At 68 years old, Tom Hanks continues to take on roles that push the boundaries of acting. In his latest film, Here, directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on the 2014 graphic novel by Richard McGuire, Hanks portrays multiple stages of life for his character, Richard Young. The story unfolds in a unique setting—following a single spot of land over a century, capturing how life shifts around it while the perspective remains unchanged.
Alongside actress Robin Wright, who also plays different ages of her character Margaret Young, Hanks uses both digital de-aging technology and traditional makeup effects to navigate the decades. As he revisits his 30s and 40s onscreen, Hanks reflects on the challenges of embodying his younger self and shares his mixed feelings on returning to those earlier years of life.
The Concept Behind Here: A Century Through One Spot
Here offers a fresh cinematic approach by focusing on a fixed point, a single patch of land, while capturing the lives of those who inhabit it over generations. Directed by the visionary Robert Zemeckis, this experimental style challenges traditional storytelling, immersing viewers in the passage of time through the lives of Richard and Margaret Young.
Zemeckis on the Unusual Perspective
Zemeckis described Here as an ambitious endeavor, unlike anything else in cinema. “The single perspective never changes, but everything around it does,” he explained to Vanity Fair. “It’s actually never been done before.” Drawing inspiration from early silent films, where single perspectives were sometimes used, Zemeckis combined this approach with modern cinematic techniques, giving the film a unique rhythm as time flows through the same physical space.
De-Aging Technology Meets Traditional Makeup: Transforming Hanks and Wright
To portray Richard and Margaret Young over several decades, Zemeckis employed a combination of traditional makeup effects and advanced digital de-aging. With this mix, Hanks and Wright seamlessly transition between older and younger versions of their characters.
Hanks’s Experience with Digital De-Aging
While digital de-aging technology has become popular for its precision, Hanks has a grounded view on it. “It’s a gimmick in some ways,” Hanks shared with Entertainment Tonight. “You could achieve some of it with makeup, but because we have this super-fast digital technology now, you can see the results immediately.”
De-aging allows actors to explore parts of their characters’ lives without having to fully rely on post-production. However, Hanks points out that it’s more than just a visual transformation—it’s an emotional journey, as he explains the effort it took to portray Richard Young at 35, a time he views with mixed emotions.
Hanks Reflects on the Struggles of Playing His 30s
Hanks has been candid about the difficulties of revisiting his 30s in the role. “The hardest for us was when we were playing 35,” he shared, describing it as a stage of life where “your metabolism stops, gravity starts tearing you down, your bones start wearing off.” Far from the glamor often associated with youth, Hanks finds this period in a person’s life uniquely challenging, both on and off-screen.
Physical Challenges of Revisiting Younger Years
Playing a 35-year-old meant adjusting his posture, energy, and movement. “You stand differently at 35,” he explained, sharing that he found it more physically challenging to play younger than he expected. Reflecting on how his own life was during those years, he added humorously, “Life is such a burden at 35!” Despite being de-aged on screen, the reality of portraying that age took a physical toll on him.
Appreciating His 60s: Hanks on Health, Happiness, and Aging
Interestingly, Hanks admitted that he feels healthier now than he did in his 30s. “I’m in better shape now,” he confessed. With his kids grown up, a focus on exercise, and better eating habits, Hanks embraces his current stage of life with contentment.
“It’s Good to Look Young, But Not Great to Be Young Again”
While many people yearn for youth, Hanks isn’t one of them. In a past interview with People, he noted, “It’s good to look young again, but it’s not great to be young again.” He appreciates the freedom and stability that come with age, free from the pressures and uncertainties that accompany younger years. Now, he finds joy in a balanced lifestyle and sees aging as a natural process rather than something to be feared.
The Emotional and Spiritual Demands of Midlife
Beyond the physical transformation, Hanks found that portraying the emotional and spiritual struggles of middle age was the most challenging part of his role. “The much more difficult part that was both physical and spiritual emotionally is when Richard and Margaret are 35 and 42,” he shared, pointing out that these are the years when “the aging process just begins to kick in.”
Rediscovering Life’s Challenges Through Richard’s Story
In his portrayal of a man in his mid-30s and early 40s, Hanks tapped into the transition years between youth and older adulthood. These are the years when people start to recognize the limits of their bodies, yet life is still demanding. For Hanks, playing Richard at these ages was both nostalgic and revealing, bringing back memories of his own challenges and milestones during those years.
Navigating Youth and Maturity: The Depth of Here
As Here guides viewers through different eras, Hanks’s character moves from a young, hopeful individual to a seasoned figure grappling with the changes in his life and relationships. The film uses Richard and Margaret’s lives to reflect universal themes, showcasing how aging reshapes our perceptions, dreams, and desires.
Exploring the Universality of Aging in Here
In portraying multiple ages, Hanks brings authenticity to each stage of Richard’s life. He captures the vigor of youth, the trials of midlife, and the wisdom of age, illustrating the inevitable transformations we all experience. Hanks’s honest approach highlights the bittersweet reality of aging, making Richard’s journey relatable and heartfelt.
Robin Wright’s Role as Margaret Young: A Partner in Time
Working alongside Hanks, Robin Wright plays Margaret Young, Richard’s partner, and like Hanks, she embraces the challenge of playing multiple ages. The dynamic between the characters deepens as they grow and face life’s trials together, bringing a powerful narrative of love and resilience.
The Enduring Connection Between Richard and Margaret
As their lives unfold within the same space, Richard and Margaret’s relationship becomes the emotional core of Here. Their experiences, laughter, and struggles highlight the enduring nature of love, emphasizing that while everything else may change, deep bonds remain.
Embracing Technology in Storytelling: The Pros and Cons of De-Aging
The digital effects in Here underscore a growing trend in film, where technology allows actors to portray younger versions of themselves. While some see this as a valuable tool, others feel it distances actors from the authenticity of their craft.
Hanks on the “Gimmick” of De-Aging
Although Hanks used digital de-aging for Here, he’s open about his mixed feelings, describing it as a “gimmick.” He believes makeup could have achieved much of the same effect but admits that de-aging technology offers a unique immediacy, allowing actors to see their younger selves in real-time rather than waiting for post-production.
Tom Hanks’s Legacy: Embracing Age with Grace
As Hanks moves through his 60s, he’s more reflective about his career and life choices. He speaks openly about embracing the present and cherishing the benefits of age. From physical wellness to emotional resilience, Hanks finds himself in a rewarding stage of life, where he’s less concerned with looking young and more focused on living fully.
Aging, Wisdom, and Contentment: Lessons from Hanks
Hanks’s reflections on his life bring out a refreshing perspective on aging. Rather than viewing it as a loss, he sees it as a gain—a time to appreciate life’s simplicity, connect with family, and engage in meaningful roles. He’s no longer chasing youth but is instead embracing his journey, making him a powerful role model for his fans.
Conclusion: Tom Hanks’s Unique Journey Through Time in Here
In Here, Tom Hanks delivers a layered performance that spans decades, allowing him to delve into the physical and emotional challenges of each age. His portrayal captures the essence of aging, the transitions that shape us, and the evolving perspectives that define our lives. While digital de-aging helped bring his character to life, it’s Hanks’s emotional depth and personal reflections that make his performance memorable.
With Here, Hanks doesn’t just play a character; he embodies the beauty and complexity of aging itself. His journey through Richard Young’s life becomes a profound statement on the inevitability of time and the richness it brings to our experiences. As Hanks himself has learned, aging is a gift, and his role in Here is a tribute to living authentically at every stage.
