In the late 1950s, an insurance lawyer named James Donovan defends a Soviet spy, then is sent to Berlin to arrange a prisoner swap. The film follows him through courtrooms and a divided city. For filmmakers, watch how repeated details keep a quiet spy story moving.
At a glance
Bridge of Spies is a 2015 drama, thriller and history film directed by Steven Spielberg. This breakdown covers 4 techniques (2 narrative, 1 editing and 1 psychology), each with the scene where you can see it. If you like how it is made, The Rainmaker uses several of the same techniques.
Opening the film with a long stretch that has no dialogue. Images, sound and performance alone set up the characters, their world and what is at stake.
How this film uses it
The film opens with Rudolf Abel painting a self-portrait and then slipping away from agents. There is almost no talking. You learn he is patient, careful and used to being watched.
Where to see it
The opening: Abel paints in his apartment, then moves through New York while agents track him.
Staging a trial as a performance, with testimony and cross-examination played like theater. The rules can bring out the truth, or they can hide a verdict that was decided in advance.
How this film uses it
Donovan argues a case nobody wants him to win. The judge and public have already decided. He argues that even an accused enemy deserves a real defense.
Where to see it
The Supreme Court argument: Donovan tells the justices that Abel's ciphers and photography equipment were seized without a search warrant.
Bringing back an earlier image, line, location or piece of staging later in the film, often with the situation reversed. You enjoy recognizing it, and the comparison adds meaning.
How this film uses it
Early on, Donovan sees from a train in Berlin as people are shot while trying to climb the wall. Near the end, from a train at home, he sees kids climbing a fence for fun. The repeated image shows how he now sees both places.
Where to see it
The fence: In Berlin, Donovan watches people shot at the wall, and later he sees kids casually climbing a fence in New York.
Pairing the main character with a second character who mirrors them. The double shows what the hero wants, fears or secretly is.
How this film uses it
Donovan and Abel are both steady, patient men who stay calm under pressure. The film sets them side by side until they feel like partners. One reading is that Abel's steady loyalty pushes Donovan to hold to his own principles.
Where to see it
The meeting: Donovan visits Abel in jail and the two talk like equals despite being on opposite sides.
Questions
Keep watching
Same director
Same era
