New York might not have been the most welcoming setting to make these remarks, but perhaps that was the point.
THR reports that Sully star Tom Hanks attempted to calm the fears of a gathered audience at the Museum of Modern Art where he joined the likes of Emma Watson, Aaron Eckhart, Steve Martin, Ron Howard and Clint Eastwood.
Presented by Chanel, this was the ninth annual Film Benefit and Hanks used the platform to urge a sense of cautious optimism. All while putting things into perspective a week after the monumental vote took place. MoMA's chief film curator Rajendra Roy opened with something of a light-hearted sigh of relief as proceedings took place to say, "Thank God for Tom Hanks."
Films Can Help Our Escapist Desires In Tough Times
Hanks argues that movies say something about society and it's collective state of mind. Regardless of any election, we are able to self reflect.
"I can’t wax philosophically enough about what film means to myself and to any person who ponders the human condition," said the Cast Away star. "We are one week into a different era for the world and for our nation. We can always turn to films, from no matter what era they were made in, to reflect who we are and how we believe and the things we hold dear and important to us. Sometimes they can be silly movies, fantastic movies."
"The Wizard of Oz when it came out is just as reflective of who we are, who we were, in 1939, as was Gone With the Wind or Goodbye Mr. Chips. The films throughout the ages, in the 1950s and the 1960s, those great years when John Wayne was exhibiting his True Grit at the same time that Peter Fonda was driving across America in Easy Rider. That’s who all of us are."
Hanks Uses History As A Guide To Optimism
Much like a father figure or a favorite uncle espousing the virtues of faith, Hanks settled the nerves of the gathered audience. All in hopes to explain how the country has always reverted to its better self.
"We are going to be all right because we constantly get to tell the world who we are," argued Hanks. "We constantly get to define ourselves as American. We do have the greatest country in the world. We move at a slow pace. We have the greatest country in the world because we are always moving towards a more perfect union. That journey never ceases, it never stops."
"This is the United States of America. We'll go on. There's great like-minded people out there who are Americans first and Republicans or Democrats second... I hope the president-elect does such a great job that I vote for his re-election in four years."
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