As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for actors who can bring characters to life, I must say that Tom Cruise is one such performer. His journey through Hollywood has been nothing short of remarkable, and it’s fascinating to see how he has evolved over the years.
The captivating life journey of Tom Cruise makes an ideal subject for a biographical film. Delving into his early years under his father’s roof promises intrigue. Cruise himself referred to this man as a “chaos agent,” and it would be fascinating to share in the mutual antipathy towards Thomas Cruise Mapother III.
As a devoted film enthusiast, I’ve always admired how swiftly Tom Cruise transitions from one silver screen role to another, much like his rapid moves between various schools throughout his youth. Spanning over 14 years, he enrolled in an impressive 15 different educational institutions – a journey that leaves me wondering if the instability fueled his success or perhaps added challenges to his path. His tumultuous Hollywood life and the intriguing religious controversies surrounding him (at one point, he harbored dreams of becoming a Franciscan priest) certainly lend an alluring complexity to his story. With bated breath, I eagerly await the day when a Tom Cruise biopic graces our screens. Until then, we can savor the numerous films starring this versatile actor, where he has breathed life into real-world figures or characters inspired by them.
Known primarily for action, sci-fi, and drama movies, Cruise rarely delves into biographical films – a decision that might disappoint his fans, as they’ve often praised his portrayals of real-life events on the silver screen. With four films based on true stories under his belt, one may wonder how these rank against each other.
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‘Valkyrie’ (2008)
Contrary to what summarized history may lead you to believe, not all of the Fuhrer’s men were loyal supporters during World War II. In fact, many, including Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (played by Tom Cruise), were dissatisfied with Hitler’s leadership. Notably, he is known for saying in this film, “You can serve Germany or the Fuhrer, not both!” Stauffenberg was the mastermind behind “Operation Valkyrie,” a 1944 plan to assassinate Hitler. Despite his failure, watching him set the plan into motion in the movie “Valkyrie” is quite engaging.
Cruise’s casting caused controversy in Germany, as the country has often treated Scientology with hostility. So bad was the situation that the production team was initially denied filming licenses before being granted one at Berlin’s historic Bendlerblock.
Cruise Has Too Much Weight on His Shoulders
Bryan Singer’s stylish cinematography and John Ottman’s subtly ominous music, along with exceptional acting, result in a somber, tense World War I thriller. This film, without a doubt, fits the mold of an essential military biographical production. As for whether Tom Cruise, being an American, should have played Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, who was born and raised in Jettingen-Scheppach, Germany, that’s up for debate. However, Cruise convincingly portrays a man hailing from Jettingen-Scheppach in this film.
Regrettably, Cruise’s co-stars aren’t as supportive of him as von Stauffenberg’s conspirators were towards their coup plotter. He delivers an exceptional performance all by himself, but adhering strictly to historical facts makes the story less captivating compared to what it could have been. Introducing some fictional friendships or romantic subplots might have added depth and elevated the film to greater heights.
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‘The Last Samurai’ (2003)
The movie titled “The Last Samurai” revolves around the historical event known as the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, which was orchestrated by Saigō Takamori. In this film, Tom Cruise portrays Captain Nathan Algren, a soldier with a past in the American Civil War and Indian Wars, who develops an interest in the Samurai culture after being taken captive. The character of Captain Algren is based on a combination of real-life figures such as Eugène Collache and Jules Brunet, who were French Imperial Guard officers who fought alongside Enomoto Takeaki during the Boshin War.
A Familiar Template
Besides history, we can explore other sources that influenced director Edward Zwick (mostly recognized for “Blood Diamond”), in creating his stories. The character development of Algren bears a resemblance to that of Kevin Costner’s character in the Academy Award-winning film, “Dances with Wolves.” Both main characters are seasoned warriors who find themselves in uncharted territories. Using their past experiences, they both help and ultimately respect their newfound cultures.
Nonetheless, “The Last Samurai” captivates audiences with its thrilling action scenes and intricate historical insights that are seldom highlighted in mainstream films. In the end, this movie was a significant triumph, generating $456.8 million at the box office on a budget of $140 million and receiving four Oscar nominations.
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‘Born on the Fourth of July’ (1989)
Following the release of one of the most powerful anti-war films (“Platoon”), Oliver Stone followed up with “Born on the Fourth of July,” which marked the second part of his “Vietnam War Trilogy.” As a veteran himself, Stone’s enthusiasm and drive to portray the story of Ron Kovic (played by Tom Cruise) are evident. The film provides an in-depth look at Kovic’s life over a span of 20 years, offering insights into his younger days, his service in Vietnam, his subsequent paralysis, and his transformation into an activist.
Originally, Al Pacino was chosen to portray Kovic in the project, but unfortunately, a packed schedule compelled him to leave. Fortunately, Stone managed to find another excellent actor in Tom Cruise, who had already demonstrated his aptitude for military roles following his outstanding performance in Top Gun.
An Oscar-Worthy Performance
Intense, rapid-moving, and startling, “Born on the Fourth of July” might make you question all wars. A worthy successor to “Platoon”, this gripping war drama brilliantly combines battlefield terror with a suffocating sense of confinement. Tom Cruise’s desperate attempts to escape danger frequently fail, leaving him alone for much of the film. In this role, he showcases an unparalleled portrayal of troubled fortitude, earning an Oscar Best Actor nomination with his powerful performance, illuminated by the harsh light filtering through Vietnam’s verdant landscapes.
As a cinephile, I found myself captivated by the skillful directing, dynamic cinematography, and moody, haunting score by none other than John Williams. The atmosphere of cold, relentless fate was amplified in every frame, earning Stone the Best Director accolade. It was a win that made Universal execs beam with pride too. In 1989, this movie was only surpassed at the box office by one film – “Back to the Future Part II.
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‘American Made’ (2017)
Most folks might consider becoming a pilot as a dream come true, but for Barry Seal, that job wasn’t quite enough – or at least the pay wasn’t sufficient. Was he greedy or just a thrill-seeker? Regardless, after being dismissed by TWA for smuggling explosives to Mexico, he started transporting drugs for the Medellin Cartel using his fleet of low-flying aircraft.
In order to evade capture, he’d secretly stash the illicit substances in secluded Louisiana, from where they were covertly moved to Miami. Once apprehended by the DEA, he opted to turn informant, a move that earned him the nickname “rat” (as Escobar would say it). For his treachery, he received a fatal gunshot wound to the head. However, this is merely a small part of the narrative. A more extensive account can be found in American Made, where Cruise portrays Barry.
Tom Cruise and a Plane are a Match Made in Heaven
The screenplay for the movie, penned by Gari Spinelli, had lingered in The Black List (a well-known collection of unproduced screenplays) without much attention, but Cruise immediately took a liking to it. This action-packed aviation tale is precisely the kind of film that suits Tom Cruise perfectly. It’s fascinating to see such a seasoned actor still delivering performances as captivating as in the ’80s. You’ll also appreciate the cinematography, with its ability to beautifully portray the color of the skies, America, and Latin America.
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2024-12-14 06:02