"One of the reasons I loved working with Tom is people feel they know who he is... I think working with an actor who the audience already has a relationship with actually helps you in a film like this"

In this quote, Sam Mendes, a renowned filmmaker, expresses his gratitude for working with Tom, likely referring to the actor Tom Hanks, whose widespread appeal and identifiable persona have a substantial impact on a movie's reception. Mendes highlights an essential advantage in casting widely known stars: the pre-existing relationship between the star and the audience.

The first part of the quote, "One of the factors I loved dealing with Tom is individuals feel they know who he is", highlights the significance of a star's public personality. Tom Hanks is typically viewed as a relatable, reliable, and flexible star, characteristics that the general public connect with him through numerous functions across various categories. This familiarity indicates the audience enters into a movie with a specific set of expectations and convenience, which can be advantageous for a filmmaker like Mendes, who can use these presumptions to enhance storytelling.

Mendes continues, "I believe dealing with an actor who the audience already has a relationship with actually helps you in a movie like this", pointing to the tactical advantage of utilizing Hanks' established screen identity. This relationship means that audiences are quicker engaged and emotionally invested right from the start, as they feel an implicit connection with the actor. This can be particularly useful in movies that count on strong character-driven stories, as viewers are inclined to empathize and resonate with the actor's journey.

Additionally, Mendes likely acknowledges that casting a widely known star like Hanks can boost a movie's marketability and draw bigger audiences. The reliability and draw related to Hanks' name can result in broader demographic appeal, increasing the movie's capacity for industrial success.

Overall, Mendes' quote catches the symbiotic relationship in between a star's established personality and a movie's storytelling and industrial goals, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of casting such a cherished figure.