Cast Away
Last night I sat down and watched Castaway and was reminded why it is such an incredible film. Admittedly I also found myself wondering why I had not rewatched it sooner.
Made in 2000, it stars Tom Hanks as FedEx executive Chuck Noland who crash lands on a desert island after his plane goes down. To survive, he must transform himself physically and emotionally and use all his ingenuity to stay alive. Hanks’ performance is one if his most enduring as he portrays a man struggling with depression, desperation and isolation.
Isolation is his greatest obstacle as he battles it for four years. To help combat this lonliness he has Wilson: a volley ball. Never before has an innanimate object been given such a personalised role. Wilson becomes Chuck’s companion who embodies his fears and doubts and allows Chuck to argue and rationalise with them. Wilson’s importance to Chuck becomes apparent when he begins to build a raft. Various “arguments” ensue with one resulting in Chuck launching Wilson from his cave home. Hanks displays his character’s anxiety at his loss brilliantly and establishes Wilson’s significance.
Trapped alone sends Chuck slightly mad which Hanks conveys well with erratic body movement and prolonged pensive stances. Once his raft is built and his escape commences Wilson is the only object he takes with him. His lonliness intensifies, however when Wilson is lost overboard. The emotion felt in the scene reaches its peak after watching this man struggle alone for four years, only to loose his only source of companionship. Sobbing he throws his oars overboard and simply drifts in the ocean.
For those of you who have never seen Castaway I strongly recommend it. It is a classic film that is yet to be recognised as such and deserves a higher status. Hanks is exceptional along with supporting cast including Helen Hunt as the love of his life. The emotional impact of the film is sensational.
Watch the trailer at CAST AWAY.
