Melanie Roussel
When good writing meets good acting
First
DONOVAN: Yeah, then do not talk to anyone else about your case. Inside of government or out. Except to me - to the extent that you trust me. I have a mandate to serve you. Nobody else does. Quite frankly, everybody else has an interest in sending you to the electric chair. ABEL: All right. DONOVAN: You don’t seem alarmed. ABEL: *Abel shrugs.* Would it help?
Second
ABEL: Well...The boss isn’t always right but he’s always the boss. DONOVAN: Do you never worry? ABEL: *Abel shrugs.* Would it help?In the second scene, Donovan and Abel are at the trial. It's not looking good for Abel and both characters know it. They're making casual conversation in a restrained way - both men are proud, determined and level-headed, so they're not going to descend into a shirt-rending, screaming match at the judge. This is their way of processing the bad news. Again, we see the reoccurring disbelief in Donovan as he realizes that Abel is still unmoved from his cause. Abel has just learned that his Russain handlers are denying him not only has their spy but as a Russian citizen - despite all he's done for them. Donovan can't understand the passivity. Here, Abel's 'Would it help?' is firmer than the first time. This isn't a question or a way of shrugging off Donovan's concern. Here, though it's phrased as a question, it's actually a statement. Abel is saying 'it wouldn't help to get upset'.
Third
DONOVAN: But will they -- Rudolf -- is there not the possibility - ABEL : That my people are going to shoot me? DONOVAN: Well...yes. You’re not worried? ABEL: Would it help?In the third and last scene, in the emotional climax of the movie, Donovan and Abel are walking towards the Russians in a covert spy swap. This should be a moment of success - at least if you're on the side of Abel - who's getting back to his people.