WARNING: The following contains SPOILERS for A Man Called Otto
A Man Called Otto' depiction of Tom Hanks' character proves the harsh truth of the movie legend's career. The beloved actor, mostly known for his lovable and heroic performances in iconic films like Forrest Gump, Cast Away, and Saving Private Ryan, has been somewhat typecast for decades as a figure of exemplary and honorable behavior. Often pigeonholed as a protagonist filled with moral ideals and good-hearted convictions, Tom Hanks has amassed an unfair expectation to consistently be a role model, and even a father figure, in nearly all of his performances.
The beloved actor is celebrated for his warm charisma both on and off-screen. In reality, Hanks is first and foremost an actor who has developed a strong brand as 'America's Dad' based on many of his fictional characters. This is somewhat unfortunate for both Hanks and audiences of his films who would benefit from seeing him in more nuanced, dramatic, even darker roles for a change. For that reason, Hanks' role as the grumpy, tragedy-stricken Otto in A Man Called Otto is refreshing for viewers and presumably Hank himself, who was able to break away from cheery character expectations and showcase his depth as an actor.
Tom Hanks' Best Characters Have An Edge
Some of Tom Hanks' most notable characters have an edge to them that separate them from the rest, and Otto is certainly one of them. Hanks' performance in A Man Called Otto revealed his ability to play someone who is cynical and marked by unthinkable tragedy. This is quite opposite to his reputable 'good guy' character in so many films, including Sully, Captain Phillips, and Saving Mr. Banks. Other rare yet prominently edgy roles of Hanks' include the mean-spirited Colonel Tom Parker in Elvis and a dangerous mob enforcer in Sam Mendes' Road to Perdition. The characters Hanks played in these films have allowed him to experiment outside his typical constraints, reminding his fans that he is still human underneath his bubbly persona.
Compared to Hanks' overall filmography, A Man Called Otto offered Hanks an unusual opportunity to portray a character who needed to be saved by others instead of playing the hero who always saves the day. Hanks takes new liberties in A Man Called Otto that are evident of his talent and range. Otto's wife Sonya dies in A Man Called Otto, which allows Hanks' character to live inside the dark world of grief and hopelessness. This creates an edge in Otto that is often jaded yet humorous, and at times poignant and relatable. A Man Called Otto proves that Hanks doesn't have to play the hero in every film in order for his character to emotionally connect with audiences.
Tom Hanks Is More Than 'America's Dad'
A Man Called Otto disproves the notion that Tom Hanks should be reduced to just being 'America's Dad.' In fact, many actual fathers might be realistically more like Otto in A Man Called Otto than the idealized versions of Captain Phillips or Sully. Hanks' frequent portrayals as larger than life American heroes has largely contributed to the cultural expectation that Hanks is America's universal father figure. His portrayal of A Man Called Otto, combined with some of his other performances, further demonstrate that the iconic actor is so much more than 'America's Dad' and should embrace more characters in the future that can bring out his lesser-known strengths.
