Bridge of Spies (2015)
Rated
Starring Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda, Amy Ryan, Austin Stowell
Directed by Steven Spielberg
The Story:
James Donovan (Hanks) is selected by the CIA to defend Rudolf Abel (Rylance) who is charged with spying on America and giving intelligence to the Russian government. Naturally, defending a spy during the Cold War isn't the most glamorous position to be in, and Donovan suffers for it. He does provide an intriguing twist to the proceedings when it is time for the sentencing, one that would have repercussions years later when American pilot Franci Gary Powers (Stowell) would be shot down in his U2 plane while flying over Russian airspace.
This is their story.
And, aside from some dramatics, most of the story is roughly true, and condensed for time.
Yet it is always a tense and gripping drama and spy thriller all rolled into one.
Hanks and Spielberg know each other so well and they do exactly what they need to complement the other in what they do.
Mark Rylance however, is quite wonderful as the accused spy. Never bending, never breaking, and always with a bit of wit to his credit, his performance brings much levity and heart to the story.
Now for the second time in as many weeks, I must seriously ask if this was indeed an Oscar worthy performance?
My gut instinct: No.
While he is a great supporting actor in this movie, his support is very minor. I think of all the nominees, he ends up with the least amount of screen time.
I'll get to that review and who should have won soon enough, but I won't begrudge Rylance his statue. It's a very good performance and he would have been my 2nd choice to win of the group mentioned.
Naturally, as with most spy or heist movies, I try not to say too much to avoid any potential spoilers.
Watch this one, you're very likely to enjoy it.
Final Grade: Solid B
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