The Little Drummer Girl (1984) [Warner Archive Blu-ray review]

“The Little Drummer Girl” is set against the backdrop of late 1970s and early 1980s international espionage, focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Diane Keaton plays Charlie, a fiery and idealistic American actress with radical views. She is recruited by Martin Kurtz (Klaus Kinski), an Israeli intelligence officer, to become a double agent and infiltrate a Palestinian terrorist network. Charlie is drawn into a complex plot that requires her to assume the role of a terrorist’s girlfriend, blurring the lines between performance and reality, as she navigates the dangerous waters of international espionage.

The Little Drummer Girl puts Diane Keaton into the world of espionage

Diane Keaton’s portrayal of Charlie is central to the film’s emotional and narrative arc. Her transformation from an outspoken actress to a conflicted spy is portrayed with depth and nuance, showcasing her struggle with the ethical dimensions of her role and the emotional toll of her assignments. Keaton’s performance captures the essence of a woman caught between her personal beliefs and the demands placed upon her by her handlers.

Klaus Kinski’s portrayal of Martin Kurtz is equally compelling. Kurtz is a pragmatic and seasoned intelligence officer who orchestrates the operation with a mix of paternal concern and cold strategic precision. His interactions with Charlie range from manipulative to genuinely caring, adding layers to their complex relationship.

Yorgo Voyagis plays Joseph, the field agent who trains Charlie and serves as her contact. His character is both mentor and monitor, aiding Charlie’s transformation while ensuring she stays on mission. The dynamics between Joseph and Charlie add a personal dimension to the political and strategic stakes of the espionage activities.

George Roy Hill lost a step towards the end

George Roy Hill, known for his work on films like “The Sting” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” brings a seasoned touch to the adaptation of le Carré’s novel. Hill’s direction in “The Little Drummer Girl” is methodical, with a strong emphasis on character development and the psychological complexities of espionage. The film utilizes a somewhat subdued color palette and deliberate pacing, which reflects the murky world of spy work and the constant tension underlying the plot.

Cinematography in the film is used effectively to highlight the dualities of the characters’ worlds—both the real and the spy roles they inhabit. The camera work is intimate in scenes of personal conflict and more expansive in scenes involving the broader geopolitical landscape, highlighting the contrast between the personal and the political.

Does anyone remember the movie? It was decent

“The Little Drummer Girl” explores themes of identity and duplicity, both in a personal and political context. Charlie’s journey is one of self-discovery, forced by her immersion into conflicting worlds. The film also delves into the moral ambiguities of espionage, where good and evil are not easily distinguished, and where loyalty to a cause can often result in personal compromise and betrayal.

Additionally, the film addresses the perpetual cycle of violence in international conflicts, questioning whether ends justify means and if peace can ever be achieved through deception and manipulation.

The film’s release during the early 1980s, a period marked by high tensions in the Middle East and the Cold War, provided contemporary audiences with a poignant reflection on the ongoing conflicts and the role of intelligence in international affairs. “The Little Drummer Girl” challenged its viewers to consider the human cost of these conflicts, making it a relevant piece for its time.

Some final thoughts

“The Little Drummer Girl” is a complex, thought-provoking film that combines the intrigue of espionage with deep personal and political questions. Its strength lies in its character-driven approach, allowing the audience to explore the emotional and ethical landscapes of its characters. While it may not be as action-packed as other spy films, its exploration of the human element in espionage and international conflict provides a compelling view of the personal costs involved in a life of deception. Diane Keaton’s performance, along with strong supporting roles and George Roy Hill’s experienced direction, make this film a noteworthy entry in the genre of spy cinema.

The Little Drummer Girl comes to Blu-ray

The Little Drummer Girl comes to Blu-ray from Warner Archive. For a film that arrived in the early 1980s, I still expected the 1080p transfer to be a little more robust. Given the film’s subject matter and recent political events, the timing of the release could raise some eyebrows. That being said, it’s a solid adaptation of a John Le Carre novel that was solid B-Tier.

The only special feature is the theatrical trailer. The DTS-HD 2.0 master audio track does the best it can. But even compared to the WB Blu-ray release of World According to Garp, it’s interesting to see how much movies can drop off in between directorial outings.

You can buy the Little Drummer Girl Blu-ray from Warner Archive at MovieZyng!