"I don't think le Carre has ever written a book with the screen play in the back of his mind."

Me neither... at least not Brosnan for Osnard; there are ample references in the book that Osnard was 'portly'... not how I'd describe Brosnan.

PS: Thanks for the review... I've just started reading le Carre... "A Perfect Spy" was my first one - loved it - "A Tailor.." is the second. Seems good so far... dunno how well he'll build upto the core issue though. Glad to be warned; keeps one from having great expectations...