Tomas Alfredson got to know John le Carré when he directed the film "Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy".
The film is based on le Carré's novel of the same name.
Since then, a friendship has developed.
The last time they were seen, Alfredson offered steak Rydberg at the Opera Bar.
That was when le Carré was visiting Stockholm to receive the Palme Prize in January.
- Just today it feels great to have met him that last time with his wife Jane.
It was very cozy and we had a nice meeting, says Alfredson.
"He had an integrity that almost no one shows nowadays"
The director remembers le Carré as strict, conscious and knowledgeable at the same time as he could be naughty and funny.
- He had very clear positions and courage.
He had an integrity that almost no one shows nowadays, and the power to refrain.
He really is a role model and a great storyteller we have lost.
Leif GW Persson: "The intelligence service was similar to le Carré's figures"
The author and criminologist Leif GW Persson has read most of John le Carré.
He especially appreciates the subtle tone of spy novels.
- He has a very quiet sense of humor.
I have met some representatives from the British intelligence service when I worked for the National Police Board.
They were very similar to le Carré's characters in their appearance.
I'm not so weak for the hysterical cops running around with firearms, this is a more laid back attitude, he says.
"Amazing Vital Writer"
Leif GW Persson also met le Carré in connection with the author receiving the Palme Prize in Sweden.
- We talked very briefly.
He is a really excellent writer.
Personally, I think that everything takes twice as long and becomes half as good due to age, but he was an amazingly vital writer.
Many people hold Tinker, tailor, soldier spy high, but I myself am a little fond of The Little Drummer Girl.
Hear Tomas Alfredson's story about le Carré's porcelain dogs in the clip above.