"Cast Away" may well be tinsletown's surprise of the year. The much awaited Tom Hanks vehicle pairs "Forrest Gump" director Robert Zemeckis and Hanks once again in what most critics say may be the performance of his career.
It is, of course, the desert island story, which could put some of us off right away; but it has a twist. It's real. Hanks as Chuck Noland, a FedEx troubleshooter, a busy systems engineer with no time to relax, is believable. But the suddenly introspective Hanks who unfolds alone on a desert island is something else.
Noland is on one of his global missions when his aircraft crashes in the South Pacific. The crash is described as terrifying "a roaring, crunching nightmare," even for those who aren't normally afraid to fly.
When Noland washes up on the tiny island, the old desert island plot goes by the boards. Pretty much from here on in, its Noland vs. his demons. One critic says Hanks has "scaled everything back – every potentially overwrought expression or gesture . . . to forge a tough bond of intimacy with his audience."
Shortly after his arrival FedEx packages begin floating up on the island, all containing totally useless goods – ice skates, a volleyball, video tapes and even a tulle party dress. As time goes on, Noland finds a use for everything. The dress becomes a fishing net and he names the volleyball "Wilson," after its manufacturer, and it becomes his confidant.
It should be mentioned that his friends, mainly his girlfriend Helen Hunt, have long since given up hope on finding Noland alive.
The end of the two hour and fifteen minute film will remain secret. It's the long, desolate island adventure that counts – it's the heart of the picture.
It is produced by Zemeckis and Hanks, among others, directed by Zemeckis and written by William Broyles Jr. Cinematographer Don Burgess gets high praise for his massive ocean vistas and star splattered skies. It is rated PG-13 for intense action sequences and some disturbing images.
It starts Thursday at Sunny Isle Theaters.
