Review: Spielberg, Hanks, Coen brothers team up for gripping, tension-filled ‘Bridge of Spies’

Posted on October 23, 2015

By MARK VIOLA

Director Steven Spielberg (“Lincoln”) tries his hand at the Cold War era with “Bridge of Spies,” starring Tom Hanks (“Saving Mr. Banks”) as real life attorney James B. Donovan, who found himself plucked from the realm of insurance law to the secret pathways connecting the East and the West.

It also goes without saying at this point that when Spielberg puts his mind to it, a great movie is usually the result. Combine Hanks and a script co-written by Ethan and Joel Coen (“True Grit,” “No Country for Old Men”), and you almost certainly do, which is the case for “Bridge of Spies.”

Although I can’t attest to the film’s historical accuracy–although the opening caption stating “inspired by” true events rather than “based on” tells me quite a bit–
the film builds methodically with strong, engaging characters and the tension grows until you’re nearly holding your breath by the end, even without much in the way of action.

“Bridge of Spies” is not really a spy movie, although it has many of the genre’s best traits, which work quite well here. Hanks gives one of his usual understated performances, filled with an outer layer of “aw shucks” friendliness covering a steely core of convictions and determination. Mark Rylance as accused spy Rudolf Abel is captivating and by virtue of what looks to be a very strong crop of lead acting performances this year, the cast’s most likely candidate for an Oscar nomination.

The story delves into the darker elements of the spy game, but never with the cynicism you find in the works of le Carré. There are obvious parallels to be made from Donovan’s arguments made in the first act of the film to today’s War on Terror, and the sacrifices we are willing to make for safety. It’s easy to agree with Donovan with the Cold War nearly two decades in the past, but I will admit it did prompt some soul-searching on my part.

“Bridge of Spies” is a very well-made and well-acted movie about a fascinating period in our history, even if it is only “inspired by” it.

The film is rated PG-13 for some violence and brief strong language.

(This is a shortened version of the full review available in our printed or e-edition papers.)

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