Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance on ‘Bridge of Spies’

Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies opened in theatres in October, and–like so many of Steven Spielberg’s films–it’s bound to be up for a few Academy Awards once the nominations are announced. The film retells the story of American lawyer James Donovan, played by Tom Hanks, as he is asked to defend Russian spy Rudolf Abel, played by Tony-winnner Mark Rylance in court.

The real-life case was a remarkable moment at the height of the Cold War, with Donovan putting his livelihood on the line for Abel.

Watch a clip from Bridge of Spies below, and then watch an interview with Hanks and Rylance as they talk about their roles, and working with each other. The film offers a fascinating look back on the Cold War, with Spielberg putting his remarkable vision to interpreting it for today. At the same time, Rylance is a renowned theatre-actor, so it’s interesting to hear his thoughts on the role, and find out what Hanks thought about the film and his co-star.

Bridge of Spies was written by Matt Charman and Ethan and Joel Coen, and the film co-stars Scott Shepherd, Amy Ryan, Sebastian Koch, and Alan Alda.

Bridge of Spies – “Would It Help?”

Watch the interview with Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance:

Synopsis: A dramatic thriller set against the backdrop of a series of historic events, DreamWorks Pictures/Fox 2000 Pictures’ Bridge of Spies is the story of James Donovan, a Brooklyn lawyer who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible task to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot. Screenwriters Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen have woven this remarkable experience in Donovan’s life into a story inspired by true events that captures the essence of a man who risked everything and vividly brings his personal journey to life.

James Donovan and Tom Hanks in Bridge of Spies

Tom Hanks in Bridge of Spies