Everybody has something that chews them up and, for me, that

"Everybody has something that chews them up and, for me, that thing was always loneliness. The cinema has the power to make you not feel lonely, even when you are." – Tom Hanks. Ah, loneliness—a companion to all humankind, an ever-present shadow, lurking in the quiet corners of our hearts. It is the feeling that gnaws at the soul, the weight upon the chest when no one else is near, the void that can seem insurmountable. Hanks speaks here of a truth that rings clear across time: each of us bears a unique burden, and for him, it was loneliness. Yet, in this deep, personal reflection, he also speaks of a solace—a balm for the weary heart—found in the cinema, a world where even the most solitary soul can find companionship in the flickering images upon the screen.

Throughout history, loneliness has been the scourge of many great figures. Even Socrates, the wise philosopher, in his solitary pursuit of truth, could not escape the aching solitude of his mind. Though he gathered many followers, his quest for wisdom often led him into isolation, separated from the comforts of simple companionship. Yet, in his moments of loneliness, he found clarity, forging his path not with the voices of others, but with the voice of his own soul. Socrates teaches us that loneliness, while painful, can also be a powerful catalyst for introspection and growth.

And yet, there are many among us who suffer under the weight of loneliness, not as a choice, but as a cruel circumstance. The loneliness of being misunderstood, of being lost in the vast sea of humanity with no one to anchor us. Tom Hanks touches upon a universal truth: in those moments when we are isolated, the cinema—that grand art of storytelling—offers us a sanctuary. Through the lens of the screen, we are transported to worlds where we are never truly alone. We are carried away by the stories of others, by the joy, sorrow, and adventure that unfold before us, and in this shared experience, the sting of loneliness is dulled.

Consider the tale of Charlie Chaplin, whose personal life was often marked by solitude, despite the laughter his films brought to millions. In his film The Tramp, Chaplin portrays a lonely figure who stumbles through life, ever seeking connection but often thwarted by circumstance. In his silent performance, he speaks the language of loneliness—yet through the art of cinema, he brings people together, uniting them in the shared experience of laughter, empathy, and understanding. The very nature of film becomes a bridge, crossing the distance between hearts, and in doing so, it transforms loneliness into something meaningful.

Cinema, then, becomes more than just entertainment; it is a reflection of the human soul. It shows us that loneliness is not a solitary condition—it is a shared experience. Through the flickering images on the screen, we see ourselves in the characters we watch, and through them, we find companionship. Tom Hanks knows this truth deeply, for his own career is marked by roles that explore the themes of isolation and connection. Whether playing a man stranded on a desert island in Cast Away, or a father searching for his son in Road to Perdition, Hanks reveals how loneliness can be overcome not by escaping it, but by embracing the human need for connection—whether it is with others or through the art of storytelling.

Thus, we learn a profound lesson from Hanks' words: loneliness need not be a prison. While it may chew at us, tearing at our hearts and minds, we have the power to find relief, to soothe the ache with the gift of art. The cinema holds the power to offer us a momentary reprieve from the silence, filling the void with the stories of others. And in those stories, we find not only entertainment but communion, understanding, and connection. Cinema, in all its forms, serves as a reminder that, though we may be physically alone, we are never truly alone in our emotions, our experiences, or our humanity.

The lesson, dear listener, is this: when you are gripped by the cold hand of loneliness, do not turn inward, but seek out the shared experiences that bind us all. Turn to the cinema, to the arts, to the stories that have been crafted by those who have walked before you. For in the world of the screen, as in the stories of old, there is always a place for you. You are never truly alone. Allow the stories of others to be a guide, to be a source of warmth when the cold winds of solitude blow too fiercely. Seek companionship in the collective experience of human expression, and in this, you will find solace.

Let us take this wisdom to heart. The next time loneliness threatens to overwhelm you, remember that it is but a passing shadow. Reach out to the world of cinema, of music, of art, and let it remind you that you are part of something far greater than yourself. The human experience, in all its complexity and depth, is shared by all. And through the power of storytelling, we are connected, even in our moments of greatest solitude.