Review of Bridge of Spies (2015) by Vorhees — 28 Dec 2015

Spielberg provides a captivating, yet amiable balancing act though a broad, dark and twisted jungle of the Cold War era and its politics. On its face, the film portrays a somewhat trite theme prevalent in most of Spielberg's work; namely, an unsuspecting, yet epigrammatic and intelligent protagonist (played brilliantly by the always trustworthy Hanks) becomes a hero.

All the while saving and (arguably more importantly in terms of the film's underlying message) befriending a despised, vagabond, conspirator spy (played marvelously by Rylance). In malingering around the politics of the hyper- nationalistic media, legal system, and social/familial dynamics, Hanks' character maintains the resolution and steadfastness the assure that the U.

S. Constitution is followed properly while almost single-handedly, working to restore international relations in one of the most alienating periods of international affairs. And yet, while the blackmail and fulminations are thrown in his face, the movie's jovial portrayal of the spy is warm and the two share a ligature of fondness.

The cinematography is aphoristic, but rich in its prowess. The script is inspirational, quotable yet not too drab with an incorporation of humor. The audience is driven (perhaps necessarily) to feel compassion for the two hated men, who, through their own accord, are associated in a bondage that transcends politics, social angst and Weltschmerz that ultimately ends in triumph, harboring a true sense of reverence of how our two civilizations arrived here in the first place.