Key Takeaways:
– Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg expressed confidence in actor Tom Hanks's ability to portray the role of James Donovan in ‘Bridges of Spies'
– Spielberg wanted one of the greatest living actors for the challenging part
– Tom Hanks discussed the importance of delivering something new to the audience and constantly reinventing oneself
– The actor recognized others in Hollywood who excel in maintaining a sense of mystery in their performances
Spielberg's Confidence in Hanks
Steven Spielberg, known for creating cinematic masterpieces, did not settle for anything less when it came to casting for his 2015 historical drama ‘Bridges of Spies'. He relied on Hollywood heavyweight Tom Hanks for the pivotal role of James B. Donovan.
The film reveals Donovan's complex task of negotiating the release of a US pilot trapped in the USSR in exchange for a charged KGB spy. Spielberg sought a stellar talent to play this role, and who better than Tom Hanks? As one of Hollywood's most respected actors, Hanks was expected to add an extra dimension to the portrayal of Donovan.
Why Spielberg Chose Hanks
During an interview with Time, Spielberg shared his vision behind choosing Hanks, one of the world's most recognized actors for the role. Explaining his decision, Spielberg called Hanks “one of the greatest living actors,” perfectly suited to play the character of a simple lawyer in the backdrop of international politics.
Spielberg expressed his confidence in Hanks's ability to bring to life the virtuous persona of the real-life Donovan. He emphasized on the necessity of a skilled actor to communicate the depth and principles of Donovan's character.
Hanks on Surprising the Audience
In response to Spielberg's comments, Tom Hanks spoke about the challenges of marrying his iconic image with the need to constantly reinvent himself. For Hanks, keeping the audience engaged and surprised forms the core essence of any performance.
Talking about his journey as an actor, he said, “I've been babysitting kids on video since Bosom Buddies. But if you're only giving the audience stuff they're familiar with, they're going to hate you. There has to be something new up there.”
Hanks on the Art of Reinvention
Hanks also shed light on the constant struggle of actors to reinvent themselves. He mentioned actors like Daniel Day-Lewis and Johnny Depp who persistently manage to keep a sense of mystery in their performances.
This, according to Hanks, is a more formidable task for better-known actors as compared to their lesser-known counterparts. The veteran actor believes that well-established actors are under much higher pressure to defy expectations and produce performances that surprise viewers.
Conclusion
The 2015 film ‘Bridges of Spies' is a result of Spielberg's intelligent choice of actors and Hanks's extraordinary acting prowess. Hanks's challenges and his dedication to novelty in each role, as well as Spielberg's faith in his skill, have led to a memorable cinematic piece hard to match. ‘Bridges of Spies,' with its captivating performances and riveting plot, is available to stream on Prime Video.
