LAMORINDA WEEKLY | 'Bridge of Spies'


Image courtesy DreamWorks all rights reserved

"Bridge of Spies" opens as a masterpiece displaying the art of motion pictures with the use of artistic cinematography to set the thriller tone of the movie. The first several minutes of the film have no dialogue - the picture tells the story.

The viewers are introduced through the camera lens that the FBI is on the trail of a Soviet Union spy, Rudolf Abel, masterfully played by Mark Rylance ("Bing," "Wolf Hall"). Rylance's performance reminded me of James Whitmore's amazing performance in "The Shawshank Redemption." One can only hope that Rylance will not be overlooked for his performance when award time arrives, as Whitmore was for "Shawshank."

Rudolf is arrested and must stand trial for spying. Of course, he is convicted in the press as the most hated man in America before he even sees the inside of a courtroom.

The CIA hires a law firm to represent Rudolf's defense and when none of the senior attorneys want to take on the case, insurance attorney James Donovan (Tom Hanks) is assigned the duties.

Donovan quickly becomes the second most-hated man in America. Donovan believes that everyone should have the right to a fair trial as the U.S. Constitution clearly states, putting himself and his family in danger.

As the Cold War continues the United States plans a secret mission for U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers ("Austin Stowell," "Whiplash," "Dolphin Tale") to photograph the Soviet Union. Powers' plane is shot down and he is captured by the Russians. Although Powers' leaders are disappointed in him for not committing suicide before being captured, the U.S. government decides to offer the Soviet Union a trade - Rudolf Abel for Francis Gary Powers. Donovan is assigned the negotiation duties.

"Bridges of Spies" is a solid spy thriller but not a Spielberg masterpiece like "Schindler's List." The cinematographer and two-time Oscar recipient Janusz Kaminski ("Schindler's List," "Saving Private Ryan") is deserving of a third Oscar for his artistic magic in "Bridge of Spies."

"Bridge of Spies" is rated PG-13 for some violence and brief strong language with a TRT (total running time) of 2 hours and 21 minutes.