Gary Oldman chats with NY TIMES

In Melena Ryzik's "A Word With ... Gary Oldman," the Oscar-nominated star of TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY talks about his career and life. It's a fun interview that dives into Oldman skill in playing bad guys and his desire to do some comedy. At one point, he defines the character of George Smiley in relationship to his more high-octane characters in terms of music.

There was something about George. He did wonders for my blood pressure. [In my] career playing characters who - they burn from the first bar, they're like rock 'n' roll, and to me George is jazz. You slowly work to the solo.

In Melena Ryzik's "A Word With ... Gary Oldman," the Oscar-nominated star of TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY talks about his career and life. It's a fun interview that dives into Oldman skill in playing bad guys and his desire to do some comedy. At one point, he defines the character of George Smiley in relationship to his more high-octane characters in terms of music.

There was something about George. He did wonders for my blood pressure. [In my] career playing characters who - they burn from the first bar, they're like rock 'n' roll, and to me George is jazz. You slowly work to the solo.