Tom Hanks and Robert De Niro are two of the greatest actors of their generations. Hanks began his career in the late 1970s, gaining recognition with roles in Splash and Big, while De Niro made his film debut in Greetings in 1968 and gained recognition for his roles in Mean Streets, The Godfather Part II, and Taxi Driver. Both actors have had successful and diverse careers, with Hanks known for his affable charm and nuanced emotion, and De Niro known for his intense, brooding performances as a method actor. Both have left a lasting mark on Hollywood, with numerous awards and accolades between them.
Tom Hanks vs. Robert De Niro: Comparing Two Great Actors
Introduction
Tom Hanks and Robert De Niro are considered two of the greatest actors of their generations. Both have had long and successful careers in Hollywood, and have won numerous awards for their performances. In this article, we will compare and contrast the careers of these two legendary actors.
Early Careers
Tom Hanks began his acting career in the late 1970s with small roles in television shows and movies. He gained widespread recognition for his work in the 1984 film “Splash” and the 1988 film “Big,” for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Robert De Niro also started his career in the 1970s, making his film debut in “Greetings” in 1968. He gained widespread recognition for his roles in “Mean Streets” (1973), “The Godfather Part II” (1974), and “Taxi Driver” (1976), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Career Trajectory
In the 1980s, Hanks continued to establish himself as a leading actor, starring in movies such as “A League of Their Own” (1992), “Philadelphia” (1993), and “Forrest Gump” (1994), for which he won his first Academy Award for Best Actor.
In the 1980s and 1990s, De Niro continued to take on challenging roles, including his iconic portrayal of boxer Jake LaMotta in “Raging Bull” (1980), for which he won his second Academy Award for Best Actor. He also starred in films such as “Goodfellas” (1990) and “Heat” (1995).
In the 2000s, Hanks continued to cement his place as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, starring in films such as “Cast Away” (2000), “The Terminal” (2004), and “Captain Phillips” (2013). He also continued his work as a producer and director, winning an Emmy award for his miniseries “From the Earth to the Moon” in 1998.
De Niro also continued his acting career in the 2000s, taking on a diverse range of roles in films such as “Meet the Parents” (2000) and its sequels, “The Good Shepherd” (2006), and “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012), for which he received an Academy Award nomination.
Acting Styles
Both actors have distinct acting styles that have made them iconic. Hanks is known for his affable, everyman charm, which he has used to great effect in films such as “Forrest Gump” and “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993). He is masterful at conveying emotion through nuanced facial expressions and body language.
De Niro, on the other hand, is known for his intense, brooding performances. He is a method actor who dives deep into his characters, often gaining or losing significant amounts of weight for a role, as he did for “Raging Bull” and “The Godfather Part II.” His ability to embody complex characters has made him a favorite of directors and audiences alike.
Legacy
Both Hanks and De Niro have left an indelible mark on Hollywood, and their work will continue to influence actors and filmmakers for years to come.
Hanks has won two Academy Awards for Best Actor, and has been nominated five times. He has also won numerous other awards, including four Golden Globe Awards and seven Primetime Emmy Awards. In addition to his acting work, he is also a successful producer and director.
De Niro has won two Academy Awards for Best Actor, and has been nominated seven times. He has also won other accolades, including two Golden Globe Awards and a BAFTA Award. He has been praised for his longevity and versatility as an actor, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time.
Conclusion
While Hanks and De Niro have different styles and approaches to their craft, they are both legends in the industry. They have both had remarkable careers filled with unforgettable performances, and they have both contributed to the art of filmmaking in their own unique ways. Whether audiences prefer Hanks’ charm or De Niro’s intensity, there is no denying that both actors have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.