​FILMS

bridge of spies

2015 review number 161:

Bridge of Spies: (Drama): 81 out of 100: Who needs history lessons when you have Steven Spielberg? Even if several events have been tinkered with for dramatic purposes, the way this has been filmed makes it seem historical. Excellent attention to detail in the visuals and the script provide a sense of importance to key events that transpired during the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. To ensure that the messages filter through to the audience, you cast Tom Hanks in a stately role to emphasise that the protagonist is seen as a hero.

 

In the late 1950s, Hanks plays insurance lawyer James Donovan, who is asked by the US government to represent suspected Russian spy, Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance). Donovan is up against the judicial system and the public where he is branded a traitor for representing the enemy. He only wants to ensure that justice is served. His wife Mary (Amy Ryan) also questions why he would accept this case. In a parallel storyline, CIA pilot Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell) has been captured by the Soviets in Soviet territory. Donovan is then recruited by the CIA to organise an exchange of prisoners. In the meantime, an American university student, Frederic Pryor (Will Rogers) has been arrested in East Berlin accused of spying which results in Donovan having to broker the exchange of two US citizens for one Russian.

 

The acting by all cast members led by Hanks, is superb. The actors bring life to their characters and the viewer becomes engaged with their predicaments. Hanks is the consummate professional and brings gravitas to his role. Rylance acts with steely determination, never once raising his voice to show that his character is in control of his emotions even when the situation he finds himself in appears grim. Amy Ryan and Sebastian Koch as the East German lawyer who becomes involved with the negotiations of brokering a prisoner exchange, provide solid support.

 

The story is engaging though at 141 minutes in length, there a few parts that drag. There's also the question of what happens to one of the characters. The assistant to Donovan appears set for a major role but then is no longer seen as soon as the trial of the Russian prisoner ends. This is only a minor quibble in relation to the overall narrative. Most of the dramatic tension occurs between the characters and this is handled brilliantly. The dialogue is exemplary, allowing the narrative to unravel and contributing to the proficiency of the acting.

 

There's no doubt that the production design adds atmosphere to the film. Spielberg is a master of showing the whole scope of the film and he achieves that again here. He also doesn't resort to the overuse of close-ups, only employing this technique when he needs to. A lot of his framing involves two or more characters and this is the best way for viewers to see the reactions between characters.

 

Spielberg's usual music collaborator, John Williams, was unavailable to write the score due to health issues. It's only the second time in 40 years that he hasn't scored a Spielberg movie. His replacement, Thomas Newman, has written some excellent pieces that even Williams would have been proud of. Spielberg's other regular contributors in cinematographer, Janusz Kaminski and editor Michael Kahn, are highly skilled in their respective fields and demonstrate their proficiency again here.

 

Bridge of Spies is a rivetting historical film that won't be winning any major awards, but does its job well of entertaining its audience through the combination of the skilful people in front of the cameras and the masterful execution of the scenes from the people behind the cameras.

 

Starring Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan and Alan Alda

(141 minutes)

Parental advice: Coarse language, violence and adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBBuzHrZBro (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Monday 19th October, 2015)

 

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