Tom Hanks, revered as one of the most beloved actors of our time, has not only graced the silver screen with memorable roles but also embraced his passion for collecting typewriters, showcasing his artistic endeavors beyond acting. Currently, at The Church in Sag Harbor, New York, fans can tour the exhibit titled "Some of Tom's Typewriters: From the Collection of Tom Hanks," where 35 of Hanks' cherished machines are on display through March 10. This unique exhibition, created by Simon Doonan, serves as both homage and celebration of the storied history and craftsmanship of typewriters.
The exhibit transforms The Church, providing visitors with an enchanting atmosphere to appreciate these vintage machines. Doonan expressed his excitement about the project, stating, "When Eric Fischl invited me to be the installation designer, I shrieked loudly and agreed immediately. This project took me right back to my window dressing days at Barneys." He characterized typewriters as "COOL!" reflecting on the nostalgia they evoke as the medium through which countless stories were once crafted.
Alongside his celebrated career as one of Hollywood's leading men, Hanks has made notable contributions to literature, even writing a collection of short stories, "Uncommon Type," which revolves around different typewriters and the narratives they inspire. Despite his admiration for typewriters, he humorously noted, "I wrote notes and a few pages on an actual typewriter. But come on, for the heavy-duty work, it was laptop all the way." Hanks' passion for typewriters signifies his deep appreciation for the written word and the artistic processes behind storytelling.
Through his work, Hanks has continually connected with audiences on both personal and artistic levels. He famously starred alongside Robin Wright and director Robert Zemeckis once again for the 2024 film "Here," which, after its initial lukewarm reception, has found new life on Netflix. This film bore several connections to his iconic role in "Forrest Gump," yet did not achieve the expected success at the box office, gathering only $15.1 million worldwide against its $50 million budget. Critics were similarly harsh, as highlighted by Hanks' own reflections on the mixed reviews following the film's release.
During his candid remarks on Conan O'Brien's podcast, Hanks remarked on the challenges of public perception concerning his films. "The critics weigh in... and that's always up, down. We hate it.' 'We like it.' This is the worst thing: 'Oh, hey. Oh, hi Tom. I saw your new movie.' 'Oh, did you?' 'Yeah, it was cute.' That's when you ask the wife, 'Hey, honey, could you take the revolver out of the glove box and hide it somewhere?'" His humor underlines the unpredictability of audience reactions and highlights the resilience required to navigate the filmmaking industry.
Adding to his diverse portfolio, Hanks made headlines recently for his cameo appearance as General George Meade in the Yellowstone prequel "1883." This move surprised many fans, especially considering his extensive career. Tim McGraw, who has been friends with Hanks for years, reached out to him directly for the role, prompting Hanks' appearance. "I knew there was this part in [the script], and I gave him a call [and] said, 'Hey, would you be interested?' And he goes, 'Tell me when to be there,' and he just showed up," McGraw recounted excitedly, showcasing the camaraderie shared among these prominent figures.
Each project Hanks undertakes gives viewers valuable insights, showcasing his ability to adapt and evolve within the industry. While "Here" may not have reached the heights of "Forrest Gump," its success on streaming platforms offers evidence of Hanks' enduring appeal. Critics might be indifferent, but audiences still resonate with the stories he tells, which speaks volumes about Hanks' lasting impact.
The appeal of Tom Hanks as both actor and collector resides not only in his extensive résumé but also in his unyielding passion for storytelling. His dedication to preserving the relics of the past via typewriters complements his work on screen, consistently merging the narrative with the written word. With each typewriter holding its own history, and each film character crafted with care, Hanks continues to enrich the world of arts and culture.
Through exhibitions like "Some of Tom's Typewriters," and his unyielding willingness to experiment with diverse roles, Hanks captures our imagination, reminding us of the beauty of storytelling, both through machines and cinematography. His career serves as inspiration for many, bridging gaps between generations of storytellers and framing the conversation around creativity and innovation.