Tom Hanks recently made an appearance on the popular talk show “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend”, where he shared a behind-the-scenes story from his film “Captain Phillips”. The actor, who has worked with numerous iconic directors including Steven Spielberg and Nora Ephron, revealed that even after years in the industry, he still experiences moments of intimidation on set.
In the interview, Hanks discussed a particularly intense scene in “Captain Phillips” where he and his co-stars were about to be taken over by pirates. According to Hanks, they had never met the actors playing the pirates and had no idea what to expect. As the cameras rolled, the pirates came charging in, firing blank rounds from their automatic rifles. Hanks described them as some of the scariest human beings he had ever met, with bloodshot eyes and a menacing presence.
The scene went on for about 20 minutes, with the cameras capturing every terrifying moment. Hanks admitted that even though they knew it was just a movie, the fear felt all too real. The director, Paul Greengrass, had secondary and third cameras filming throughout the scene, adding to the authenticity. After it was finally over, Hanks and the crew were in awe of what they had just experienced.
This intense moment showcased the suspension of reality that actors often have to face on set. Hanks compared it to his experiences with bands like Slipknot, who would bring a dark and intimidating energy to their performances on the show. As the host, O’Brien sometimes found himself feeling slightly intimidated by these performers, despite being in a completely different role. The line between reality and fiction can become blurred, causing actors and hosts alike to question their own sanity at times.
Hanks also shared that he doesn’t watch his own movies because they rarely change from the first time he saw them. However, there are moments in certain films that trigger memories of what happened on set, such as the weather that day or the food catered for the crew. These small details provide glimpses into the behind-the-scenes dynamics that ultimately create the finished product.
Overall, Hanks’ appearance on “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend” not only entertained viewers but also shed light on the intense and immersive experiences actors go through to bring stories to life. With his charming storytelling and relatable anecdotes, Hanks reminded us that even Hollywood superstars can still feel a tinge of intimidation in their craft.
