by Shane Conto
Who doesn’t love Tom Hanks? He is America’s sweetheart! He is the all-American actor. No matter what film he stars in, Hanks brings the goods. Even though he has not been treated to the Streep-gets-nominated-for-everything treatment, he certainly deserves the nomination every time he acts. But what is one thing Hanks has not conquered? Westerns. The all-American actor in the all-American genre? Who could say no? Paul Greengrass teams up with Tom Hanks after their success with Captain Phillips for this new classic-style western, News of the World. Hanks plays another captain in a Greengrass film, but this time he is Jeffrey Kidd, a man who goes across the country to read people the news. Walter Cronkite of the frontier? All I know is that I would pay to watch Hanks read the news. But should you go check out this new western to wrap up the year?
Paul Greengrass has made plenty of quality films in his career but will News of the World be remembered as one of them?
I would say YES. Greengrass (mostly) avoids the shaky camera work that gives him the majority of his critiques as this is quite a beautiful film. The frontier really comes to life in this film. There are a few shots that speak volumes (including one particular one that is an obvious homage to The Searchers). Dariusz Wolski, the man who brings such life to the films of Ridley Scott, does the same for Greengrass here. The camera work is smooth, the coloring is full of texture, and the world of the film is brilliantly rendered. Besides the look of the film, the pacing is really effective. For a two-hour film, News of the World works efficiently as it tells its tale. The icing on the technical cake is the moving and passionate score of James Newton Howard. The music delivers emotionally every step of the way all the way up to its moving and cathartic end.
What about the screenplay that Greengrass contributed to?
That is where the film may feel a little too familiar. News of the World tells the tale of a newsman across the frontier who finds himself as the guardian of a young German girl who has lived years of her life with Native Americans. Now Captain Kidd must take Johanna to a family she has never met. This journey will take weeks…so what could happen? A LOT apparently. This film falls into some of the same issues as The Revenant where it becomes oppressive with how many roadblocks are thrown at our characters. Some of which are a bit derivative of other westerns (shots are not the only thing borrowed from films like The Searchers). There are a few clever moments including an inventive use of money…but I will leave it at that. The character of Captain Kidd is quite layered as he has many experiences that have shaped the man he is at the point of the film. The film takes on plenty of themes that add layers to some of the set pieces.
What can I say about Tom Hanks performance?
Well…it is fantastic! Can I just leave it at that? Some of the best scenes and layered scenes in the film are when Kidd reads the news. Hanks is SO much presence that he commands the characters in attendance as well as the real-life audience. Hanks has a gruffness that fits the experiences of his characters and naturally handles the paternal relationship that he develops with Johanna. Do not take it for granted, Hanks is wonderful as always. Young actress, Helena Zengel, is a revelation. Zengel gives a dynamic performance that shows plenty of layers to her character’s trauma. The chemistry between Hanks and Zengel is palpable and they are truly the heart of the film.
So, did Hanks and Greengrass conquer the western genre?
Greengrass is able to deliver homages and freshen old tropes to deliver a classic western to admire. Hanks delivers yet another commanding and fully realized performance that brings Captain Kidd to life. Do not miss this one for awards season, it just might make a splash.
Grade: B+