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When two titans of cinema cross paths, you know there’s some serious movie magic involved. One Steven Spielberg gem that often flies under the radar, has a special place in Guillermo del Toro’s heart—and he’s not shy about calling it “criminally underrated.” Imagine Tom Hanks, the guy who’s basically Hollywood royalty, practically begging for a role.

Guillermo del Toro in Glasgow

Yep, that’s how much this film hit the sweet spot. Del Toro’s admiration for this underappreciated masterpiece just might have you rethinking your next movie night lineup. So, if you haven’t seen it, you might want to buckle up for a Spielberg-Hanks combo that’s got a whole lot more depth than its critics gave it credit for.

Guillermo del Toro’s Yearly Ritual: WhyCatch Me If You CanKeeps Him Hooked

Guillermo del Toroain’t one to mince words when it comes to films that have slipped under the radar. And when it comes to oneSteven Spielbergmovie,he’s got a tradition:“I watch it every year at least once.”The film in question? The slick and stylishCatch Me If You Can.It might be a surprise to some, but this flick holds a special place in del Toro’s heart, and he’s not the only one who’s head over heels for it.

Catch Me If You Canis a cat-and-mouse game for the ages, withLeonardo DiCapriodazzling as Frank Abagnale, a teenage con artist who impersonates everyone from a doctor to a Pan Am co-pilot. But this story ain’t just about Frank’s escapades. EnterTom Hanks, who practically begged to play the role of FBI Agent Carl Hanratty.

Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio in Catch Me If You Can

Hanks, known for his warmth and versatility, brought the perfect blend of stern authority and fatherly compassion to Hanratty—a role that could have easily been a stiff, one-dimensional character.In Spielberg’s own words,

Tom called me and he said, ‘Can I kinda horn in here?’ And I said, my God, what do you mean horn in? Then he called Leo and said, ‘Is it an imposition for me to be this movie which is clearly your film? You’re carrying it.

Guillermo del Toro | image: Instagram/@gdtreal

Would it be an imposition upon you if I played the FBI agent?’ Leo thought that heaven had just come down to earth for him. So in a sense, Tom invited himself into the project in such a humble, beautiful way.

The magic ofCatch Me If You Canlies in the chemistry between DiCaprio and Hanks. Their dynamic turns what could have been a straightforward caper into something deeper, and more emotional. By adding Hanks into the mix, the film gained an emotional gravitas that made it soar. It’s no wonder del Toro, and many others, keep coming back to it year after year.

“I was trespassing”: Steven Spielberg‘s ‘Catch Me If You Can’ Will Look Differently When You’ll Know Oscar Winner Actually Did the Same Crime When He Was 16

A Masterclass in Suspense: How del Toro’sJulia’s EyesPulls You Into Darkness

Guillermo del Toro’s got a knack for blending the eerie with the elegant, andJulia’s Eyesis no exception. This horror thriller, which del Toro produced, brilliantly fuses Hitchcockian suspense with the vivid stylings of Giallo, earning a solid 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The film’s most striking feature? Its ability to pull viewers into Julia’s world as her vision fades. From the very first scene, where her sister Sara faces an unseen terror, the movie masterfully uses cinematography to mimic Julia’s deteriorating eyesight.

Heena Singh profile picture

“I was trespassing”: Steven Spielberg‘s ‘Catch Me If You Can’ Will Look Differently When You’ll Know Oscar Winner Actually Did the Same Crime When He Was 16

As Julia’s vision dims, so does ours—misty lenses, shadowy figures, and cleverly obscured shots build an atmosphere of tension and mystery. The killer is kept in the dark, both literally and figuratively, leaving us, like Julia, to piece together the clues.

Catch Me If You Canis available to watch on Apple TV & Paramount +.

Heena Singh

Editor | Former Senior Writer

Articles Published :1457

Heena Singh is a Editor at FandomWire, spent the last two years making waves in entertainment journalism. With a knack for digging up blockbuster celebrity scoops and an uncanny nose for the latest buzz, Heena’s articles bring a fresh and fun perspective to life. When she’s not conquering writing challenges, you’ll find her curled up in bed, peacefully sleeping.

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Guillermo del ToroLeonardo DiCaprioSteven SpeilbergTom Hanks