Grippingly Realistic
Rating: 10 of 10 
The story of Robinson Crusoe being widely known, any film with a similar premise has to face this competition from the book sector - while there are not that many films dealing with the topic as such. But coming from Zemickis, and starring Hanks, 'Cast Away' surely has expectations running high, deservedly. The film tells its story via a very strong lead, embedding this tale of isolation and desperation into a real-life frame, using both conventional and unconventional means.
The lack of music through most of the film is extremely unnerving and gives it an added sense of realism. Add the performance of Tom Hanks, and you get a cinematic experience which is thoroughly outstanding and - which is especially true for the year it was released in - equalled only by a small number of worthwhile films. Zemeckis has struck twice this year, and on both occasions he has outdone himself. The sheer simplicity of 'Cast Away' and the intelligent suspense of 'What Lies Beneath' strike deep into the audience's heart. This may be due to a central truth and honesty at work in all of his films: Something for which 'Cast Away' is the epitome.
Time is crucial for our society, we cannot allow ourselves the "sin of losing track of time" - but if we do, we might discover that there is truth beyond time, truth beyond the restrictions of society, of whatever society, of whatever age. And at the end, we may be cast away in our own world also - standing at the crossroads, having to make our own choices, privately.
January 15th, 2001
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