Tom Hanks, the esteemed Academy Award-winning actor, recently delved into the legacy of his 1996 film “That Thing You Do!” on the “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast. Nearly three decades later, Hanks expressed a nuanced appreciation for the film, which chronicles the rise and fall of a fictional 1960s boy band. It became notably cherished within cult film circles, despite facing mixed reviews upon its release. Hanks conveyed that the journey of public and critical reception is often a winding road, filled with extremes—praise and condemnation alike.
Hanks humorously recounted his experience with critics who oscillate between admiration and dismissal. He portrayed the paradox of critical reviews, joking about their tendency to mirror fleeting popularity. One moment, a film may be labeled as a disaster, only to be revisited years later with newfound respect. This divergence showcases the capricious nature of film reception, where time and cultural context can shift the perception of a movie dramatically. Hanks emphasized that with the passage of time, the judgments of critics fade, allowing films to exist in their own right, free from labels of success or failure.
As Hanks further analyzed the cyclical trends in film criticism, he pointed out that a movie’s status might evolve, turning what was once dismissed into a beloved classic. He humorously reflected on a particular critic’s erratic assessments of his work, noting that the same individual oscillated between disparaging “That Thing You Do!” and later heralding it as a ‘cult classic.’ It highlights a broader truth about the nature of the film industry: what resonates today may not have done so in its time, and vice versa.
This fluidity of perception can be attributed to various factors, including cultural shifts, generational perspectives, and the nostalgic value that certain films acquire over the years. Hanks pointed out that cinema is similar to a carnival, a mix of chance and skill, where the eventual appreciation of a film often takes a back seat to immediate critical response.
“That Thing You Do!” features an ensemble cast including Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, and Steve Zahn, among others. The film’s musical aspect, especially its title song, garnered recognition, earning nominations for prestigious awards like the Oscars and Golden Globes. This aspect of the film encapsulates a pivotal era in music history, capturing the zeitgeist of the 1960s while providing audiences with catchy tunes that resonate even today.
Hanks’ candid remarks offer insight into the challenges artists face in navigating the landscape of public opinion. Yet, through looking back, he finds solace in the enduring affection that “That Thing You Do!” has cultivated over the years. It embodies the essence of filmmaking as a form of art that, when nurtured, can flourish outside immediate critique and opinion.
Tom Hanks’ reflections on “That Thing You Do!” serve as a reminder of the complexities of film appreciation and the unpredictable nature of cinema. As audiences continue to find joy and meaning in the film, Hanks’ perspective underscores the intrinsic value of art—ever-evolving, always surprising, and profoundly enduring.
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