The Enduring Enigma of Tom Cruise: Why Hollywood’s Most Daring Star Refuses to Fade Away
In an industry where fame is fleeting and fortunes are made and lost with alarming regularity, Tom Cruise remains an anomaly. At 62 years old, the actor continues to defy convention, pushing the boundaries of physical endurance and cinematic spectacle with a ferocity that has inspired both awe and trepidation. According to The New Yorker, Cruise’s dedication to performing his own stunts has become the stuff of legend, with many of his peers expressing admiration for his unwavering commitment to authenticity.
As reported by The New Yorker, Cruise’s collaboration with director Christopher McQuarrie on the "Mission: Impossible" franchise has yielded some of the most breathtaking sequences in recent cinema history. The actor’s wing-walking sequence in the latest instalment, which involves Cruise jumping from one plane to another, hanging out on the wing, and fighting his way into the cockpit, is a case in point. McQuarrie recalled in an interview with The New Yorker that Cruise performed the stunt 18 times, with the director eventually having to intervene to prevent further takes. "I was, like, ‘Do not anger the gods. We have what we need,’" McQuarrie said.
Cruise’s willingness to take risks has earned him the respect of his peers, including Keanu Reeves, who has described himself as "on the ground playing in the mud" compared to Cruise’s daredevil antics. Will Smith, another actor known for his physical commitment to his roles, has also expressed admiration for Cruise’s approach. "I was, like, ‘Man, I’m better than Tom Cruise,’" Smith said, before adding that he quickly realised he was not. As The New Yorker notes, Cruise has become the Daniel Day-Lewis of stunt work, with a dedication to authenticity that communicates to audiences and sets him apart from his contemporaries.
Despite speculation that the latest "Mission: Impossible" film may be his last, Cruise appears determined to continue pushing the limits of what is possible on screen. The actor has stated that he wants to make "Mission: Impossible" movies until he’s in his eighties, and a follow-up to "Top Gun: Maverick" has already been confirmed. Additionally, Cruise is working with McQuarrie, NASA, and SpaceX to create the first Hollywood action movie filmed in outer space. As The New Yorker observes, it seems increasingly likely that we will struggle to kill Tom Cruise before he dies.
So, what drives this enigmatic actor to continue taking risks and pushing the boundaries of what is possible? According to The New Yorker, Cruise’s early life was marked by instability and a tumultuous relationship with his father, whom he has described as a "merchant of chaos." The actor has spoken about the impact of his childhood on his approach to acting, citing a desire to prove himself and earn recognition. As The New Yorker reports, Cruise’s experiences as a young man, including his time at a Catholic seminary and his early struggles with discipline, have also shaped his approach to his craft.
Cruise’s rise to fame was swift and decisive, with early roles in films like "Endless Love" and "Taps" showcasing his raw talent. However, it was his performance in "Risky Business" that truly propelled him to stardom, cementing his status as a Hollywood heartthrob. As The New Yorker notes, Cruise’s collaboration with directors like Paul Thomas Anderson and Francis Ford Coppola has yielded some of his most memorable performances, including his turn in "Born on the Fourth of July," which earned him critical acclaim.
As film critic Roger Ebert once observed, Cruise has a unique ability to imply a whole world through his performances, often conveying a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. As The New Yorker reports, Cruise’s approach to acting is marked by an intense physicality, with the actor often performing complex stunts and pushing himself to the limit. Whether he’s flying planes, jumping from buildings, or simply holding his breath for extended periods, Cruise remains an actor who is, in the words of The New Yorker, "freakishly" committed to his craft.
In an interview with The New Yorker, Cruise discussed his approach to holding his breath for over six minutes during a stunt, revealing that he had worked with professional divers to develop a specialised breathing technique. "I’ve got a low heart rate anyway – very low heart rate, which means my body is not using as much oxygen," he explained. This level of physical and mental dedication has yielded a body of work that is both remarkable and unsettling, leaving audiences to ponder the enigma that is Tom Cruise.
As The New Yorker concludes, Cruise’s enduring appeal lies in his refusal to conform to the conventional norms of Hollywood stardom. Whether he’s courting controversy or simply pushing the limits of what is possible on screen, Cruise remains an actor who is, in the words of The New Yorker, "essentially disappear[ing] in between his movies," only to re-emerge with a new project that defies our expectations and reaffirms his status as one of the most compelling and enigmatic stars of our time.
