A Man Called Otto: Tom Hanks on Production. Why did he agree to star in the film?
A man named Otto is the second film adaptation of the best-selling novel Fredrik Backman A man named Ove. The Swedes made the first approach to the history of the aged senior in 2015. The film with the same title as the book has achieved considerable success and is still considered by some to be a masterpiece. I think so too Tom Hanks – the impersonator of the bitter hero in the American version. The actor revealed what prompted him to take part in the project.
Tom Hanks – speech
In an interview with the Collider portal, Hanks talked about his feelings in the context of the entire history of his character. He admitted that both Backman’s novel and the Swedish production are unique works that captivate with their plot and message. After watching the first adaptation, Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson they felt the need to tell this story in America.
From the moment we saw the film for the first time, we both felt that there was this American ideal version that should be presented, because the human condition requires belonging to a community. And in the United States, it’s very easy to become distant, lonely, and peculiar to the point of not being able to get along with enough people to be part of a community. Especially when there’s someone across the street who’s very different from you. We thought this was the seed of an idea that could be explored in the form of this incredibly cranky guy.
The actor stated that the main character combines many extremes. He called his actions “a fascinating mix between what he wants to avoid and what he absolutely must have.” According to Hanks, the fate of the senior is an extraordinary story with many aspects.
A man named Otto – premieres in Polish cinemas on January 27, 2023.
