In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Tom Hanks revealed his dislike for some of his own films despite his successful four-decade-long career. From Oscar-winning dramas to lighthearted comedies, Hanks has played a wide range of roles and is considered one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood. However, Hanks outlined five key factors that any filmmaker must cross, including saying yes to the project, watching the final product, receiving critical reviews, experiencing commercial success, and the test of time. Hanks even compared his film, That Thing You Do!, to the timeless classic It's a Wonderful Life, both of which initially struggled at the box office but later became fan favorites.
We've all experienced the disappointment of watching a movie we despise, and as a film industry professional, I can confess that I've been involved in productions that I regret. However, every filmmaker inevitably encounters a series of pivotal moments that shape their career. The first of these is the decision to commit to a project - once you've said yes to a film, your involvement is guaranteed.
Upon viewing the final product, the second Rubicon presents itself - either the movie succeeds as the intended creation or it falls short of the original vision. However, this is not to be confused with Rubicon No. 3: the critical reception. The latter is essentially the voice of the people with varying opinions ranging from disdain to adoration, and the true nature of the film lies somewhere within these extremes.
Rewritten fragment: The financial success of a film is a crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked as it can greatly impact one's career trajectory. Failure to generate profits can result in a quick downfall. Additionally, the longevity of a movie's impact is another important consideration. How the film is perceived and received by audiences in the future is something to keep in mind.
Which Tom Hanks Films Have Stood the Test of Time?
Hanks's model sheds light on the disparity between a filmmaker's understanding of a movie and how it is perceived by critics. Although he only uses It's a Wonderful Life and That Thing You Do! as examples for point five, one can't help but wonder what Hanks thinks about his critically panned films, such as Cloud Atlas or Turner and Hooch.
While some of Tom Hanks's movies have stood the test of time, others have not been as successful. Sleepless in Seattle and Forrest Gump are beloved classics, while Splash is still loved despite its silliness and even getting a modern-day remake. However, some of Hanks's films, such as Big, have faced criticism for their questionable romance plots, and newer movies like Larry Crowne and The Circle have fallen into obscurity. Nevertheless, Hanks still has a number of celebrated and rewatchable films under his belt.
Source: The New Yorker