Why cast Tom Hanks for this role?

In a way, I think Hanks had to play a third role at the end of the picture: that of a relaxed, free man without the weight of the past on him and looking forward to a new, not yet defined future with his son. His body language is different as he enters the home of his sister-in-law and stands in front of the window enjoying the view.

The acting is all physical here and very subtle. Hanks convinces the audience that all is well in Michael Sullivan's world at that moment. There is hope. Only a handful of actors can portray these nuances well. I think Hanks did a brilliant job.

FilmFan50

I thought Hanks did a teriffic job and don´t think anyone else could do a better job. Even thou I would´ve loved to see liam neeson a shot at it...

I thought Tom Hank's performance was great for what it was. Naturally he was cast for being a two-time Oscar winner (and he was fascinated by the graphic novel)...so you put it together: You're making a movie and a huge star happens to be a fan of the source material and would like the lead role and knows what the character is about...seems like a good casting choice to me.

Some people are just too used to "nice guy" or "funny" Tom Hanks to accept him in roles like this.

"There are times when I look at people and I see nothing worth liking."

LMAO!!!!!!

RAY LIOTTA???..........YOUR JOKING, RIGHT??

TOM HANKS WAS PERFECT FOR THIS ROLE, END OF STORY.

Agree with everyone else who said Tom Hanks was perfect in this. He really was.

I've already seen the worst movie ever made, so it can only be uphill from there.

I actually think it's one of his better roles and someone like Ray Liotta would have been too cliched.

Casting that thinks outside of the box, when it works out, is far more interesting than watching Ray Liotta play a mobster for the 1,000th time.

Not knocking Ray Liotta, just don't think he would have been right for Mike Sullivan.



my movie review website: http://www.angelfire.com/blog/jester_1/

I really like Ray Liotta, but I don't like him all that much for this film.

Everything about this film is understated and inconspicuous. Hanks pulls off Sullivan's character superbly. I also think Hanks fits exceptionally well with Newman, Law and Craig. He fits so well in the context of this film that I can't imagine anyone else better suited for the role. Hanks was an inspired choice for Sullivan.

If I were a gangster in the 30s looking for a hitman and I came across a guy that looked as unmenacing as Tom Hanks (but was still willing to kill for me) I would see him as a very valuable asset.


=======================================

I'm just here to remind you that I'm a *beep* badass.