The latest addition to the Mission: Impossible series, Dead Reckoning Part One, is not just another action blockbuster but a symbolic tale of the struggle and resilience of cinema amidst challenging times. In a standout scene, our familiar protagonist, Ethan Hunt, played by the indomitable Tom Cruise, finds himself wrestling with the controls of a car in the middle of a frantic chase in Rome. This scene serves as a microcosm of the plight of cinema today, with Cruise at the helm, steering the ship through a stormy ocean.
The Struggles of Cinema: A Roadblock on the Highway
Cruise, as Ethan, battles to comprehend the workings of a small, foreign car in the scene in question. This initially hilarious interlude holds a deeper resonance. It symbolizes the ongoing struggle of cinema itself – a struggle to sustain, survive, and adapt in a world turned topsy-turvy by a devastating global pandemic and the tidal wave of technological evolution.
The film’s production, which took place amidst the COVID-19 crisis and a nearly crumbling film industry, adds to the aptness of this metaphor, serving as a microcosm for the state of the cinematic world.
Cruise, in the guise of Ethan, embodies cinema’s struggle and determination to navigate the storm. The Dead Reckoning project is a heartfelt, desperate, and bold attempt to revive the fading heartbeat of cinema. The film does not shy away from making a grand spectacle to breathe life into cinema.
Whether it’s the insane stunts, the heart-stopping action sequences, or the grandeur of on-location shoots, Dead Reckoning holds nothing back.
Bigger, Bolder, Better: Pushing the Boundaries of Action
The narrative of the film, though complex and laden with several subplots involving an AI entity, a mysterious key, and a self-destructing Russian submarine, essentially serves as a backdrop to showcase Cruise’s insane stunts, which are increasingly becoming the defining feature of this franchise.
Every action sequence featuring Cruise is an event in itself. From driving like a maniac through the slippery cobblestone streets of Rome to free-falling off a cliff on a motorbike and then miraculously smashing through a train window, Cruise’s stunts are as much a physical feat as they are a testament to his resilience and unwavering dedication to his art.
Despite being 61, Cruise defies the ravages of time, displaying an energy and agility that is nothing short of astounding.
More than Meets the Eye: A Tribute to the Magic of Cinema
Beyond the much-publicized bike jump off the cliff, the film’s true highlight is arguably the train sequence. The sheer spectacle of Ethan and Grace (played by Hayley Atwell) trying to outpace a series of cascading train cars from plunging into the water below is a cinematic marvel. It’s a testament to the captivating power of cinema, a medium that Dead Reckoning is trying to rescue.
Dead Reckoning doesn’t rely solely on stunts and explosive sequences to make its mark. It brings depth and heart to its narrative by investing in its characters. The film goes beyond the action, exploring its characters’ emotional journeys, adding a layer of relatability and realism that sets it apart.
Humanizing Action: Investing in Character Development
The movie succeeds in infusing emotional depth into its high-octane sequences. Ethan’s genuine concern for Grace, field agent Benji’s (Simon Pegg) confession of his deepest fears, and the redemption of the assassin Paris (Pom Klementieff) all contribute to a rich tapestry of character arcs that create a more intimate connection with the audience.
These intimate moments are not just mere interludes in action but integral to the narrative, ensuring Dead Reckoning is another action-packed blockbuster and a film with heart.
The Saviour of Cinema: Cruise’s Unwavering Dedication
Off-screen, Cruise’s fierce dedication to cinema has been extensively publicized. A case in point was his stern reprimand of the Dead Reckoning team for violating COVID-19 guidelines. Although his approach could be heavy-handed, it underlined his commitment to the collective endeavor of making a movie, emphasizing that every individual’s contribution was crucial to the final product.
Cruise’s deep involvement in all aspects of the filmmaking process, from collaborating with the director, Christopher McQuarrie, and coordinating with Wade Eastwood on the stunts to the co-writing of the script with McQuarrie and Erik Jendresen, is a testament to his devotion to his craft and the cause of reviving cinema.
Looking Ahead: Mission Unfinished
With a runtime of 160 minutes, Dead Reckoning Part One leaves us anticipating the sequel. Considering Cruise’s unwavering dedication as a Scientologist and his fervent belief in problem-solving, it’s evident that he is determined to solve the problem of contemporary cinema.
His character’s assurance to Grace, “Your life matters more than mine,” captures his mindset perfectly: he’s willing to risk it all for the survival of cinema.
Dead Reckoning serves as an action-packed yet heartfelt tribute to cinema, encapsulating the struggle and resilience of an industry grappling with the unprecedented challenges of a pandemic and technological disruption. It’s a compelling testament to Cruise’s unwavering dedication to cinema, a reminder of what the big screen can achieve, and a hope for cinema’s future.
