Tom Hanks and Robin Wright have reunited on screen after three decades for the new film “Here,” marking their first collaboration since the acclaimed 1994 movie “Forrest Gump.” Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film showcases their enduring friendship and introduces groundbreaking AI technology to capture the actors’ performances across various ages.
The Use of AI in ‘Here’
In “Here,” AI plays a pivotal role in bringing the characters to life over multiple decades. The technology, developed by Metaphysic through its Metaphysic Live tool, allows actors to be de-aged and aged in real time. Tom Hanks praised the advancements, describing the process as “amazing.” He noted, “The thing that is amazing about it is it happened in real time. We did not have to wait for eight months of post-production.”
The AI technology enables Hanks to portray his character from an idealistic teen to an elderly man seamlessly. By collaborating with Metaphysic, the filmmakers could rejuvenate and “age up” the actors without relying solely on makeup. Hanks mentioned that two monitors were set up on the set: one displaying the actual feed from the lens and the other showcasing the “deep-faked” version, allowing immediate feedback after each scene.
The integration of AI in filmmaking has raised some concerns within Hollywood, however. The rapid adoption of such technology has led to apprehensions among actors about job security and the ethical implications of deepfake technology. During a panel discussion at the AFI Fest, Hanks acknowledged these fears, stating, “They took eight million images of us from the web. They scraped the web for photos of us in every era that we’ve ever been – every event we’ve filmed, every movie still, every family photo that might have existed anywhere.”
Hanks and other actors have expressed worries that AI could significantly impact the industry, leading to strikes and debates over the use of such technology. Despite these concerns, Hanks highlighted the innovative aspect of the project, emphasizing the real-time capabilities that eliminated the long post-production wait.
Hanks and Wright Reunite After Decades
The film “Here” also celebrates the long-standing friendship between Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. After starring together in “Forrest Gump,” the duo reconnects to portray a couple navigating family life through various challenges. Hanks reflected on their reunion, saying, “We just picked up right where we left off. I’m going to say we love each other because we’re so easy with each other.”
Robin Wright echoed these sentiments, describing the experience as “one of the best working experiences of my career.”
Director Robert Zemeckis, who also directed “Forrest Gump,” expressed his enthusiasm about working with both actors again. He stated, “I’ve been looking to do a movie with Tom and Robin since the three of us did Forrest Gump.”
Based on Richard McGuire’s 2014 graphic novel, “Here” employs a unique filming technique that complements its narrative structure. The entire film is shot from a single static camera positioned predominantly in a suburban living room, providing a single perspective as the story unfolds across different time periods. Zemeckis explained, “The single perspective never changes, but everything around it does. It’s actually never been done before.”
The film features an ensemble cast including Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly, and Michelle Dockery, each contributing to the generational story of love, loss, and family dynamics.
(Image by Dick Thomas Johnson)