Review of Bridge of Spies (2015) by Cory F — 04 Sep 2017
A few things stand out in this film. The Coen Brothers' unmistakable writing, the way Spielberg and Hanks recruit you to their side expertly, and Mark fricken Rylance. The first half of this film is imperfect, Spielberg comes out pretty stiff and typical in his direction.
Camera moves we've seen him do many times before (important to note he literally invented some of these thirty years ago) and a few supporting cast members not strong enough to pull off some of his trademark specific blocking and timing naturally (Hanks' young law assistant and the cops on the porch come to mind).
However, the crescendo builds into the second half, taking us on a ride where Hanks brings his A-game to match an excellent script, finishing on a fulfilling note. However, nobody comes close to matching Rylance, who achieves an otherworldliness and earns his Oscar with a character who seduces us with such subtleness and admirable aloofness.
The film almost comes close to bursting the bubble and reaching peak importance, as the subject matter holds the potential of becoming a classic, though falls just short, but is still an enjoyable espionage + fish out of water + spirit lifter + self-reflecting commentary.
...that gives the everyman proof that he change the world someday.
This review of Bridge of Spies (2015) was written by Cory F on 04 Sep 2017.
Bridge of Spies has generally received very positive reviews.
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