10 Greatest Ever Tom Hanks Movie Performances
6. Fred Rogers - A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood
Hanks is a great actor but as of late he has been guilty of just accepting real life heroes who have triumphed against adversity, a formula which the award ceremonies love but which Hanks was falling out of love with.
Knowing that he had to change things up he refused the role of beloved children presenter Mr Rogers three times knowing that this Oscar baity role was too obvious a character for him to bring to life. However, once director Marielle Heller - hot off the incredible Can You Ever Forgive Me? - was attached to the project Hanks had a change of heart and threw himself into the slow speaking, thoughtful and plimsoll-wearing shoes of Mr Rogers.
In a beautifully heartfelt film, without a hint of cynicism, Hanks delivers one of his finest performances in an unlikely supporting role. The film's strength is using him sparingly and usually after troubled journalist Lloyd Vogel is at his lowest ebb, enter Mr Rogers with his reassuring voice and twinkling eyes.
His most powerful moment is without any dialogue as he asks Lloyd to spare a minute's silence and think about all the people who loved him into being, a minute of uninterrupted silence in the film which is ended by Mr Rogers looking straight down the camera at us.