There are a lot of people who can probably name the best Tom Hanks movies. Whenever his name pops up, viewers probably think of blockbusters like Sketches, Great, Insomnia in Seattle, Forrest Gump, philadelphia cream, To discard, etc. (Hanks himself has some specific thoughts on his best films and the “occasional killer” who makes them.) But there’s one film the 66-year-old actor feels he doesn’t mention too often. That said, the double Oscar winner took the time to shed some light on the “incredibly important film” over a chat.
Throughout his career, the A man named Otto star has proven that he can master any genre, be it comedy or drama. While fans tout many of his films, Tom Hanks thinks the only one people aren’t talking about is the famous 2002 crime drama the road to perdition. The underrated gem surfaced during the star’s interview with Gossipify himself. ReelBlend podcast when the hosts listed the film as one of their favorite Hanks. Once the subject was broached, the witty actor took some time to reflect on the film, noting his esteemed collaborators:
You just gave me the creeps, because I have some news for you, for some reason no one is referring to Road to Perdition. and it was a[n] incredibly important film to me. It was shot by Conrad Hall, and you have me, Mr. Mustache, in a hat, but you also have two guys who turned out to be two of the biggest cinematic appearances in the history of the industry with Jude. law and [Daniel] craves. And I killed them both…
The Sam Mendes-directed film clearly holds a special place in Tom Hanks’ heart today, and you immediately get the sense that he really wants it to be a part of his cinematic legacy. the road to perdition It came at a time when Hanks was producing hit after hit, and it only cemented his status in Hollywood. Based on the graphic novel by David Self, the film saw Hanks play vengeful hit man Michael Sullivan who seeks revenge on the mobsters who killed his family.
The production marked famed cinematographer Conrad Hall’s last work before his death in 2003. As Hanks noted, it includes stellar early-career performances by Jude Law and Daniel Craig. The film eventually achieved critical and commercial success, earning numerous nominations and deserves recognition from fans today.
During the interview, the presenters brought up a specific scene in which the Oscar-winning actor’s character ended up killing Newman’s mobster John Rooney in the middle of a storm. The Toy Story alum took the opportunity to explain how important this moment was not only for the film but also for Michael Sullivan:
But the moment you’re talking about is that moment where all audiences hopefully see, for the first time, what Michael Sullivan has always seen: I’m on this road of destiny because my son can’t be the killer. that I am First, he does not have it in him, and second, I will not condemn him to this life.
The stunning murder sequence was the moment that summed up the film’s story of redemption, according to the movie star. Given how good it is (and the movie in general), it’s strange that more people aren’t talking about it. Tom Hanks then shared his two cents on how the film might age over time, illustrating it with his personal experience with classic films:
People always say, ‘What movies are you going to be talking about in a few years?’ As a guy who watches a lot of classic Turner movies, and the darker a 40’s or 50’s movie the better, because I have no preconceptions about it, I don’t know anything, and when you see these movies and it’s crackerjack and it’s incredibly emotional and all I can think is ‘I’m so glad this movie lasts forever, so I had the chance to say goodbye now.’ This may be the case with Road to Perdition.
the road to perdition is a true classic, and one can certainly see why Tom Hanks (who is going viral for his role in the polarizing film Elvis biopic) has such strong feelings about it. One can only hope that more people find him over the years and give him the respect he deserves.
Anyone interested can watch Sam Mendes’ crime adaptation using an active Netflix subscription. In the meantime, check out the Oscar-winning actor’s latest outing, A man named Ottowhich is currently playing in theaters and is part of the new film’s 2023 release schedule.
Source: Cinemablend
