Tom Hanks

I have just finished watching Road to Perdition. I’ve never seen it before but knew it to be a Tom Hanks film, which is reason enough to make me watch a film these days.

Set during the Great Depression, it tells the story of Michael Sullivan Sr. (played by Hanks), an enforcer for the Irish mob boss, John Rooney. I don’t want to give it away if you haven’t seen it, but it’s a heartbreaking tale of desperation and the wonderful bond between father and son through adversity. Speaking of the role, Hanks said: “I just got this guy. If you’re a man, and you’ve got offspring…emotionally, it’s devastating.”

I’m fairly sure Tom Hanks would rank in many people’s lists of favourite actors. From Forrest Gump and Castaway to Catch Me If You Can and our favourite childhood character, Woody, his film list is both extensive and Oscar-worthy.

I’ve watched interview after interview as he captures the attention of both audience and host with his undeniable charm which makes him irresistibly likeable and endearing. Somehow he encapsulates all the very best bits of his movie roles from over the years – the humour, the kindness, and yet wonderful humility for someone who sits on such a high pedestal. A shining beacon for Hollywood’s greatest actors, I must say I’ve never heard a bad word said about him. 

Often deemed ‘the nicest guy in Hollywood’, he’s been known to photobomb wedding pictures in New York, reunite others with their lost possessions via Twitter – with a particular penchant for a mislaid glove – and, when asked, I’ve heard he pretends to be Woody down the phone to incredulous kids. Collecting vintage typewriters and befriending New York taxi drivers, Hanks even refunded a movie-going couple who voiced their not-so-favourable opinions after watching Larry Crowne (a film produced and directed by the actor) when they spotted him at a petrol station near his Californian home.

I very much doubt I need to highlight what a sublime actor he is, seemingly able to turn his hand at any role, he does so with such vivacity and candour. From the disappointing realisation when it unfolds he won’t walk on the moon in Apollo 13 to the utter heartache when he’s forced to say goodbye to Wilson in Castaway, Hanks’ portrayal of such iconic characters is forever will be, memorable and second to none.  

In a world full of uncertainty, sometimes we have to rely on life’s little pleasures to give us hope and laughter and Tom Hanks and his wonderful repertoire of heart-warming films is a pretty good start.