Cast Away (2000) is a modern and Recent Classic. This movie took theaters by storm (get it?), and many references are still made today. Read here why Cast Away crosses the threshold and will be watched for years to come. Spoilers may follow.
Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) is a FedEx executive traveling on one of their flights. A colossal storm wreaks havoc and the plane crashes leaving him stranded. The physical and emotional toll sets in as he strives to survive.
Let's start with Tom Hanks. Most of the movie is only him on screen as the movie title suggests. This is a difficult role for any actor to pull off, but he does it splendidly. He was recognized for his work with an Oscar nomination for best actor. Although he did not win, it is a great role.
The premise is nothing new for a movie or book. Someone is stranded and must survive. It's been done countless times, but not everyone can do it this well. You don't need to reinvent the wheel to make some good cinema. Let us talk about the time on the island. He undergoes large amounts of trouble both physical and emotional. He has to knock out one of his own teeth because it was rotten. He gets cut many times and can barely sustain enough food for his body to live. Luckily, some packages washed up on the shore. He finds a couple of items that are useful, but one, in particular, is special.
The volleyball named Wilson becomes more than just a volleyball. It is something he can talk to and retain sanity. You know a movie is good when Wilson is lost in the ocean, and you are sad. Tom Hanks's character has determined no one will find him, so he builds a raft and is afloat at sea. While asleep, Wilson falls off, and he cannot reach him without losing the raft. It's incredibly emotional. The one package he never opened is something people like to talk about. It gives him some sort of hope, and he goes to deliver the package at the end of the movie.
Comments