FSM # 22: The Cast Away Template
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Let it be known: I adore CAST AWAY by Robert Zemeckis. Probably seen it 15-20 times. In fact, I’m watching it again tonight. It continually battles with BTTF as my favourite Zemeckis film.
My favourite part is the middle part, from the panning shot of Hanks in his airplane seat to when he finally gets away from the island and when we first hear the glorious Silvestri music. These days, I tend to turn the film off after that.
Anyways, in desperation I wanted to ask the savvy crowd here if you know of any other Robinson Crusoe-type films that retain the verisimilitude of this middle part of CAST AWAY — the sense of “being there”; the survival part of it. Without any melodrama, flashbacks or other nonsense. Just being there. (I should point out that I’ve seen a few films in this category, including the wonderful THE RED TURTLE from a few years back).
Maybe it’s just me with a weird fetish for this genre.
I saw a film called SOUDAIN SEULS (2023) a couple of years ago, which is in the same mold — although a stranded married couple this time, and was less enthused with the relationship shenanigans. But the “being there” survival bit was great.
People say that THE BLACK STALLION would qualify. It might. I’ve never seen it, as I have little interest in animal/horsie films. And from what I understand, only a small portion of the film takes place on a deserted island. But might have to give that a go some day.
Although a sailboat rather than an island, ALL IS LOST (which I just rewatched a few days ago), is in the style I’m looking after. I suppose if you count that, you would also have to count DEAD CALM.
To me the best thing about CAST AWAY was the way Miller and Lord made fun of it in their hillarious TV series THE LAST MAN ON EARTH, where the main character believes, he is the last man on earth and looking at a soccer ball says, he will never sink that low and talk to a ball. A few weeks later we see him sitting in an empty bar with a bunch of balls of all sizes from ping pong to basketball, all with a painted face, and having conversations with them while having some drinks.
Yes, that was very cute. More of an ‘ode’ than ‘making fun of’. I think the “main ball” is called Gary or something. Still the best thing Lord & Miller made, that show.
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