1991 was the year that the Cold War came to an end or so it seemed. While most believed that this would put an end to things such as spies lurking in the United States and Russia, it came as something of a surprise when Russian Anna Chapman was arrested showing that despite all appearances, the spy game was still very much alive and well. Chapman however isn’t the only spy to have been arrested in the United States and make headlines.
Bridge of Spies begins New York City in 1957 where Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) is arrested by the FBI under suspicion of being a spy for the USSR. Able is set to go to trial with the evidence against him being overwhelming. The government approaches James B. Donovan (Tom Hanks), a partner in a prestigious law firm and while he has reservations about getting involved as he hasn’t worked criminal law for some time, he accepts the offer. Although unsuccessful in getting the jury to find Abel innocent, he does manage to convince the judge to not impose the death penalty by arguing that if one of our spies is captured in Russia the humane treatment of their spy might not only convince them to do the same but Able could also be used in a prisoner swap if necessary.
Donovan’s intuition proves to be correct when in 1960 Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell) is shot down over Russia, captured, and convicted of spying for the United States. Donovan soon receives a letter, allegedly from Abel’s wife in Germany, and learns that the Russian’s want to work out a prisoner swap. The United States government has decided to make him the liaison to negotiate the deal in East Berlin. The initial plan is to trade Abel for Powers but when Donovan learns there is another American prisoner, student Frederic Pryor (Will Rogers), he makes it is goal to get both men released despite it going against the wishes of the CIA.
Director Steven Spielberg will always be known for the films which depart from reality and things such as Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and E.T: The Extra Terrestrial will always be among some of his most beloved and recognized work but he’s also been a director who has been fond of history as well even if some of his movies revolving around important events might be fictionalized. Bridge of Spies is another of Spielberg’s views into the past but unlike a film such as Saving Private Ryan which is a great film but one that is also a fictionalized war drama, here we find a film which is looking more at the factual events although with a few minor additions and changes made.
The film includes quite a few things which I feel that many people have simply forgotten about over time. The time in which Bridge of Spies is set is just prior to what might be considered the height of the Cold War, the Bay of Pigs incident, but there is still a great deal of negative opinions regarding Russia. This is understandable but the film shows a bit of the extent of this. Even when preparing for the trial and speaking with the judge to me it seemed obvious that Able wasn’t really going to get a fair trial but instead this was more to send a message to Russia. There was a great deal of fear and tension with the public regarding the possible threat of nuclear war, something we see especially in children and Bridge of Spies does feature a segment of the now infamous Duck and Cover film. As expected during this era, people are afraid of the Soviet Union, the possibility of war, and these emotions often are things which Donovan must deal with as many aren’t happy about an American defending a Russian spy.
To his credit however, Donovan believes that regardless of what side he might be on, Able still deserves to have a fair trial. He cites the Constitution as being the thing that makes him an American and what makes our citizens different and unique for any others in the world. It’s actually a very good, thought provoking sentiment and one which sadly seems to be rather lost on many American’s these days, particularly those who seem to desire little more than to shred every bit of the historic parchment and instead are too self-absorbed hoping that the government equivalent of Santa Claus will come and deliver them everything they want for free. Able, despite his guilt, is never portrayed as someone who hates America or even the people but rather we simply see a man who was doing the job that he was sent here to do. The film doesn’t try and rewrite history nor does it try and make him out to be the hero. This isn’t some anti-American film which wants to lead you to believe that it’s our fault and if we had done things different none of this would have happened but instead Bridge of Spies removes the politics to some degree and instead presents the human side of the characters.
Donovan’s sense of right and wrong of course extends to the prisoner swap. The government wants Powers because he was a spy and has crucial information they are concerned will fall into enemy hands. Pryor who is being held in an East Berlin jail isn’t their priority and the government feels they can get him out at another time. Pryor was a student who was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time but Donovan is convinced he can get both men release. However the official in East Berlin aren’t willing to be a part of the prisoner swap because they feel that it undermines their presence on the world stage especially since they aren’t recognized by the United States as being a country. Donovan must convince both parties of the importance of the trade even though continuing to travel into East Berlin puts him and risk and the CIA wants him to abandon his efforts, something he’s not willing to go along with.
Spielberg has done an amazing job at bringing the film to life which honestly isn’t a surprise. Everything from the costuming to the set design looks fantastic and gives the sense of being back in the late 50’s and early 60’s. He also presents a great cinematic interpretation of East Berlin, a city now under Soviet control which is depicted as being little more than a husk of a city. This all comes across beautifully on blu-ray and quite honestly, there’s really no visual flaws with this movie at all. The appearance of Bridge of Spies combined with the acting and story all bring to the screen something which will draw in most, even those who might not believe they are particularly interested.
The blu-ray looks at the film in terms of the historical context. A Case of the Cold War features Spielberg discussing his memories of the events (his father happened to be visiting Russia when the U-2 spy plane was shot down), Hanks is also featured as well as others involved in the film and there are plenty of historical news clips as well. With Berlin 1961 we see the efforts taken to try and recreate what East Berlin was like right after the wall was put up. The extras also present a look at the U-2 Spy plane as well as the spy swap.
Bridge of Spies covers a part of history which might otherwise simply be forgotten or a mere footnote. Spielberg presents a very compelling, interesting look at the spy game from a very different perspective but nevertheless one which is important. I honestly feel there’s also another premise to the film which is overlooked by many and that is often, it’s simply best to leave things to the private sector rather than allow the government to interfere. The film has immediate appeal because of the involvement of Hanks and Spielberg but even if they are two of the Hollywood elites that you’d rather avoid, I’d suggest putting aside any dislike you might have as you’ll find that Bridge of Spies is a solid piece of cinema.
Mike is the resident reviewer for Couponing to Disney and his own site Underland Online. He has a toddler daughter and is obsessed with Haunted Mansion and all things Disney. You can read Mike’s complete bio here.