Whether he’s playing a detective in the Mission Impossible series or soaring through the skies as “Maverick,” Tom Cruise certainly recognizes the impact of teamwork.
Now, the Hollywood icon is encouraging aspiring actors to appreciate the behind-the-scenes efforts that contribute to cinematic magic.
During a speech in central London on Monday, where he received a fellowship from the British Film Institute, he expressed concern that young actors often overlook the importance of mastering the tools available to them, while also praising legends like Jack Nicholson and Marlon Brando for their comprehension of cinematic elements.
He noted, “It’s essential to grasp the tools around you. There’s technology involved. Think of it as understanding the stage for actors, yet many of these concepts aren’t really covered in film schools. You need to recognize how to interpret the lens and understand its effects on the narrative.”
He continued, “I always advise actors to spend time in the editing room, study classic films, and learn what composition can offer. Knowing about lenses and lighting is beneficial. I’ve come to understand the art form in that way. The brand has fully understood lighting.”
The 62-year-old actor reflected on his rise to fame after his breakout role as Joel Goodson in a high-stakes film that became a box office hit in 1983, noting how he leveraged that success alongside Top Gun producers to gain greater involvement in filmmaking.
“I managed to negotiate a deal that got me involved in all production meetings, and I had to see every aspect of the behind-the-scenes work,” he mentioned. “That’s when I began to gain more creative control.”
He also expressed appreciation for the late Tony Scott, who directed Top Gun and Days of Thunder, describing collaboration with him as a fantastic experience.
“What he achieved with the jets in Top Gun was impressive, and the same goes for the cars in Days of Thunder. His work revolutionized aerial photography, and the way we see motorsports today is largely influenced by him. What an artist he was!”
Cruise also reflected on working with those unfamiliar with filmmaking and recalled a disappointing experience from 1982 that resulted in a critical and financial failure.
“The quality just wasn’t there, and we weren’t set to make something great,” he lamented about a comedy directed by Curtis Hanson. “That was the first time I realized some people simply didn’t know how to make a film.”
He made headlines recently, appearing on the roof of a BFI IMAX building in a tuxedo. Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning, the eighth installment in the franchise, is set to be released on May 21st.
