Tom Hanks, one of the greatest actors, discusses his career, the impact of music on his childhood, reading historical biographies, working with master cinematographers, the importance of authenticity in filmmaking, contrasting play and motion picture experiences, movie reviews, and the origins of Playtone
A clear and definable theme is crucial in creating a compelling story and connecting with the audience.
Actors convey the theme through their performances, including non-verbal cues and body language.
Accidental discoveries and improvised moments can become memorable and pivotal scenes in movies.
Exploring historical stories provides varied insights and requires understanding the context and motivations of characters.
Deep dives
The Power of Theme in Storytelling
In this podcast episode, the importance of theme in storytelling is discussed. The host emphasizes how a clear and definable theme is necessary in order to create a compelling and engaging story. Different examples of movies and books are mentioned to illustrate how theme drives the narrative and connects with the audience on a deeper level. The discussion highlights the role of actors in conveying the theme through their performances, including the unspoken story that they bring to their characters. The episode explores the impact of theme on audience engagement and the ongoing creative process of developing a story.
The Power of Subtext and Subtle Moments
The podcast episode delves into the significance of subtext and subtle moments in storytelling. It discusses how actors bring layers of meaning to their performances through non-verbal cues, body language, and ad-libbed moments. Examples from movie sets are shared to illustrate how these small choices can have a significant impact on the scene and the overall story. The conversation emphasizes the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where actors constantly test and refine their performances to find the most authentic and powerful moments.
The Magic of Accidental Discoveries
The podcast episode shares stories of accidental discoveries and unexpected moments that have made a memorable impact in movies. It explores how a throwaway line or an improvised moment that wasn't originally in the script can become a pivotal and memorable scene. The importance of spontaneity and being present in the moment is highlighted, as well as the role of directors, editors, and the overall creative process in shaping the final version of a scene. The episode emphasizes the magic that can happen on set when actors and filmmakers are open to discovery and are willing to take risks.
The Curiosity of Historical Stories
The podcast episode touches on the fascination and curiosity associated with historical stories. It discusses how history is shaped by different perspectives and interpretations, and how reading historical accounts from different time periods can provide varied insights. The conversation explores the actor's approach to historical scripts and the importance of understanding the context and motivations of characters. The episode highlights the ongoing discovery and learning process that comes with delving into historical stories and the value of imagining oneself in different time periods and circumstances.
Learning from experience and the importance of faith in acting
The speaker reflects on his journey as an actor and the importance of learning from each role and film experience. He emphasizes the value of faith in oneself and in the collaborative process of filmmaking, highlighting the need to constantly challenge oneself and strive for improvement.
The impact of movies and the individual viewing experience
The speaker discusses the power of movies to evoke emotions and create a singular experience for each individual viewer. They reflect on how movies can shape and influence our perspectives, while also acknowledging the subjective nature of interpretation.
The growth and evolution of an actor's craft
The speaker shares their personal journey as an actor, from early experiences in theater and studying the craft to working with seasoned professionals. They discuss the continuous process of learning and evolving as an actor, while also acknowledging the importance of understanding the dynamics of different roles and audiences.
The role of Playtone and the joy of storytelling
The speaker talks about their production company, Playtone, and the joy of creating stories that captivate and engage audiences. They emphasize the importance of finding new and unique stories to tell, and the thrill of working collaboratively to bring these stories to life.
Tom Hanks is one of the few actors who has succeeded enormously in just about every part of the silver and small screens: he’s written, directed, and produced; done summer stock theater, sitcoms, blockbuster movies, prestige TV, Broadway, and worked more than credibly in both drama and comedy. For his roles in movies like Big, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Cast Away, and Saving Private Ryan—that saw him paired with visionary directors like Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, and Robert Zemeckis—Hanks is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
His films have grossed more than $4.9 billion in North America and more than $9.96 billion worldwide, making him one of the highest-grossing actors ever.
Hanks has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor five times and has received numerous other awards, including Golden Globe Awards, BAFTAs, and Emmy Awards.
He’s also written two books: 2018’s Uncommon Type, a book of short stories centered around typewriters, an item Hanks has long collected, and 2023’s The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece, his first novel that finds him writing about the industry he’s worked in his entire adult life.
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