I went to see ’’Cast Away’’ over the weekend with friends. The movie met with mixed reviews among the five of us, and I was surprised to see that I was the one who enjoyed it the most. It wasn’t a romantic look at life on a deserted island, rather it was a harsh, often ugly look at solitude and what it can do to a person. This turned off a few of my friends who were expecting Swiss Family Robinson.
Rather than summarize, I’ll try to explain a few things I liked about the movie. The film is shot ENTIRELY in the perspective of Tom Hanks’ character. This helps you understand his character a bit better, but for some people, not knowing what is going on with the other people in his life during his time on the island was frustrating. But I’m sure it was hard for Tom Hanks’ character, as well. So no complaint from me.
I think the fact that he survived DESPITE having almost no tools was what made this movie interesting. If he’d had matches or a pocketknife, that would’ve been one thing. All he had were the few things that washed up on shore from the crash, namely, a bunch of odd Fed Ex packages containing things like ice skates, a dress, and Wilson the volleyball.
The ending is the hardest part for many people. It was intended to be ambiguous, so people looking for a ’’feel good’’ ending may be somewhat disappointed. I know the people in my group were. But I liked it. It was a gripping, sometimes chilling look at survival, and what happens to people during the ordeal. There aren’t any coconut radios, pirates, or any of the fripperies and contrivances so prevalent in these types of movies, just a hard look at the realities of solitude and coming to grips with your fate. If you go with this in mind, you’ll enjoy this film.