In Errol Morris’ new documentary, “The Pigeon Tunnel,” the film opens with a captivating moment. David Cornwell, better known as John le Carré, pauses and asks Morris about the role the filmmaker hopes to play in their conversation. Morris, known for his innovative interviewing techniques, is intrigued by the dynamics between interviewer and subject. He even developed a piece of technology called the Interrotron to facilitate more candid and insightful conversations.
Cornwell proves to be the perfect interview subject for Morris. The son of a con artist, Cornwell has made storytelling a central part of his life. He weaves elements of his own autobiography into his fictional works, allowing Morris to uncover layers of truth within the apocryphal. However, Morris suggests that Cornwell may be too perfect of a subject. He thrives on a certain level of friction in his interviews, a predator-prey relationship. Unfortunately, Cornwell’s genteel and polished demeanor in “The Pigeon Tunnel” lacks the desired level of tension.
Despite this, the documentary is still engaging and charming. Morris approaches Cornwell as an enthusiastic admirer, perhaps even an eager-to-impress acolyte. Cornwell is aware of Morris’ work, and their mutual appreciation creates a harmonious and comfortable atmosphere. It’s clear that Cornwell’s children, who are credited as producers, also support this documentary, as it showcases their father in a positive light.
“The Pigeon Tunnel” delves into Cornwell’s autobiography, exploring his upbringing with a con artist father and an absent mother. It also touches on his struggles to fit into posh environments and his dual identity as both a British intelligence officer and a renowned author of spy thrillers. Morris focuses on Cornwell’s parents and his fascination with traitors like Kim Philby. While Morris occasionally pushes Cornwell to dig deeper, there is no evident agenda or revelation of Cornwell’s fabulism or narrative manipulations.
One notable exclusion from the documentary is any discussion of Cornwell’s love life or his political leanings. Morris tactfully avoids these topics, choosing to focus on Cornwell’s storytelling prowess and how he navigated the Cold War era. The lack of political discourse may disappoint some viewers who were hoping for a deeper exploration of Cornwell’s motivations and perspectives.
Morris treats Cornwell’s story as a captivating and engrossing yarn, presenting it through re-enactments reminiscent of a John le Carré thriller. The documentary is visually stunning, with well-executed cinematography by Igor Martinović. Morris employs certain visual conceits, such as shooting re-enactment actors against claustrophobic hallways and presenting Cornwell in a fragmenting library. These visual elements enhance the narrative and immerse the audience in the world of “The Pigeon Tunnel.”
The gripping score by Philip Glass and Paul Leonard-Morgan further enhances the documentary’s atmosphere. The breathlessly atonal composition creates an unsettling yet familiar feeling for fans of Morris’ work.
“The Pigeon Tunnel” is best enjoyed by streaming on Apple TV+, where viewers can pair it with the post-le Carré espionage series, “Slow Horses.” The documentary provides a last glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller and offers insight into Cornwell’s life and creative process. While it may not be Errol Morris’ peak work, “The Pigeon Tunnel” remains a solid portrait of a literary icon and a testament to the power of storytelling.
