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The Pigeon Tunnel

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01:28

The Pigeon Tunnel

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• Documentary
• Drama

• 2023
• Errol Morris
• 92 mins
• 12A

Summary

Documentary. In an intimate conversation with director Errol Morris, celebrated novelist and former spy John le Carré, born David Cornwell, gives viewers insight into his life, career and writing process. Alongside the interview, filmed shortly before Le Carré's death in 2020, rare archival footage, clips from adaptations of his work and dramatised scenes round out this portrait of a complicated man.

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Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Terry Staunton

Celebrated spy novelist John le Carré appears to open up in this compelling documentary that focuses on an often intense interview the author gave before his death in 2020. Offering innumerable insights into the writing of espionage fiction, he reveals how fast-moving shifts in world politics radically changed the genre in the years after he created agent George Smiley in his 1961 debut novel Call for the Dead. Punctuated by archive footage and brief dramatised vignettes, the interview also sees Le Carré revealing that his complex relationship with his father fuelled several of his plots. Director Errol Morris adheres to the no-frills filming template of his previous documentaries, notably 2003's Oscar-winning The Fog of War. Never hurrying his subject, he allows time for considered, detailed responses to his questions, and Le Carré's turns of phrase display the eloquence of a supremely gifted communicator, in keeping with his own 2016 memoir.

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7.0/10

How to watch

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Streaming

• Apple TV+

Credits

Cast

rolenameJohn le CarréJohn le Carré

Crew

rolenameDirectorErrol Morris

Details

Languages

English

Guidance

Some violence

Formats

Colour

News & features about The Pigeon Tunnel

• 
  
  John le Carré talks being perfect MI5 recruit in The Pigeon Tunnel clip
  
  The Pigeon Tunnel tells the story of British spy David Cornwell, better known as bestselling author John le Carré.

• 
  
  John le Carré's sons on 'profound, intense' journey making documentary
  
  It was the Cornwell brothers' "first step into the documentary space".

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  John le Carré's sons: "We fantasise about The Night Manager season 2"
  
  Simon and Stephen Cornwell were speaking to Radio Times magazine about new documentary The Pigeon Tunnel.

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  Why The Night Manager is back and needed now more than ever
  
  Tom Hiddleston writes why, after 10 years, he had to bring back John le Carré’s spy – and how the author encouraged him to "keep the flame alive".

• 
  
  Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy author John le Carré has died, aged 89
  
  The literary giant's spy novels were perfect stories for film and TV adaptations.

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  What is Apple TV Plus? UK price, original content, and is it worth it
  
  All you need to know about Apple's foray into the streaming world.

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