The Masterly Spielberg

Rating: 8/10 (26 October 2015)

Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. I need not say more. I entered the theatre with expectations. Two other things that made me more excited for the film was the casting of remarkable Mark Rylance (stage actor) to the big screen. I first saw him this year in BBC's Wolf Hall and was floored by the man. Al Pacino is quoted as saying " he( Mark Rylance) speaks Shakespeare as if it was written for him the night before" and also fact that Coen Brothers has co written the movie. The story essentially is a cold war espionage drama. The film does not have any pounding music, eye popping CGI, no 3D, no mind bending plot twist nor any thrilling/heart pounding scenes. Yet it is a timely drama reminding everyone of how the civilized society is supposed to function as per the rule of law and also about what it is to be human. Bridge of spies is vintage cinema. Every scene of the movie is so well done by the master craftsman Steven Spielberg that even some times the camera just narrates the story instead of dialogues. Coen brothers were very evident in the screenplay with their trademark subtle humour present throughout. Tom Hanks portrayed the role of James Donovan to perfection with ease and it was a real treat to watch the artist perform. Mark Rylance lived up to his reputation with a masterly subtle performance. The Cinematography, Editing & Direction reminded me of how inspiring and captivating the art of cinema can be. There has been some criticism that the movie does not have suspense enough but i think the movie is more a drama than a thriller or to quote Mr.Spielberg "Character Thriller". Any fan of cinema will walk out of the movie with a sense of satisfaction and so did i.