I know that, in the film, there's a bit of a throwaway line about why Ken Russell's character disappears for most of the film after being such an imposing figure early on. I was wondering if there were some real world reason that prompted it - like shooting went on for too long or Russell had a falling out with the director or something. Anyone know?
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FYI, I finally read "The Secret Pilgrim" this past week. I couldn't believe how thoroughly I enjoyed the novel. I need to write John LeCarre and tell him we need at least one more George Smiley novel!!!! I am now convinced that Smiley is one of the great literary characters of the 20th century and would happily defend that opinion in any literary circle.
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I'm sure that Smiley is dead by now, and le Carré has said that he only writes about the present. Too bad, though.
Let's get dangerous!
I am not aware of any real world reason for the disappearance of Ken Russell's character, Walter, for most of the film. In the book, I seem to remember that his character bows out following the bitter and (i think) drunken rant he makes after he finds out he has been taken off the case - on the insistance of the americans. The film alludes to the fact that the americans don't particularly like, of are suspicious of, his camp exuberance.
shareOthers have explained how Walter is taken off the case in the book, and the film follows that, though perhaps there were some scenes edited out because it does seem odd the way he goes and is then mentioned later. They needn't have mentioned him again at all.
I,for one, was glad he went early, as the character (while fine in the book) was simply a distraction in the film, and IMHO could have been cast a lot better.