A stellar performance

Rating: 8/10 (25 December 2000)

If Tom Hanks does not get an Oscar for his performance, I will be completely shocked. This film has so much going for it, the cinematography (breathtaking), the silent struggles of Hanks on the island, marking off the days in solitude, his efforts to survive and his deliberations about not wanting to, Tom Hanks conveys so much with expression and gesture and minimal dialogue. I was completely caught up. The only feeling of letdown was in the ending, it appeared as if the writer did not know where to take it. The 4 years away must have spiritually transformed and indelibly changed Tom Hanks, but there is no accommodation for this. This is unfortunate, as an otherwise stunning movie left me feeling ripped off. I gave it 8 out of 10 for the 90% that was incredible.