Would it Help?
James Donovan: Aren't you worried?
Rudolf Abel: Would that help?
At least three times during the movie Bridge of Spies, Tom Hanks asks Mark Rylance...
"Aren't you worried? You don't seem to be concerned."
In this movie based on real-life events, Tom Hanks plays the American lawyer James B. Donovan who represented Soviet spy Rudolf Abel (played by Mark Rylance) during the U-2 spy-swap incident in the 1960's.
There are several scenes in the movie where the potential dire consequences of his actions are laid out for Rylance. Each time, Rylance seems to merely accept what he's told with little change of facial expression or demeanor. He doesn't get angry, depressed, or reactive in any way. Tom Hanks can't make him out and keeps asking "Aren't you concerned/worried/anxious?"
Each time, Rylance makes the same reply...
"Would it help?"
He seems honestly curious. If being anxious or manifesting concern would improve the situation in any way, he's prepared to try it. His presence of mind and connection to deeply held values (in the movie, at least) is beautiful to behold--Mark Rylance won the Oscar for best supporting actor for his portrayal.
Rylance's reply reminded me of a family crisis a few years ago...
