Tom Cruise has a reputation that precedes him. One consisting of tales of action and adventure, love and sorrow, missions, and the impossible. While he has been a part of several critically acclaimed projects, he is best known for his work in the action genre. Although there is no denying that he has reached the heights of Hollywood through his work here, it has made his reputation somewhat narrow.
While he is one of the highest-paid actors in the world, the title of his profession seems to fall short, according to many. Despite his success, many believe that his skills as an actor are limited to specific characters. While his filmography would suggest this, those who have worked with him in the past suggest otherwise.
Tom Cruise Brought His A-Game for A Few Good Men
During an interview with Deadline, the director of A Few Good Men, Rob Reiner, talked about what it was like during the casting process of the film, as well as praised Tom Cruise’s capabilities as an actor. When the movie was being made, there was quite an odd mix of actors on set.
With half the actors being legends like Jack Nicholson and Kevin Bacon, and the others being actors who were just starting out, the mix of talent caused some very interesting dynamics. During this conversation, Reiner talked about the very first table read of the film, where actors usually tone their performances down.
When Jack came and we had the first reading of the script, he came fully loaded to work, with a performance at the table. In a table read, you’re usually just kind of marking it. And when Jack got into his performance, it just sent a message to every other young actor. Kiefer Sutherland, Tom, Demi (Moore) and Kevin Bacon and Kevin Pollack, everybody involved knew, you better step up here.
However, considering the amount of talent present at the table, all of the younger actors were on top of their game. Especially, Reiner noticed that Cruise stood out among them. Despite being fresh in the industry, he ended up impressing one of the most respected directors in the industry.
We’re not messing around. Tom was always right there with it. I would love to see him play more complex characters than the ones he’s doing now because people don’t realize how great an actor this guy is.
Specifically talking about Cruise’s career choices, Reiner mentioned that, although many do not realize it through the types of roles he takes up, the Top Gun actor is extremely good at his job. He even went as far as to say that he would like to see Cruise in some more complex roles.
Complexities and Impossibilities
Although some may take Rob Reiner’s words at face value, the lack of complex characters in Tom Cruise’s recent years is a frustrating pattern. For many years, the actor has relied on the success of the Mission: Impossible franchise and the acclaim of Top Gun: Maverick to maintain his reputation. However, there is so much more to his talent that many do not realize due to this pattern.
Over the years, Cruise has starred in films with criminally underrated performances that showcase just how talented he is as an actor. From playing a perfect villain in Colateral, to starring as Frank T.J. Mackey in Magnolia and even his performance in Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July, there are many examples of his genius.
Despite all that he has to offer to the arts and the industry, many have been disappointed by Cruise’s picks in films. Playing characters that are given more screentime getting shot at than delivering dialogue, it is not surprising that fans find it frustrating to see an angel refuse to spread his wings.
