Key Takeaways:
– Tom Hanks was surprised when Steven Spielberg chose him to play Captain John Miller in Saving Private Ryan.
– Hanks has a history of portraying morally upright characters in high-stress situations.
– The actor believes that most people watch movies to engage with someone else’s moral dilemma.
– Hanks and Spielberg have collaborated on multiple projects, including producing World War II docu-series and films.
Unwrapping Hanks’ Astonishment
Two-time Oscar winner and Hollywood’s ultimate ‘good guy’, Tom Hanks, was taken aback when renowned director Steven Spielberg offered him the leading role in ‘Saving Private Ryan.’ Spielberg’s decision to cast Hanks as Captain John Miller, a righteous soldier battling PTSD while leading a dangerous mission, was unexpected to the actor himself. Like many of the characters he plays, Captain Miller represents a morally grounded individual facing a stressful situation. This is a theme that echoes through a large portion of Hanks’ portfolio, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest actors in Hollywood.
Elaborating on the Spielberg-Hanks Duo
Hanks and Spielberg’s professional relationship extends beyond actor-director dynamics. Their collaborations include producing multiple projects together such as the WWII docu-series Band of Brothers, the miniseries The Pacific, and recently, Masters of the Air. Their combined efforts on the big screen have also resulted in gems like The Terminal, Catch Me If You Can, and The Post.
Dwelling Deep into ‘Saving Private Ryan’
Stemming from their first successful collaboration, ‘Saving Private Ryan,’ became an Oscar favourite the year it was released. Spielberg received his second Oscar for Best Director, while the movie also earned nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor among others. Hanks’ portrayal of Captain Miller, challenged with retrieving Private James Ryan, showcased the essence of a soldier weighed down by trauma yet fuelled by a newfound purpose.
Understanding the Moral Dilemmas
Hanks noted that his character’s underlying fear, which drove all actions and decisions in the film, made it relatable to him. Speaking on why he often picks such roles that place him in the moral center, Hanks explained, “The reason most of us go to the movies is to be involved in someone else’s moral dilemma.” Whether it’s Scorsese’s depiction in ‘Taxi Driver’ or Kirk Douglas in ‘Spartacus’, Hanks believes cinema should involve audiences in on-screen situations that are bigger than their lives but still relatable.
Reflecting on Hanks’ Goodness
Undeniably, Hanks has made a career out of playing the ‘everyman’ caught in extraordinary situations, from being stranded on a remote island in ‘Cast Away,’ to a pilot landing his plane on the Hudson River in ‘Sully.’ Regardless of the extraordinary circumstances, his characters always choose to do the right thing.
In a nutshell, Hanks’ humble surprise at Spielberg’s faith in him and his fondness for roles that depict moral dilemmas is part of what makes him a beloved figure in Hollywood and amongst the audience. The compelling WWII drama ‘Saving Private Ryan’ is now available to stream on Apple TV, featuring an unforgettable performance by Hanks as Captain John Miller.
