Tom Hanks the Greatest Actor of All Time.
Every so often, I post something not related to economics or investing. It is good to have a life other than money, don’t you think?
After recently rewatching “Sleepless in Seattle” for maybe the fifth time, I am once again struck by how Tom Hanks is the greatest actor of all time. We who saw him in Bosom Buddies knew right then that a star was born (anyone who can pull off cross-dressing and keep a series going 3 years with that strange premise). Only Jimmy Stewart can be mentioned in Hanks’ company in terms of character range, creating sympathy, a wonderful light comedic touch that is never “over the top” even in roles where it would have been easy to overplay (Gump). Other adjectives that describe a typical Hanks role: sincere, vulnerable, dignified, righteous, understanding, caring, courageous, humble, trustworthy. Everything that any woman or man would want in a best friend or spouse. This is his magic.
1. Forrest Gump (Won Best Actor Oscar) – he turned this simple and fanciful story into a movie for all time and a star vehicle (Sally Fields no. 2 performance after Norma Rae for which she won Best Actress Oscar; career launcher for Gary Sinise as Lt. Dan)
2. Saving Private Ryan (Nominated for Best Actor Oscar) – an epic movie with many Oscar awards, but a movie that many good actors could have done well. Such serious movies with so many tragic situations are easier for an actor to emote than something simple like Forrest
3. Sleepless in Seattle (my own sentimental favorite, though not nominated for anything) – another very simple movie that brought out the best in Meg Ryan (her best performance followed by “When Harry Met Sally”)
4. Big (Nominated for Best Actor Oscar) – How does this simple “boy meets girl through time warp” movie even get a nomination? Tom Hanks. He also elevates Elizabeth Perkins to her best performance (did she ever do another movie that anyone can remember?) This elevation of leading actress is a common theme in Hanks’ career
5. Philadelphia (Won Best Actor Oscar) – again, it is a great acting job, but with a subject that is destined to win Oscars: AIDS and homosexuality. Great acting about a tough subject in a sympathetic way that is the mark of Tom Hanks
I will go another five since almost all Hanks movies are worth multiple watchings. None of these are Oscar-worthy performances, though he helps turn the films themselves into Oscar nominees or winners
6. Green Mile – unlovable Hanks
7. Splash! – Hanks as innocent (something he does so well); elevates Daryl Hannah to the best performance of her career (never to be surpassed)
8. Road to Perdition – Hanks as pathetic
9. A League of Their Own – Hanks as unlikable
10. Castaway – claustrophobic and psychotic
Notables (worth another watch):
Apollo 13, Bachelor Party, Youve Got Mail, Bonfire of the Vanities, Davinci Code, The Burbs, Turner and Hooch, Money Pit, Dragnet (really, Dan Akroyd’s vehicle) and any of the Bosom Buddies TV series
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Tom Hanks is really good but I would have to disagree that he is the best of all time. There are so many others who have been more talented.