Tom Hanks and His Undying Love for 200A Space Odyssey

When you think of Tom Hanks, you likely conjure images of classic feel-good films like Forrest Gump, Cast Away, Big, and the Toy Story franchise. Hanks has carved a niche as Hollywood’s quintessential good guy, captivating audiences for decades. However, when it comes to his personal favorite film, Hanks takes a surprising turn from the traditional feel-good narrative, opting instead for Stanley Kubrick’s stunning 1968 science-fiction masterpiece, 200A Space Odyssey.

A Fascination with Space

In a candid interview with Collider back in 2012, Hanks revealed, “I’ve seen it about 120 times, or something like that.” This statement might raise a few eyebrows, especially considering 200A Space Odyssey is renowned for its lengthy runtime of 149 minutes, punctuated by prolonged stretches of minimal dialogue. Yet, it’s precisely this unique allure that Hanks appreciate“Audiences crave something they’ve never seen before. They want to be dazzled… and 200A Space Odyssey played in theatres for four and a half years. Now it’s the classic that it is, for all time.”

This film not only left a lasting impact on Hanks but also on film history itself. Its initial release was marked by polarizing reactions; however, it has since ascended to the status of a cultural icon, often cited as one of the most important science fiction films ever made.

The Creative Behind-the-Scenes

While primarily an American film due to its financing and setting, 200A Space Odyssey was predominantly shot in Britain. Principal photography kicked off in late 1965 at the iconic Shepperton Studios followed by extensive filming at MGM-British Studios in Borehamwood. Hanks has also highlighted this connection in his reflections, showing a tremendous admiration for how the film was crafted.

In a recent interview with The Guardian in 2023, Hanks reminisced about the first time he watched the fil“It blew the back of my head off. It was a Sunday, it was kind of rainy and it was cold. It was the day the Oakland Raiders beat the Kansas City Chiefs, November of 1968.” This level of enthusiasm underscores how deeply 200A Space Odyssey resonates not just with Hanks, but with cinephiles around the world.

A Lasting Influence

Hanks’ admiration for 200A Space Odyssey even influenced his work on his 2012 sci-fi project, Cloud Atlas. He noted a parallel between Kubrick’s film and the Wachowskis’ ambitious narrative, saying, "Lana [Wachowski] sai‘I want to take something as important, as groundbreaking, and as new and scary as Moby-Dick was the day it was published – and 200A Space Odyssey…" This tribute showcases the lasting legacy of Kubrick’s film in inspiring a new generation of filmmakers.

200A Space Odyssey follows a loose narrative that tackles significant themes like human evolution, artificial intelligence, and space travel. It begins with prehistoric apes experiencing an evolutionary leap after encountering a mysterious monolith. Fast forward to 2001, where astronauts unearth another monolith on the Moon, setting them off on a mission to Jupiter with help from the HAL 9000, a supercomputer that proves both a boon and a bane.

A Film That Defied Expectations

Despite its slow pacing and cerebral approach, Hanks humorously acknowledged the challenges of marketing 200A Space Odyssey. “Marketing people don’t want to hear that,” he quipped. “They want to hear, ‘This is a story about a guy who’s trying to get laid, and he can’t do it until he meets the cheerleader.’” This statement illustrates how mainstream narratives often clash with more complex storytelling.

Kubrick’s film, co-written with British author Arthur C. Clarke, was nominated for four Academy Awards and even won one for Best Visual Effects—the only Oscar Kubrick ever received. As the years go by, 200A Space Odyssey cements its status not just as a visual spectacle but as a groundbreaking film that challenges viewers to think.

Conclusion

In celebrating Tom Hanks’ admiration for 200A Space Odyssey, we delve not only into his journey with this iconic film but also into its immeasurable impact on cinema and culture at large. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone looking to explore the depths of cinema history, this film offers a thought-provoking experience unlike any other. So, as we revisit this timeless classic, let’s remember Hanks’ poignant words and dare to be dazzled.

For more insights on Tom Hanks’ filmography and the evolution of cinema, check out our articles on Hollywood Icons and Science Fiction Masterpieces.