We should count ourselves lucky that we live in an age where audiences can still go to the cinema and witness a brand new film from such veteran directors as Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg on the big screen. Once they’re gone, that’s it, no more. Their work will stand the test of time as we look back to see why we fell in love with them in the first place. Last weekend, I was so proud that I could still see another Spielberg drama in a multiplex and “Bridge of Spies” did not disappoint.
Tension between the United States and the Soviet Union ran high as the Cold War was in full effect with each side sending spies of their own to opposite ends of the world. Almost without warning, James Donovan [Tom Hanks], a New York insurance lawyer, is asked to defend Rudolf Abel [Mark Rylance], an alleged Soviet spy, in a court of law. Respecting his job, Donovan does his best to get Abel a fair trial amidst the anger of many American citizens. Everything changes in an instant when a U-2 spy plane is shot down over Soviet Russia and the American pilot [Austin Stowell] inside is captured. Based on true events, the US took this opportunity to get their man back alive and unharmed via trade with Donovan dropped right in the middle of the exchange.
As with most true stories that Tom Hanks stars in, even though history has spoiled the outcome of the story, I’m still on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what’s going to happen next. Only by bringing together such a presence as Hanks and Spielberg do you get a winning combination. Did I also forget to mention that this film was co-written by the Coen Brothers?
Tom Hanks has cemented his place among the A-list actors because of his ability to
George Amaru / Art Director
stand out in the crowded room known as Hollywood. It might just be me, but I couldn’t help but feel that Hanks emulated the spirit of Spencer Tracy for the role. The way he goes about himself and cares for his loved ones is touching, yet believable.
As the accused spy, Rudolf Abel is fascinating to watch. Mark Rylance is very subtle with his expressions. His calm demeanor during all of this chaos makes you wonder what’s behind the eyes of this fragile man. What has he done to get this stage in his life? You want to know more about him, but Spielberg gives you just enough so that you can put the pieces together for yourself.
“Bridge of Spies” is essentially a conversation piece, allowing the actors to spread their proverbial wings and grow into fleshed-out characters. The narrative plays out as if it were made during the Golden Age of Hollywood, an era that Spielberg lives and breaths. Spielberg always strives for greatness and even if it doesn’t work out, at least he tries. He can pick and choose any project he wants and, even though he’s returning to the sci-fi adventure genre in 2017 (“Ready Player One”), I’m glad he’s been developing this many historical dramas.
Only a director such as Spielberg can place you in the moment with such urgency. The grayish blue backdrop of the scenery lends itself to the period this film takes place in. Two sides of the world were once again at each other’s throats, all while the people back home tremble in fear by the threat of a nuclear bomb dropping on their hometown at any second. These were not pleasant times, so adding Hanks as this glimmer of hope instantly makes him a relatable human being.
This film is very grim and very real, which means that it’s not the ideal movie to put on again and again. I will give it another rewatch though, even if there are some pacing issues here and there. “Bridge of Spies” is yet another phenomenal effort from Steven Spielberg as a Cold War political thriller that thrusts you into the middle of this situation and lets you take everything in, whether you want to or not.
Rating: B+
Matt Bilodeau can be contacted at mbilodeau@kscequinox.com