Few in Hollywood can rival Tom Cruise when committing to high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping stunts. The actor, known for his audacious roles and the unflinching tenacity with which he throws himself into physically demanding scenes, has become a legend in the industry.
His reputation as a daredevil precedes him, fueled partly by his determination to defy the odds, even when those odds are cautionary advice from safety experts.
Indeed, this fearless approach to his craft recently became the subject of a delightful anecdote shared by fellow actor Matt Damon, who provided a fascinating glimpse into Cruise’s unique methodology.
Damon, who has known Cruise for many years, offered this insight during a conversation about Cruise’s unparalleled dedication to bringing authenticity to his action scenes.
The conversation centered around Cruise’s performance in the popular Mission Impossible franchise, a series that has repeatedly seen Cruise perform his stunts, eschewing the use of a body double. From hanging off the side of an airplane to scaling the heights of the Burj Khalifa, Tom Cruise’s contributions to these action-packed scenes have become a hallmark of the franchise, encapsulating the essence of his fearless ethos.
What makes this tale particularly amusing is that Damon, despite being an accomplished actor in his own right, seemed genuinely amazed by Cruise’s daring approach. The story underscores the difference in the philosophies of the two actors, offering a testament to Cruise’s daredevil reputation.
The narrative painted by Damon reveals a man who remains undeterred by risks, steadfastly committed to his art, and unwavering in his desire to provide audiences with an authentic action experience.
The Fearless Approach of an Action Star
Damon illustrated his encounter with Tom Cruise, mainly focusing on Cruise’s thrilling scene from Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, where he daringly climbs the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. He explained that the audacity of Cruise in tackling such a stunt made the divide between the two actors abundantly clear.
Matt Damon on Tom Cruise describing to him how he got the green light for his Burj Khalifa stunt in Ghost Protocol 🤣 pic.twitter.com/VZdKKJJd2E
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“I asked him, ‘Can you tell me how that happened?’ Now he’s a really intense guy, he goes like (imitates Cruise) ‘Yeah I’ll tell you how it happened. I’ve been thinking about this shot for 15 years.’ I am like, ‘Wow really!’ and he says, ‘So I go to the safety guy and I lay it all out. Safety guy say we can’t do it. It is too dangerous, you can’t do it. So, I get a new safety guy,’” Damon said about Cruise as the audience started laughing.
Damon then humorously emphasized the difference in their approaches to dangerous stunts.
“That’s the beginning of his story and I say, ‘stop!’ That’s where we are different. Like, when the safety guy says no, I am like, ‘The safety guy said that’s not a good idea!’” he added.
Cruise’s Latest Endeavor: Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One
Despite the risks involved, Cruise’s bold approach to his roles seems to pay off. His latest venture, Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, made an impressive debut, especially in India, where it amassed Rs 63 cr net within five days.
The film’s worldwide release was noteworthy, fetching $80 million over five days, marking one of the best global openings of the year. Nevertheless, the three-day weekend haul of $56.2 million did fall short of industry predictions.
“The Paramount Pictures debut was boosted by strong overseas sales of $155 million from 70 markets. But while a $235 million worldwide launch marked one of the best global openings of the year, ‘Dead Reckoning’ couldn’t approach the high-speed velocity of last summer’s top film, ‘Top Gun: Maverick,'” the report read.
The Indomitable Spirit of Tom Cruise
There’s an undeniable magnetism surrounding Tom Cruise, primarily driven by his relentless commitment to his craft. This undeterred determination and sheer audacity, while occasionally leading to light-hearted banter among his colleagues, truly set him apart in the Hollywood landscape.
His persistence in executing his dangerous stunts – whether it involves scaling towering skyscrapers or hanging onto moving aircraft – has etched a unique space for Cruise in action cinema.
The Mission Impossible series has significantly shaped Tom Cruise’s unassailable reputation as an action star. In this franchise, audiences have witnessed Cruise’s audacious feats of bravery and devotion to his art.
His portrayal of the relentless secret agent, Ethan Hunt, is a testament to his ability to immerse himself in character, no matter the physical demands or the perceived risks involved.
But Cruise’s fearless persona isn’t limited to the Mission Impossible franchise alone. He’s exhibited similar dedication in many other roles, reinforcing his reputation as an actor committed to delivering the most authentic action sequences possible.
He stands out as an icon who’s always willing to go the extra mile or even leap off the side of a building to fulfill his artistic vision.
His most recent box office success again reaffirms that audiences are still captivated by Tom Cruise’s signature high-risk, high-reward cinema brand. This continued fascination and admiration for his daring work reveal Tom Cruise’s enduring appeal and secured spot as a staple in action cinema.
Tom Cruise’s exhilarating stunts and deep-seated passion for his craft continue to astonish viewers around the globe. These facets, alongside his refusal to back down from challenges, even when warned by safety professionals, have solidified his status as a genuinely exceptional action star.
Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, his unwavering resilience inspires awe and admiration, further securing his place as an enduring figure in the pantheon of action heroes.
Source: IndianExpress
