Tom Hanks pulls off another great performance, as usual. The rest of the cast was good, but their roles were very minor. The acting is very good, although, there's only 2 real sources of acting in this film, Tom Hanks and Helen Hunt. This seems to be a trademark of Robert Zemeckis (case and point, "Forrest Gump"). ![]() The scenery is absolutely breath taking, the special effects are so well done that you don't even realize that there are special effects present. But, all in all, I've watched the film enough times now that I can say "I love this film!!!" When I really stop and think about it, the film is brilliantly executed. I am a huge Robert Zemeckis fan, so maybe my expectations were slightly skewed at first. And just got better with each additional viewing. I must say that this film was MUCH better the second time around. I mean, I certainly enjoyed it, but I just wasn't too sure of how I felt about the film as a whole. I'll be honest, the first time I saw this film, I wasn't too sure if I liked it. In conclusion, a powerful, bold and superbly acted, directed and made film that is moving without the audience being forced or manipulated into feeling so. Helen Hunt makes a moving impression even with limited screen time, her meeting with Hanks one of the film's most powerful moments. While the other characters aren't as well written or as interesting as Hanks', it is not in a way to bring down the film in any way. Plus there aren't many times when you feel so much for a volleyball, you do here. While deliberately paced, the story is an engrossing one, with a excellently harrowing plane crash and the very telling section on the island that to me didn't drag at all even with events being a little on the slight side. The score avoids from being overwrought, while there is a beautifully constructed script that provokes a lot of thought and wide range of emotions. They blend so well with the film's tone and with its boldness. It is a very well made film too, beautifully and cleverly photographed, atmospherically lit and with a lovingly created island setting. He is instrumental in making the island and his resilience in struggling to survive riveting viewing and he does so phenomenally. Even better is Hanks' one for the ages almost one-man show performance, sometimes not saying much but expressing a lot in a nuanced way. Zemeckis' direction is some of his boldest, there are some courageous risks taken like his use of camera work and done in an ingenious way and not overdone. There are so many great things about 'Cast Away' that help make it quite a superb film. Have been picky about endings recently and the inconclusive nature didn't bother me that much and actually appreciated that it was more downbeat rather than happy, who to me would have felt a little too on the pat side. Count me in as somebody who found the ending incredibly powerful and who cannot fail to tear up. It is understandable as to why it is polarising, and why it is seen as inconclusive and depressing to some wanting something happy. 'Cast Away' has been criticised by some for having an unsatisfying ending. It is long and the opposite of feel good, but utterly riveting, thanks to the bold risk-taking and Hanks giving a performance for the ages. Admire both Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks, and honestly feel that 'Cast Away' is among the best work of both. If it was someone else, it would not be as successful, but Hanks gives his all and (as usual) pulls through 5 fold delivering one of the years and his best performances. The others of course being the whole lot of him on the island and Hanks' performance. That Hanks can communicate with this volleyball, and almost make the ball as a real person with real feelings that is almost like the Silent Bob to his Jay, is one of the films triumphs. The story follows Hanks as a dedicated fed-ex deliverer who has a fiance (Helen Hunt) and has to leave her Christmas time to go to Asia, but alas, the plane he's on crashes in the water and, dare I say more (well I can because practically everyone saw the all-revealing trailers)? Well, Hanks arrives on a deserted island and then the real fun begins as he survives in a primitive way (probably remenicent of 2001, Hanks' favorite film), and even finds a silent companion named Wilson (a volleyball). ![]() Sure it might be overhyped and some characters in the film aren't needed (not to mention it depends on the liking of the lead), but when you have Tom Hanks working harder than any actor in a movie this year, it is worth it. Robert Zemeckis has his 4th best film here (behind Forrest Gump, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Back to the Future) with Cast Away.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |