Tom Hanks strikes us as less of an actor who wanted to transition into directing (as so many do, as sort of a fallback for when their looks begin to fade), and more of a man who had a story that he really wanted to tell. That Thing You Do isn't just a film that he directed, he was involved in pretty much every aspect of the filmmaking process. It charts the rise and fall of a fictional band during the early 1960s, from their humble beginnings in small town Pennsylvania to their massive implosion after a historical appearance on The Hollywood Television Showcase (an homage to the Ed Sullivan Show). And it's Tom Hanks' baby from start to finish. He not only directed the film, but he also wrote the screenplay and several songs featured in the movies (Loving You Lots and Lots and Guy's I Am Spartacus drum solo) as well as co-starring in it as the band's manager, Mr White. Since then, he's worked closely with directors on many projects, but didn't direct again until 2011's Larry Crowne, a film he also co-wrote with My Big Fat Greek Wedding's Nia Vardalos.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
