I am sure that there will be wags who glibly compare with
similar Cast Away “Gilligan Island” and “breadwinner”, but, in tone, approach
and common achievement, it is atypical Robinson Crusoe tale bears a strong
resemblance to one of director Robert Zemeckis earlier efforts, contacts. No,
not Cast Away space or messages from another planet, but, in essence, it was no
link. Both films ask the same crucial existential question that Shakespeare
pondered for years: Taking everything into account, what does that mean for
humans? How do we cope with the loss, hopelessness and isolation, and still
find the courage to face the next day? Love and the dream of a dead father
Jodie Foster sustained contact. For Tom Hanks’ Chuck Noland Cast Away, it is a
promise by his smile equally lacking - and least favourite - wife to be.
Last time Zemeckis and Hanks together, a legend was born -
with the idiot savant Forrest Gump. A brilliantly conceived trip in the second
half of the 20 the century, Forrest Gump was part folksy feel-good drama, as
part of a well-concealed satire. In 1994 blockbuster offers much more than his
opponents, and even some of his supporters acknowledge. Those expecting
Zemeckis and Hanks for reconsideration of the same territory in Cast Away will
be surprised - apart from film Oscar potential, there is little interaction.
Cast Away will not be crowd-pleaser that Forrest Gump was, but he is a better,
more rewarding experience. And, just when you think that over, he defies
expectations and metamorphoses into something different and more convincing.
The year 1995. Chuck Noland is excessive Federal Express run
zips, which from one country to another for troubleshooting problems and
streamline operations. His mantra is to do everything necessary to get his
nomination package on time. In his younger days, he was known for stealing a
bicycle child do after his delivery truck broke down. Fresh from a visit to
Russia, Chuck enjoying Christmas dinner with his girlfriend, Kelly (Helen
Hunt), and his family, when the call comes in: it needs in Malaysia. After some
time, he in the air, flying through stormy skies over the South Pacific.
Suddenly the plane is of course, yet another explosion, and Chuck finds
himself submerged in the womb of the crashed plane. In an inflatable life raft
makes it to the surface, and it bears on the deserted tropical island, where he
learned that survival without the attributes of civilization, is much more
complicated than it be made of in books, on television and in movies. There may
not be any people on the island, but something is making noise in the jungle at
night. And as it is for food and drinking water? Without adequate funds, simple
tasks such as opening a coconut or fire became a herculean effort.
Cast Away is divided into three distinct steps:
installation, the main story, and afterwards. Despite the fact that at the
heart of the film is 75 - minute-depth experience Chuck and marooned, this is
the third act, which does not offer simple solutions for complex situations
that the film raises to the level of inciting new adventures fully satisfying
drama. This film Red Planet could, if it has the courage to challenge the
audience, rather than saddle them with a worn-out, regurgitated plot.
In the crash, which occurred during the first half solved
differently from almost any air disaster, I have ever seen in motion pictures.
Zemeckis employs digital effects, but do not show disaster (he uses them in the
first place and then to create a perfect storm in style waves). We see the
events from inside the plane, against the backdrop of wind and darkness, and
this entails a truly eerie and disturbing situation. Later, when Chuck in the
water, a sense of danger is palpable - especially during one unforgettable
moment when the plane of rotation of the screw bears down on his little life
raft.
The scenes on the island before the phenomenon of
intelligence (unlike similar events chronicled in the lame Six days, seven
nights, which used similar circumstances). About Chuck We follow his
step-by-step way of survival, where even the smallest things, such as drink from
coconut milk or using a MacGyver-like ingenuity in the development tool, a
significant achievement. Zemeckis’ approach to this part of the movie is
flawless. He never decreases of Chuck - no “Back to Memphis” scenes, which
would violate the mood, and there was no random music. For more than an hour,
the only sounds heard are the island’s natural noises (and a bit of dialogue,
as Chuck volleyball starts talking to the ball, which becomes his lone
“companion”). Moreover, the script does not cook any isolated areas-swallow,
melodramatic situations or artificial conflicts. In fact, those expecting the
usual adventure film may be disappointed. Cast Away always interesting, but not
necessarily in a traditional manner.
By the time the 30 - minute epilogue comes, we are already
deeply committed Chuck nature - a fact that makes the final difficult to cope
with the dilemma. Once again, Zemeckis and screenwriter William Broyles Jr.
avoided melodramatic, and manipulate cliché s, which could reduce Cast Away, to
a lesser film. They remain true to the characters and situations to the end,
which is a literal and figurative crossroads. There is a kind of catharsis, but
it will not be final, to meet all the spectators.
For his level of work, the role of the guests, it is not
surprising if I Hanks earned another Oscar nomination. The film success rests
with him because he is on screen more than half of the current time. It is one
thing for an actor to win, playing for the other, a different matter for him to
excel in no one else around, and virtually no dialogue to speak. In addition,
the physical changes that Hanks had to take part in the play that sharp - he
was forced to lose weight and get in quickly and emergency numbers (so much so
that the “weight loss coach” is credited at the end). The actor is ready to go
through the rigours Hanks survived certainly deserve any notice, especially when
it turns into a top-notch’s performance.
The only other significant player Helen Hunt, which has
become widespread in motion pictures, which are now “Mad About You” is behind
it. This is his fourth film in four months (the other three: Dr. T and the
Women, Pay It forward, and the Women Want). This time, it supports more player,
but, despite limited screen time, it manages to develop Kelley in the flesh and
blood of a man who is crucial to the film emotional foundation. Hunt Of all the
recent departures, it is easily its strongest work.
For as long as he works in Hollywood, Robert Zemeckis will
be linked to Forrest Gump. How good movie that, as was, it was not his best
work. In many ways, and Cast Away us stronger and more compelling features. For
the year, which was not known for strong theatre-will experience Cast Away at
the top of the heap. It has all the characteristics of a great picture:
well-developed characters, solid drama, adventure unconventional, and
intelligent script. At almost two and a half hours, it is the perfect length -
not too long and not too short. Whether or not Cast Away earns any Oscar
nominations, then among my picks, as one of the best films of the year.
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