Review for The Ipcress File

In one of the most stylish spy films of all time, Michael Caine stars as Harry Palmer in The Ipcress File.

Working in the Ministry of Defence, Palmer is transferred to an elite counter-intelligence department. Unhappy with this he takes on the role and his team begin to follow clues to find a missing scientist. Then he uncovers a piece of tape marked 'Ipcress' and that's when the game really is afoot. Harry Palmer becomes a marked man and must discover what the tape is, who made it and why. Before he is taken out.

The Ipcress File is an odd film as it sometimes tries to be James Bond, the smooth spy hitting on any female with a pulse and then tries to George Smiley with intense drama and intrigue between the characters. However, this is one of the many things that make this film so enjoyable.

This mix of tone makes the film so enjoyable as you never know what the next scene will be. Just when you think the tension has been raised to the hilt with Palmer thinking there is someone waiting to kill him in his place, it turns out to be a sexy brunette who he begins to hit on immediately. Later we have a wonderful scene in a supermarket that is so surreal as to be hilarious. When the intense espionage part kicks in it drives the film along and makes you want to keep watching and this is a great way to make the film.

Michael Caine's performance is wonderful and you can see from this early film that he was destined for superstardom. His balance of drama and comedy is pitched perfectly and he just oozes charisma. The rest of the cast are all perfect, though i would be lying if I didn't say that apart from Caine no one stands out or is memorable. This isn't the eccentric characters of James Bond or The Man from U.N.C.L.E. but real characters who support Caine perfectly in his deadpan portrayal.

Many people may recognise Sidney Furie as the Director of the abysmal Superman IV: The Quest for Peace and The Jazz Singer, both nominated for Razzie awards with Furie nominated for Worst Director on The Jazz Singer. This should not colour your enjoyment of this film which won him the BAFTA for Best British Film and was also nominated for the Cannes Palme d'Or.

This film is truly a masterwork of camerwork, acting and editing. Everything about the film looks and feels atmospheric. John Barry's music gives the film that James Bond-feel and it is not surprising that he was also the composer for those films.

If you are a fan of this film then this Bluray will be a goldmine. An exclusive interview with Michael Caine is perfect as is an interview with Production Designer Ken Adam who won a BAFTA for his work is also wonderful. The Commentary with Director Sidney Furie and Editor Peter Hunt is almost a blueprint for how a Commentary should be. Two people talking about a film that they had a deep passion and enjoyment making. You can feel within the Commentary that they could have talked for longer and some of their stories are hugely enjoyable to listen to.

Candid Caine is a documentary from 1969 about the actor and really when you consider he had only been a featured star since his role in 1964's Zulu it shows how quickly he became a star. Since that role, as well as the three Harry Palmer films he also made Alfie and the iconic The Italian Job. It is odd, considering his further success since then, that they didn't include a more up to date look at his career.

As well as the usual Trailer included are US Radio commercials and an excellent stills gallery there is also a painfully bad sketch Michael Caine Goes Stella. Now, Phil Cornwell's impression is perfect, but the actual sketch is so unfunny that it makes you cringe.

The Ipcress File is the perfect spy film that stands the test of time. Michael Caine's performance is amazing and everything about this film is hugely enjoyable. If you have never seen it, check out this new Bluray and if you have and you are a fan then you should pick it up too.