By Tom Cottingham
Contributing Writer
Steven Spielberg produces yet another beautifully directed film in the tense, Cold War thriller “Bridge of Spies.”
Based on a true story, the film stars Tom Hanks as James B. Donovan, a Brooklyn insurance lawyer who is asked to defend a Soviet spy. Later on, the U.S. government asks him to make a prisoner exchange with the USSR for an American pilot, Francis Gary Powers.
This Spielberg film is not like his action-packed works, such as “Indiana Jones” (1981) or “E.T.,” (1982) and it’s not as visually dull as “Lincoln” (2012).
“Bridge of Spies” is a controversial movie with sprinkles of action here and there. Hanks does a phenomenal job of playing a lawyer who has a way with words and seems to always have a solution when trouble arises.
Mark Rylance shines while playing Rudolf Abel, the Soviet spy. Rylance brings comic relief at the right time and makes a Soviet spy a lovable character. His calmness and humor during the very serious prisoner exchange makes him an audience favorite.
Spielberg also does a masterful job of setting up shots and lighting throughout the movie. From the wide shots on a snowy day in Russia to a dark bar on a rainy night in Brooklyn, Spielberg makes the audience feel like they are part of the thrill.
The historical accuracy definitely gave me goosebumps. Donovan’s children are shown “duck and cover” videos in school in case of a nuclear explosion, and strangers on the bus give Donovan dirty looks for defending a spy.
The story of the film could have been better, however. Some of the subplots are a bit choppy and missed a little “oomph” to the story. The story had plenty action, but the American spy subplot could have been more interesting. Despite the story’s shortcomings, “Bridge of Spies” is an incredible film that is worth a couple hours in the theatres.
cottintf14@bonaventure.edu
