Tom Hanks is an extremely versatile actor that has to be regarded as one of the best of all time. In fact I couldn't even narrow down his performances to five. Although Hanks has appeared in some flops of late (Larry Crowne) which even he probably regrets, he is starting to get back to his best. I am especially intrigued to see his latest project, Cloud Atlas directed by the Wachowski brothers of Matrix fame with the extended trailer released earlier in the week.
6. Saving Private Ryan
A massive box office hit seeing Hanks team up with director Steven Spielberg, the duo prove a great match as Hanks delivers a very moving performance. Hanks is an extremely inspiring as the determined captain leading a group of men to retrieve private Ryan, who has tragically lost all of his brothers. This remains one of my favourite war films mainly due to the brilliant performance from Hanks.
5. The Terminal
Not one of Hanks more well known films however remains one of his best. The premise is very unconvincing where a man is forced to stay in an American airport as his country has broken out in war. If the film was left in the hands of another actor this could easily have been a very cheesy drama/comedy. Luckily Hanks takes the character of an eastern immigrant trapped in the airport seriously adopting accent and all. This film sees Hanks again team up with Spielberg in a surprisingly moving and often very funny film. It is very satisfying to see a simple story done well, there was no need for excess drama or action just Hanks doing what he does best.
4. The Green Mile
Now things start to get tricky, although The Green Mile is one of my favourite films of all time I'm judging the performance so unfortunately it doesn't crack my top three. Don't get me wrong Hanks' performance is still excellent as the morally sound guard on Death Row trying to come to grips with a convicted felon who has a miraculous gift. It is believed that director Frank Darabont wanted Hanks for The Shawshank Redemption but unfortunately scheduling interfered. Hanks definitely makes the most of his role in Darabont's second feature delivering one of his strongest performances of his career.
3. Forrest Gump
It couldn't be a Tom Hanks countdown with out Forrest Gump, the film that has provided pop culture with some of its most memorable quotes none more so than "My momma always said, life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what your gonna get". At first glance it seems like Hanks is putting on a very poor Southern accent but you soon realise that Hanks is delivering a truly unique and accurate performance. Hanks portrayal of the loveable Forrest Gump earnt him his second Oscar and remains one of the most iconic performances in cinema history. One cant help but try the accent for themselves after watching the film or scream out "Run, Forrest, run!" when you see someone running.
2. Cast Away
There are many reasons why this is such as a memorable performance whether its Hanks dramatic physical transformation to his ability to make you feel so strongly about a volleyball. There is no doubt that this was a challenging role, but it was a role that Hanks seized with both hands immersing himself completely into the character. Lets face it you hope Hanks is going to deliver a strong performance given that he's the only person on screen for the vast majority of the film. Luckily Hanks was at his emotional best as he struggles to not just survive on the island but also keep his sanity. His amazing struggle is one of determination, resilience and heartbreak that remains one of the most inspiring performances of all time.
1. Philadelphia
Finally to number one, for me there is no greater performance from Tom Hanks than Philadelphia. The role was so ground breaking and bold as the topic of AIDS was very much still taboo. When dealing with important themes such as AIDS and homophobia, the film demanded a performance worthy of the films significance. Hanks was very brave in accepting the role as many actors would have been overwhelmed by the way the film accurately sheds light on the prejudice and discrimination present in society. Hanks once again makes a considerable physical transformation in the film becoming almost unrecognisable as his condition worsens. His remarkable appearance is no doubt supported by the effects on makeup but it is his performance that makes the journey so realistic and moving. Philadelphia earnt Hanks his first Oscar, establishing him not just as a quality actor but an actor that deserved to be noticed, and luckily people did.
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