Are you wondering what scary movie Tom Hanks starred in? You might be surprised to know that the beloved actor has actually appeared in a horror film, and it’s not one that many people have heard of.
The movie is called “The Bonfire of the Vanities,” and while it’s not traditionally categorized as a horror film, it does have some frightening elements. The 1990 film was directed by Brian De Palma and was based on the novel of the same name by Tom Wolfe. It tells the story of a wealthy Wall Street trader named Sherman McCoy (played by Tom Hanks) who gets caught up in a scandal after he hits a Black teenager with his car and leaves him for dead.
While “The Bonfire of the Vanities” is primarily a drama, there are some truly terrifying moments in the film. One scene, in particular, stands out as being particularly disturbing.
In it, McCoy is being chased through the Bronx by a group of angry Black men who want to exact revenge on him for his involvement in the hit-and-run incident. The tension builds as McCoy runs for his life and is eventually cornered in an abandoned building. The camera work and lighting give this scene an eerie, horror-movie vibe.
Overall, “The Bonfire of the Vanities” may not be your typical scary movie, but it definitely has some elements that will make your skin crawl. And if you’re a fan of Tom Hanks’ work, it’s definitely worth checking out this lesser-known entry in his filmography.
So why isn’t this movie more well-known?
There are several reasons why “The Bonfire of the Vanities” isn’t as well-regarded as some of Tom Hanks’ other films. For one thing, it was a critical and commercial flop upon its release.
Many critics felt that the filmmakers had mishandled Wolfe’s novel and failed to capture its satirical tone. Additionally, the movie’s portrayal of Black characters came under fire for being stereotypical and offensive.
In recent years, however, “The Bonfire of the Vanities” has gained a bit of a cult following among fans of De Palma’s work. The director is known for his stylish and often controversial films, and this one is no exception. While it may not be his best-known or most beloved film, it’s certainly an interesting entry in his filmography.
Other Scary Movies with Tom Hanks?
While “The Bonfire of the Vanities” is the only horror-adjacent film that Tom Hanks has appeared in, he has dabbled in other genres throughout his career. Some of his most notable roles include:
- The Da Vinci Code (2006) – This thriller, based on Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, stars Hanks as symbologist Robert Langdon as he tries to solve a murder mystery with ties to the Catholic Church.
- Cast Away (2000) – While not a horror movie per se, this survival drama sees Hanks’ character stranded on a deserted island with no hope of rescue. The isolation and desperation he experiences could certainly be considered scary.
- The Polar Express (2004) – This animated Christmas movie might seem like an odd choice for this list, but some viewers have found certain scenes to be unnerving or creepy.
The uncanny valley effect of the motion-captured animation has been compared to horror movies like “The Shining. “
In Conclusion
While Tom Hanks isn’t exactly known for starring in scary movies, “The Bonfire of the Vanities” proves that he can pull off just about any role. Whether you’re a fan of horror films or just curious to see Hanks in a different kind of role, this movie is definitely worth checking out. And who knows – maybe it will become one of your new favorite Halloween movies!
