Tom Cruise is arguably one of the most recognizable actors worldwide, especially renowned for his dynamic roles in action films. His iconic portrayal of Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible series showcases his dedication to high-octane stunts, including intense shootouts, thrilling car chases, and breathtaking foot pursuits. However, Cruise’s talents extend beyond this franchise, as he continuously dazzles audiences with diverse roles in various action-packed narratives.
In recent years, Cruise has starred in notable action and sci-fi films such as Oblivion (2013) and Edge of Tomorrow (2014), not to mention the adventurous rom-com, Knight and Day (2010). Additionally, his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and the Jack Reacher series further emphasize his commitment to the genre. However, one of his most compelling performances dates back to 2004, when he showcased a darker side as he took on the role of a villain in the gripping crime thriller Collateral.
Tom Cruise’s Portrayal in Collateral Receives High Praise
Unmatched Dedication to the Craft
Released in 2004, Michael Mann’s Collateral presents a fascinating pivot in Cruise’s career, allowing him to inhabit the character of Vincent, a cold and calculating assassin. Alongside Jamie Foxx, who plays Max, a cab driver coerced into participating in Vincent’s deadly mission, the film was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, garnering two Academy Award nominations, notably for Foxx’s performance.
In a recent assessment by firearms expert Patrick McNamara, a retired Special Operations soldier, the action sequences in Collateral are lauded for their authenticity. He specifically highlights a scene where Cruise’s character takes out two assailants attempting to steal his briefcase. McNamara commends Cruise for his impressive gun handling skills, noting the extensive preparation that likely contributed to his performance. He highlighted Cruise’s efficient and safe draw of the weapon, asserting that the actor’s training is evident in the seamless execution of the scene:
He confronts them and allows them to close the gap with pistols out. Game over. Very cool scene. So the way he drew in this particular scene was not only good as far as effectiveness, but as far as safety as well. He did such a good job at clearing that blazer and there was a really good positive grip on that pistol as he drew. It was just spectacular as far as gun handling went.
So, hands up, which means non-aggressive posture. Came over the top, left hook, down, drew, shot from the hip, “boom, boom,” and then two hands, “boom, boom.” So you could tell, not only in this scene but in other scenes in this movie that Tom Cruise spent many, many, many hours drawing and firing.
So he’s built in what people refer to as “muscle memory.” But he’s performed the appropriate amount of meaningful repetitions until that draw stroke is seamless. Because that right there was easily a 1.5 or maybe even a sub-1.5 second draw stroke, which was really nice. It looked textbook to me.
There’s a lot going on here in terms of body position too. So, tactically, he eliminates predictability, he makes sure he gets off the x. His whole body motion is ensuring that nothing is predictable. Predictability leads to freaking chaos and you’re an easy target if you are predictable in your body movements. So he went off the charts with unpredictability like a boxer would do – make ‘em miss and make ‘em pay.
I’m not a fan of lazy gun-handling, but he just kind of lets it dangle before he puts it away. Me, personally, I would probably have backed up and made sure I was covering them before I put the pistol away.
Overall in this scene, Tom Cruise’s form is really, really good. Time invested. Sweat equity. That dude put in work, he put in hours. I would rate this clip a nine [out of 10].
The Significance of Collateral‘s Accuracy Assessment for Tom Cruise
A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
Tom Cruise is synonymous with commitment and enthusiasm when it comes to captivating audiences. He has consistently demonstrated a willingness to risk his safety to deliver exceptional performances, as evidenced by his death-defying stunts throughout the Mission: Impossible series. The preparation that goes into these stunts is extensive, exemplified by the meticulous training required for his motorcycle jump in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning.
However, this dedication is not just limited to extreme stunts. The precision with which Cruise handles the firearm in the Collateral scene reflects a similar commitment to excellence. While Vincent’s actions in this pivotal moment may not carry the life-or-death stakes of a HALO jump, they represent Cruise’s determination to elevate even the smallest sequences to remarkable heights. This moment encapsulates Cruise’s overall approach to his craft, emphasizing a relentless work ethic and passion that resonates throughout his career.
Source: Insider
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