Writer/Director: Nora Ephron
Starring: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan and Rob Reiner
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors are as beloved as Tom Hanks. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1980’s, Hanks has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s political leaders, troubled soldiers or corrupt managers, Hanks has portrayed a wide variety of characters. Arguably, Hanks’ finest strength as an actor has always been his likability. He is one of those actors which has always had a talent for creating characters which are likeable. Through ability to portray characters which prove compelling, Hanks has established a legacy that’s lasting. Known as America’s Sweetheart, Hanks has created movies that audiences consider art. Despite reaching age of retirement, Hanks has never lost his passion for making engaging entertainment. Throughout his commemorated career, Hanks has started in many memorable movies which are definitely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Hanks and adore all the films he has made in his career. However, “Sleepless in Seattle” is truly my favourite. Released in 1993, Nora Ephron’s film offered a powerful romantic comedy. Packed with breathtaking production design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best romantic films ever made. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Tom Hanks, who embodies a romantic hero facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Sleepless in Seattle” a masterpiece is bold appeal. Unlike most romantic films, it covers strong themes everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing romantic masterpiece, there are many strong reasons why “Sleepless in Seattle” is a commemorated film which is worth watching.
Set in Seattle, “Sleepless in Seattle” tells the story of a couple that falls in love in an affair that proved to be special. Tom Hanks plays Sam Baldwin, a grieving widower mourning the loss of his wife. Sam has given up hope of finding a romantic partner in a terrifying situation causing disaster. However, Sam’s life drastically changes when he set up on a date with a lover. Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) is a sweet-natured woman that has hopes to fall in love. Finding a way out of his comfort zone, Sam is given the opportunity to start life afresh without being alone. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Sam starts to wonder whether he would ever be able to find a lover.
Nora Ephron has always been fascinated by the romantic comedy genre. A phenomenal female filmmaker, Ephron has often crafted great movies about lovers endure disaster. With “Sleepless in Seattle”, however, Ephron made her first ever Seattle romantic drama. It was the director’s first attempt to capture the lives of Seattle lovers facing adversities, but she succeeded tremendously. Emulating Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall”, Ephron expertly uses point of view shots to capture tensions that Seattle lovers are facing. For instance, POV shots enhance the love meeting scene. During this unforgettable scene, Sam meets Annie sparking their romantic relationships. Using stunning POV shots, Ephron captures hardships which lovers in Seattle are facing. POV shots are tricky techniques. As Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” claimed clearly, POV shots often elevate war movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through stunning visuals, Ephron creates a romance that’s compelling.
Another admirable aspect of “Sleepless in Seattle” that deserves praise is production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best romantic movies made. Evoking Robert Benton’s “Kramer vs. Kramer”, Ephron uses the design of apartments to capture lives of couples facing disaster. For instance, set-design of the apartments elevates the grief scene. During this unforgettable scene, Sam mourns the devastating loss of his wife in his lonely apartment. Through captivating production, Ephron creates a portrait of a romance that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is superb. Marc Shaiman’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film warm atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that lovers bear. Using stunning production, Ephron captures the lives of lovers facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Sleepless in Seattle” is a romantic film that is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture the hardships lovers experience. For instance, silence enhances the farewell scene. During this heartfelt scene, Sam and Annie bid an emotional farewell bringing their relationship to an end. Using bold sequences of silence, Ephron created a portrait of love audiences can relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in films. Robert Zemeckis’ “Cast Away” suggested silence enhances movies about survival. Paul Greengrass’ “Captain Philips” proved that silence enhances movies about hijacking. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a strong screenplay, Ephron captures lovers which experience a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Tom Hanks delivers one of his best career performances as Sam. Hanks first earned recognition playing big teenagers in coming of age dramas. With “Sleepless in Seattle”, however, he took on his most romantic role. It isn’t easy to portray a grieving widower that faces adversity but he succeeds. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Hanks always has a likeable presence that elevates each film he makes, and it’s clearly evident in this film. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, desire and yearning of a widower seeking romance. It’s a strong performance from one of the most commemorated stars in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Tom Hanks, the supporting cast is superb and worthy of appreciation. Meg Ryan is remarkable, capturing the tension faced by a woman that falls in love with a widower in search for human connection. Bill Pullman is brilliant, capturing the strong dedication of a lonely man that falls in love in a doomed romance facing destruction. Finally, Rob Reiner merits appreciation. As a comical businessman, the late actor shines in one of his best roles.
Finally, “Sleepless in Seattle” would earn appreciations of everyone for capturing lovers in Seattle. Unlike most romantic movies, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. It tackles bold themes including ambition, mental health and romance which would resonate with everyone. It delivers a bold message on doomed love which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Sleepless in Seattle” is one of those rare romantic dramas that everyone will adore.
Fans of Tom Hanks would definitely enjoy “Sleepless in Seattle” and so will movie-goers seeking enjoyable entertainment. A remarkable romantic drama. It honours an actor with charisma.
Nearly 40 years following the release of a classic film about painful widowers that fall in love in Seattle, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that built a successful career by portraying bold characters in unforgettable movies which audiences have often seen as special.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 