It's no accident that the film begins at a crossroads. Time is Hanks' ally and his nemesis - in his life and in his work. In the film's opening sequence where he works for the gargantuan delivery company, Hanks delivers a monologue that perfectly encompasses this ideal. It sets a magnificent tone. This is simply a perfect and monumental idea on the part of the scripter.
Hanks is a powerhouse in the opening act of the film.
There are wonderful and subtle moments here that unveil him meticulously as a character. Part of the development also includes Hanks' character's inability to truly communicate with other people. In the rat race existence in which he thrives, there is no room for sentimentality, care or commitment when it comes to people, except that which is absolutely necessary to survive. The bare minimum. Act two of the film, of course, is Hanks on the island.