"Bridge Of Spies" (2015)

We’re going to really miss Spielberg when he retires. IF he retires. This is craft to the highest form. And the attention to every detail is sorely lacking in movies. Craft is IMPOSSIBLE to relate to movie makers today, because it’s when talent meets instinct. And we lack instinct.

The story is of Tom Hanks who plays defense attorney James Donovan, that deals with insurance policies. As we’re introduced in the beginning, he does what every defense attorney does, he spins the truth to meet his client’s point. It’s a little scheisty, but he’s clearly effective. This gathers the attention of his boss, who assigns him the duty to defend an alleged Soviet spy. I don’t even believe in due process, unless I’m busted…of course, but he is entitled to a “fair” trial. If that is even possible. The United States is under high alert in light of the Cold War (Muslims anyone?) and Germany is rebuilding…sort of. With the freeze out of the Russians who’ve gone deep into secrecy. Were we ever friends? So, now we got a captured Ruskie…what happens? Well, don’t want to give away too much. But he is exactly how we imagine someone captured should act who comes from the Eastern Block. Cold, detached and resigned to their fate.

So, now as advertised, we get a spy exchange. But who does it? The C.I.A. washes their hands of the issue. The State Department don’t want to be involved? Well, they wrangle Donovan into the mission. Except, it’s not a mission. Because if caught or killed Donovan is on his own. Because of the freeze out (literally) of Berlin, and the historical split to East and West, they aren’t playing games.

The movie isn’t the most exciting. Espionage, in the truest sense, would most likely be a lot of waiting. But this moves at a really nice clip and because of craft…you watch every beautiful frame with anticipation of the next visual (beautifully shot on film by Janusz Kaminski).

This is a movie that only professionals put together. The minute you watch, you know the people who made it are skilled. There is an easiness, practically effortless (looks like) storytelling. They let the moments between the family develop. The intricacies of our diplomacy made simple despite the thick fog of friends and enemies. A classy sophisticated movie. It’s high art.