Tom Hanks has once again found himself at the forefront of cinematic conversation with his recent film, Here, directed by the renowned Robert Zemeckis. The film, which hit theaters on November 27, expands upon the themes both actors have explored throughout their long-standing collaboration. Hanks and co-star Robin Wright portray Richard and Margaret, respectively, who are thrust back and forth through time, exploring their troubled relationship within the confines of Richard’s family home.
Critics, including Lisa Kudrow, have voiced their concerns about the technology used to de-age Hanks and Wright, facilitated by the AI company Metaphysic. Kudrow remarked on Armchair Expert, stating, "All I got from [the film] was, this is an endorsement for A.I. and oh my God". She expressed concerns over the future of acting, pondering, "What will there be left for, forget actors, but what about up-and-coming actors?"
Hanks and Zemeckis have been intertwined since their successful collaboration on Forrest Gump back in 1994. Reflecting on this continuing relationship, Hanks explained, "I view them as different moments of the same long conversation." This thread of exploration persists through Here, where Margaret’s growing feeling of entrapment starkly contrasts Richard’s sense of comfort within the home.
Despite the film's exploration of complex and intimate themes, observers like Kudrow worry about the broader implications of employing AI technology to recreate younger versions of actors. Hanks himself acknowledged the dualities brought forth by technology: "I could get together and pitch a series of seven movies [featuring my younger self]," he said. The actor expressed both excitement and apprehension about the potential of living on through AI but underscored the importance of addressing the ethical implications seriously.
The film also adopts an unconventional stylistic approach, maintaining a static camera position throughout its runtime to convey the passage of time from the 1970s onward. Hanks noted, "The rubicon [of becoming] a parent is one of the greatest divides anyone experiences." This perspective enhances the emotional weight of the film as audiences engage with both the characters and their struggles. The dichotomy set within the narrative—where Richard views the house as salvation and Margaret as imprisonment—elucidates fundamental conflicts many people may face.
Throughout their discussions, the idea of societal change and the fluidity of cinematic storytelling pervades the critiques and responses. The critics, including Hanks, highlight how the lens through which stories are told—and the technology employed—can shift societal norms and values. Kudrow's remarks symbolize the collision between tradition and modernity within Hollywood, underscoring mounting concerns among actors about how technology might reshape their profession.
Hanks' previous resistance to the unauthorized use of his likeness via AI has shaped his current discussions. During various interviews, he has cautioned against the unrestricted use of AI-generated images and clones without consent, signifying the growing concern within the industry. "There are discussions going on to come up with the legal ramifications of my face and my voice being our intellectual property," he said, spotlighting the necessity for protective measures within the creative sector.
If anything, Here marks another chapter for Hanks—a reflection on the evolution of storytelling coupled with the ethics of modern technology. It calls for audiences to immerse themselves not just within the characters but also within the moral discussions concerning technology's impact on arts and filmmaking. "Money problems are family problems," remarked one critic, encapsulating the essence of what the film explores.
Critically, the inaugural reception of Here suggests it will shape the conversations for years to come about both the artistry of filmmaking and the intersection between human creativity and artificial intelligence. Hanks and Zemeckis, with their shared history, make this exploration both relatable and relevant as they continue to traverse the realities of modern cinema.
Therefore, as moviegoers digest the layers within Here, they are encouraged to ponder not only the cinematic dynamics displayed before them but also the larger, increasingly complex narrative of what it means to create as technology evolves.
