Bridge of Spies Preview

Set in the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States, Bridge of Spies is based on the true story of New York lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks) who is called upon by the CIA to try to negotiate a prisoner trade.  The Americans have a prisoner Rudolf Abel who is a convicted Soviet spy that they are willing to exchange for the release of pilot Francis Gary Powers who was shot down and captured while spying on the Soviets.  The reason why Donovan would be the logical choice for the assignment: he defended the Soviet Abel in court.

This is the fourth collaboration between Hanks and director Stephen Spielberg.  Previously, the two worked on Catch Me If You Can, The Terminal and Saving Private Ryan.  Spielberg won Best Director and Best Picture Oscars and Hanks won Best Actor for Saving Private Ryan and all the early speculation says these two are front-runners for another sweep when it comes to handing out trophies.

While there does not appear to be a lot of action in the movie, the performances alone look to be riveting and entrancing to hold audiences captive throughout.  Hanks was most recently snubbed by the Oscars for his roles in both Saving Mr. Banks where he played Walt Disney in the story of Mary Poppins, and in Captain Phillips as he bravely surrendered himself to Somali pirates.  Matthew McConaughey won Best Actor for his role in Dallas Buyers' Club.  I'm not disagreeing with who won, but most everyone felt it wrong that Hanks did not even get nominated for either role.  I don't think that will be a problem this year.  I'm predicted another Oscar-worthy performance from Hanks and another Oscar-worthy film from Spielberg and am predicting 4.5 stars.  Am I right?  We shall see.