Toronto 2019: Tom Hanks says cynicism 'has become our default'

Tom Hanks has said the increasing level of cynicism in society is partly what led him to take a role as a loveable children's entertainer, BBC News reported.

The actor plays Fred Rogers in his new movie - a legendary US kids TV host whose brand was wholesome and warm.

"Cynicism has become the default position for so much of daily structure and daily intercourse," Hanks told reporters.

"Why? Because it's easy, and there's good money to be made."

"Cynicism is a great product to sell, and it's the perfect beginning of any examination of anything. And part of that is conspiracy theories and what have you.

"But I think when Fred Rogers first saw children's programming, he saw something that was cynical, and why would you put something that is cynical in front of a two or three-year-old kid? That you are not cool because you don't have this toy? That it's funny to see someone being bopped on the head?

"That's a cynical treatment of the audience, and we have become so inured to that, that when we are met with as simple a message as 'Hey you know what, it's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood!' we get slapped a little bit. We are allowed, I think, to feel good. There's a place for cynicism, but why begin with it right off the bat?"