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I Spy with My Little Eye

'Bridge of Spies' Movie Review

By Little Blue RucksackPublished 7 years ago 3 min read
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Bridge of Spies

Steven Spielberg is one of the most renowned and influential filmmakers in cinematic history. All of us have our favorite Spielberg film, whether it’s E.T., Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park, or Saving Private Ryan; either way, when you hear that he will be the director, you can’t help but at least be curious. He has made some of the best and most ambitious films ever made, but as it usually goes with geniuses, they all have their peak of creativity, a golden age. Although Bridge of Spies might never be considered a masterpiece the way Schindler’s List is, it’s a great movie nonetheless.

In Bridge of Spies, Spielberg has teamed up with his long-time collaborator Tom Hanks to make a war thriller that’s perfectly suited for the pair of them. Both Hanks and Spielberg seem to have an affinity for war stories, especially those with a heart, those that look at events from the past from a humane perspective, with empathy and understanding.

The film starts in 1957 when James Donovan (Hanks), who was an insurance lawyer, was recruited to defend a Russian spy Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) in American court. The gesture is both cynical and phony — the world needs to see how righteous the American system is and that everyone gets an equal opportunity, even though realistically, the captured spy has no way of getting out.

Being acquitted is out of question, and Donovan can consider it a victory if his client doesn’t get sent to the electric chair. Donovan had been selected as a pawn who has been strategically placed to play the role with an expected outcome. However, being a man with ideals, moral principles, and generally a decent guy, James takes his role seriously and fully dedicates himself to the case. It isn’t a question of whether his client is guilty or not — Spielberg strips the plot of any real suspense — Donovan’s goal is to prove that the Constitution actually means something, that it isn’t just a heap of written words to be paraded around.

Five years later, the government approaches Donovan once again, only this time, he needs to negotiate a trade between Abel and an American pilot Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell), who was captured by the Russians. When the tables turn, America loses its moral high-ground, and it becomes obvious that there is no “good” side versus the “bad” side. Donovan finds himself right in the middle of the Cold War and is sent to Berlin to complete this hush-hush mission.

Usually in movies of this genre, the good guys send a handsome agent with impeccable shooting skills to save the day, but Spielberg takes on a different approach. He shows us an often dull political game the two sides are playing, almost mirroring the actions of their counterpart. When it comes down to it, both countries have the same goal — retrieving their citizen.

What contributes to the prevailing feeling of paranoia, desperation, and gloominess is the way it’s been shot. The color palette is consistent throughout, with greys and blues that lean towards old Hollywood films.

Bridge of Spies is meticulous and pays close attention to details, both in narration, gestures, and setting. The Cohen brothers, who co-wrote the script with Matt Charman, have shined as brilliantly as ever with the script and the outcome is a story that’s told in an intelligent, crisp and logical way.

As for the acting, Tom Hanks is well-cast. He brings his natural warmth and likeability to the character of James Donovan. With a different actor, Donovan could have been sturdy and overtly patriotic, but Hanks makes him subtly human and genuine. The supporting cast has also done a great job, although Tom Hanks is definitely the focal point.

Spielberg has filled Bridge of Spies with not-so-subtle symbolism, and if we look just a little closer, draws a lot of parallels to the world of today. Yet, it never crosses the line of good taste or translates into propaganda; he delivers the story with a dose of cynicism and humor, but always with style.

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About the Creator

Little Blue Rucksack

An self proclaimed cinephile bitten by the travel bug. Head honcho and creative director at an art studio. Lover of hashtags and all things pop culture.

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