Review: Bridge of Spies (2015) · 12:43am Jan 30th, 2016
Director Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies is, like many a Spielberg film, a remarkably understated, yet impeccably solid piece of cinema, that tells it's story in a stately, respectful way, while also creating a finely tuned character piece, and ultimately, an homage to the very core of the American spirit.
Spielberg's direction is firmly rooted in the aesthetics of a more old fashioned, reserved era of cinematic construction. His sequences are always expertly and elegantly framed, with his camera often moving and panning in an elegant ballet, before shifting to an immersive hand held and Steadicam sequences. Spielberg is also a director who very much wears his heart on his sleeve, and he allows the film a sense of gentle emotion and sincerity that is so refreshing to see. Some might find it trite or overly melodramatic, but for me, that very sense of emotional honesty and intimacy is why I love Spielberg so much.
The screenplay, a collaborative effort between Matt Charman, Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, is another well put together, understated affair. Containing a softer edge then the normally bitingly satirical work that the Coens are more known for, the film is still filled with a good dose of their trademark verbal humor and style, and is also able to deliver the central theme of American justice even in the face of adversity in an eloquent, respectful way.
Tom Hanks delivers yet another remarkably solid and steadfast performance as insurance lawyer James Donovan, who, upon the request of the US Government, is tasked with defending Russian spy Rudolf Abel. Hanks and Spielberg, already a proven duo with Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me If You Can and The Terminal again show why they compliment each other. Hanks' naturalistic everyman fits perfectly into the film, and he delivers his dialogue with a supremely easy conviction that is also noble, without ever being self righteous. Standing by his core, uniquely American morals even in spite of requests to compromise, Donovan stands as a true example of what Americans should strive for.
Opposite of Hanks, and also delivering an excellent performance, is British actor Mark Rylance, whose performance as Rudolf Abel is another wonderfully subtle, nuanced performance. Speaking in a supremely quiet, reserved tone of voice, and maintaining an almost zen like bemusement at the situation he's found himself in, Rylance's Abel is a key facet to the film, and his interactions and friendship with Hanks are what form the core of the film. His Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor was richly deserved.
The rest of the cast, with a wildly varied, recognizable bevy of actors all making appearances, are all perfect in their roles, and compliment the film perfectly so. Spielberg has always been a masterful director of actors, and their interactions, and he shows that here.
Janusz Kamiński's cinematography is, as always, wonderful to look at. Favoring a color pallet of cooler colors (befitting the Cold War narrative), Kamiński often has light shoot through the frame and illuminate it, while contrasting it with rich, darker colors, to help give the film the aura of a moving painting at times.
Thomas Newman fills in for John Williams here, but in doing so doesn't slip up in the slightest. Favoring a noble, string based score, Newman still incorporates his trademark piano work, and subtle electronic elements. Far from a fancy score, the films music isn't omnipresent, yet always makes itself known when it does appear, in a way that perfectly compliments the imagery and story of the film.
So for me, Bridge of Spies is another solid, worthy entry in Spielberg's sprawling filmography, and a wonderfully example of character based drama, being used to talk about broader subjects such as the morality of America, and what makes America the greatest country in the world. We might not always be perfect, and we might make mistakes, but in the end, the film shows that the reason America is great is because of our unique dedication to Truth and Justice, and how, when we follow those values, we can achieve great things.
5 out of 5 stars.
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