THATFILMGUY

Bridge of Spies  (2015) Review

Another Master Class in storytelling by Steven Spielberg with Tom Hanks as his ‘Everyman’

Director:   Steven Spielberg 

Cast:   Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda

Set during  the cold war in late 50s it is the tale of a lawyer who just by doing his job becomes mixed up in the pre-apocalyptic fear of dangerous times, and goes on to become the all American hero (well sort of).  The exploration of how we turn in on ourselves in troubled times is still relevant today. Redemption by sticking to ones principles is less compelling and although, it appeals to all of us, it has been done before. However, as this is largely a true story the latter would be difficult to avoid. The whole thing has a bit of the ‘John Grisham’ about it (which is a compliment).

Tom Hanks as the lead is entirely believable and Mark Rylance as the Russian Spy is delightfully deadpan. The other characters tend to be little two dimensional, but only by comparison with main, exceptional, performances.  The film is well paced, tense, and exciting as you would expect from Spielberg and is yet another masterclass in storytelling.  Some will think that Spielberg adds a little too much saccharin in the final sequences and some will say the he is a little too introspective and self-deprecating in the beginning.  I felt both so perhaps the balance is about right.

This is not a one of Spielberg’s greatest movies, it seems sort of ‘medium sized’ in comparison to some of his work, but by all other standards this is an excellent film. It is well worth watching, and it will stand the test of time.

Reviewed by: TheManInTheBlackHat.