Is Tom Hanks a gifted actor?

Question

I should preface this by saying that I like a number of his movies...but it seems he plays himself in almost every movie; not the same character a la Harrison Ford, but Tom Hanks stuck on an island, Tom Hanks a gay lawyer stricken with AIDS, Tom Hanks a child in a man's body, Tom Hanks a brilliant symbologist caught in a web of international intrigue, and on and on and on. Please don't espouse the merits of Forrest Gump, because while it was a touching movie, I just don't think it's that difficult to play dumb; I think that a lot of actors could have done as well or better, perhaps with less fanfare because of Hanks' tremendous commercial appeal. What do you think?

Answer 1

He is good, and a decent person. His only fault is the lack of accents. He has improved his range considerably since "Bachelor Party" and "Volunteers;" but Micheal Keaton and John Malkovich have done much better performances and have only recieve a quarter of the recognition.

What Hanks really needs to do is play a serious villian again. Tom, please give us another performance like you did in "Road To Perdition." If nothing else, please consult Robin Williams about shattering your mold.

Answer 2

I know what you are saying. But a lot of actors seem to be the same in their movies, unless they are playing a character that requires a completely different look.

With that said, I still think he is a great actor. One of my favorites. He can be funny, sensitive, and dramatic. In Forrest Gump, he didn't just play someone slow, it was his accent and his innocence that was so endearing. I loved Cast Away. Who else could keep your interest, I truly could feel how lonely it would be to be stranded on an island.

My favorite is You've Got Mail. I watch it over and over again.

He's a likable person, someone you would like to have as a friend.

Answer 3

In my opinion Tom Hanks is a very gifted actor. I do have to take issue with one point. It may be easy to play dumb but how easy is it to come across as genuinely as he did. He sucked you in from the moment he came on screen, and you genuinely cared for his character. The ability to create an empathetic character that holds your attention with every scene is the mark of a great actor. Even in bachelor party (a raucous and puerile film) his ability to emote was evident, and to me was the first film that showed his prowess as a leading man. He's a legend.

Answer 4

You forgot Tom Hanks in space... ;)

But yeah, he's still gifted. In just about every movie he does there is a scene or two that he absolutely nails.

Answer 5

Think it takes far more talent and ability to play Hanks roles than some hype type Ford's role of just bang bang action...

Answer 6

It's the different emotional quality he brings to each character that makes him good. He doesn't have to rely on accents or quirks; he creates a real person with a real internal life.

And to me, once he got over the Bosom Buddies phase, all his characters are distinct and real.

Answer 7

I still think he's a gifted actor 'cause he uses himself in the roles he plays and there's nothing wrong with that. That's just his special talent.

Answer 8

Well Forrest Gump was an amazing movie........no one else could have played that part for sure?????Watch "The Terminal" he's great in that too......there is no doubt that he is very talented.

Answer 9

I really like him. He is chosen for the fact that he doesn't over act. He plays his part the way he is supposed to play the part.
~He is very serious. He does need to loosen up!

Answer 10

i agree but many a legend has done the same thing cary grant was always cary grant, the same goes for jimmy stewart.