and instantly identifies Karla — double duty for a significant object.
–lots of short scenes – two or three minutes, six minutes, five minutes. No loitering. And yet, taking his time when something stands up to deep detail.
–different characters talking to each other about other characters.
–Smiley thinking things over, hearing voices in his head saying the same key things over and over until something clicks.
–all so self-referential, constantly circling back on itself. “Everything wants to be round.” (Black Elk) Each time you encounter something – an event, an object, an image – your understanding of it deepens.
–scenes where everyone is there in the same place (several memories of the Christmas party)
–“I had to pick a side.” (Why the mole betrayed his country.)
–“A fanatic is always concealing a secret doubt. So he can be beaten.”
I can use all this.
Eclectic Magpie 