Review: Bridge Between Spies

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A drama set in the middle of the Cold War does not seem to be the best project for a filmmaker like Steven Spielberg, whose propensity for Manichaean sentimentality is one of its trademarks. Of course, there are exceptions in this career, depending on the degree of seriousness that the film proposes, and this characteristic does not in any way deny the director's mastery of cinematographic technique. Spielberg's visual mannerisms are classic, but easily recognizable, making his latest film, Bridge of Spies (Bridge of Spies), a real lesson in visual narrative.

bridge-of-spies
Bridge Between Spies | Image: Fox Films

The script written by the brothers Coen, with Matt Charman, English TV producer and screenwriter, brought more expectation to the project, but the choice of Tom Hanks for the main role it was already an indication that the work would follow the contours of good youth expected, both from Spielberg and the actor. The film tells the story, started in 1957 and based on facts, of James Donovan, lawyer for a large office, scheduled - against his will - to defend a confessed defendant in a espionage trial serving the Soviet Union. What should be a simple formality, just to show the world an alleged American chivalry, but still generating hostility against Donovan and his family, becomes a personal lawyer crusade for fair treatment for Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), creating a rapprochement between the two and providing the chance to exchange him for a US pilot, a prisoner on the other side of the Iron Curtain, captured during a mission.

Ponte Ente Espiões
Ponte Ente Espiões | Image: Fox Films

Contrary to what it may seem, it is not a spy movie, just a plot that has spies involved, because what moves the story is the trajectory of James Donovan, later in charge of mediating the exchange between prisoners, also trying to free, despite the protests of CIA agents, an American student caught in the middle of the paranoia of the period. One of the problems of the film is this engagement of the character, presented at the beginning as someone of malleable ethics, pushed into an uncomfortable situation from which he wants to get rid of soon. Magically, the great and benevolent humanitarian patriot emerges, a type of transformation that was understandable in Schindler's List, for example, because there we had a situation where right and wrong were well demarcated. The cynicism and ambiguity of the historical context are raised, but the purpose is really to show the heroism of the good American, who manages to fool even the CIA to do good.

ponte entre espioes
Bridge Between Spies | Image: Fox Films

Counting on some comic reliefs, which perhaps worked best in a film directed by the Coen brothers themselves, the real star of Bridge of Spies it is really the way Spielberg tells this story, over more than two hours, making use of his characteristic subtle sequential plans, as well as the grandiose general plans that give an epic dimension to the film and save it from boredom. The naturalness and calmness with which the camera strolls through the scenery deserves attention, since it maintains a safe pace from start to finish. Of course, it is easy to intuit how it will end, but conducting a story without surprises like this, with such fluidity, is quite an achievement. If conceptual choices are debatable, visuals deserve applause.

The beautiful photograph of the director's usual partner, Janusz Kaminski, achieves his goal in a masterful way, creating - with the narrative - the classic and credible look of the period portrayed. The production design worked with the same care and Thomas Newman in the composition of the soundtrack, a place normally occupied by John Williams, manages to avoid exaggeration in certain more emotional moments.

Espioes
Bridge Between Spies | Image: Fox Films

At end, Bridge of Spies a very satisfying cinematic experience. It is difficult not to think about other works that stirred this universe, bringing characters and motivations that are much more complex and thought-provoking, but here visual realization counts a lot. If Tom Hanks as a model citizen is not encouraging, the world built by Spielberg around him makes his company at least pleasant.

See the technical data and complete list of Ponte Entre Espiões

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