As a longtime admirer of both Robert Zemeckis and his incredible body of work, I must say that the upcoming film “Here” has me absolutely giddy with anticipation! The reunion of Zemeckis, Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Eric Roth, and Alan Silvestri is like a dream come true for any cinephile.
In the vanguard of technological innovations, Robert Zemeckis’ upcoming cinematic production titled “Here” is slated for a theatrical release on November 1, 2024. This expansive family movie, spanning various generations, is filmed entirely from a fixed camera angle in a suburban home’s corner. This unique perspective enables viewers to observe the lives of Richard (Tom Hanks) and Margaret Young (Robin Wright), portrayed as if we were an unobtrusive observer, passing through years and decades.
Without a doubt, given the key players in Zemeckis’ latest film, it’s hard not to ponder if and how this new project ties back to Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks and Zemeckis’ most renowned and celebrated collaboration. Interestingly enough, Forrest Gump will turn 30 years old in 2024, fueling speculation about any potential connection between the upcoming film, Here, and this iconic Oscar-winning tale. As we approach the release date of Here, which is just a few weeks away, many questions are on the table, waiting to be answered.
What Is Here About?
This American drama titled ‘Here’ was directed by Robert Zemeckis, who collaborated with Eric Roth on the screenplay based on Richard McGuire’s graphic novel. The narrative unfolds across various generations within the family of Richard and Margaret Young, offering a close-up view of their lives through a fixed camera angle inside their home, providing a personal insight into the routines and relationships of Richard and Margaret’s relatives both near and far.
Alongside Richard and Margaret, played by Paul Bettany as Al and Kelly Reilly as Rose, the narrative delves into their family’s history on the land, offering a comprehensive portrayal of the Young family’s evolution over one hundred years. Significant milestones such as marriages, birthdays, and anniversaries are juxtaposed with inevitable hardships, creating a vivid picture of an American family that captures both their triumphs and trials.
In line with his tradition, Zemeckis, known for incorporating advanced technology since 1988’s “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, uses a novel AI face-swap and de-aging technique called MetaPhysic Live (as reported by The Hollywood Reporter). This real-time technology modifies faces and reverses aging as the actors perform on set with cameras rolling. Notably, Zemeckis has previously blended media formats in “Forrest Gump”, where he seamlessly inserted the title character into actual footage of significant American historical events.
Forrest Gump Is Timeless and Beloved
Back in July 1994, I found myself utterly captivated by “Forrest Gump,” a groundbreaking American drama that took home six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Notably, Tom Hanks, who portrayed the titular character, won his second consecutive Best Actor award for this role following his work in “Philadelphia.
In deep affection for a counterculture activist named Jenny Curran (Robin Wright), Forrest travels across the nation to be with her, witnessing significant historical events such as the Civil Rights movement and Vietnam War along the way. Although the film is often overly sentimental, it still stands out as one of the most heartwarming and inspiring American dramas produced in the last 30 years. Not only did it receive numerous awards and recognition, but it was also a financial success, earning $678 million worldwide on a budget of just $55 million (according to Box Office Mojo). Given Forrest Gump’s widespread acclaim and box office performance, it’s not surprising that the key creative personnel would collaborate again at some point. That moment is Here, which will be released on November 1, 2024.
How Here Relates to Forrest Gump
In clear terms, let me emphasize that the movies titled “Here” and “Forrest Gump” have no connection to each other in their stories. While Tom Hanks and Robin Wright’s de-aged faces might remind you of their characters from “Forrest Gump,” they don’t resemble them as much in “Here.” However, it’s worth noting that the creative minds behind both movies are quite similar.
To illustrate, renowned screenwriter Eric Roth penned the Academy Award-winning script for Forrest Gump and the script for a film known as “Here.” This collaboration between Roth and Zemeckis marks their second project together. In this movie, we see Tom Hanks and Robin Wright playing lovers for the first time since Forrest Gump, thereby connecting these two productions. With this film, it represents the fifth collaboration between Hanks and Zemeckis, who have consistently pushed the boundaries of cinema technology with groundbreaking films such as Castaway, The Polar Express, and Pinocchio.
Another link can be drawn between Forrest Gump and Here, as they share a common connection through composer Alan Silvestri. Robert Zemeckis and Silvestri have been collaborating since their work on Romancing the Stone in 1984, and have partnered on almost every project since then. The score for Back to the Future, one of Zemeckis’ most recognized titles, is among the most iconic movie music ever composed, and Silvestri was nominated for two Oscars for his work on Forrest Gump and The Polar Express, both directed by Zemeckis. Given this history, it’s not unexpected that Silvestri has provided the music for Here, extending a 40-year professional partnership between him and Zemeckis.
As a film enthusiast, I’d say that although there isn’t an official narrative link between “Forrest Gump” and this new movie, they share a common thread through the artistic partnerships of director Robert Zemeckis, actors Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, screenwriter Eric Roth, and composer Alan Silvestri. So, in essence, this film feels like a Forrest Gump reunion rather than a sequel, prequel, or spin-off.
Here opens theatrically on November 1, 2024.
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2024-10-12 20:01