Spend An Hour Learning About Movies With Tom Cruise

Modern press tours are really fun. I love long-form conversations where people really have time to dissect the craft and magic of movies. And there are few people I'd rather hear speak on those subjects other than Tom Cruise. Recently, Cruise spent an hour with the BFI Institute, where he opened up about his dreams, the kinds of movies he's always wanted to make, and the magic of the cinema. Let's dive in. Tom Cruise's BFI Lecture is WonderfulTom Cruise is one of those movie stars who is dedicated to keeping audiences happy by making some of the biggest movies of all time. His love for movies and filmmaking is unparalleled, and his path to stardom should be inspiring to all creatives who love the idea of working in and supporting Hollywood. Cruise has always been ambitious. From being a young actor looking for big roles, to being a big actor who has seen Hollywood changing, and is looking for ways to make sure movies stay around.Cruise Values MoviesIn the interview, Cruise even recounted actively pushing studios to send him to different countries to learn how stories resonated across cultures. This global perspective even led to his pioneering of red carpet premieres internationally, bringing a slice of Hollywood to diverse audiences.What truly sets Cruise apart is his commitment to continuous learning.Cruise watches a ton of movies and dissects the work of actors, directors, and cinematographers. On set, he was a sponge, absorbing information from every department and constantly asking questions.This wasn't just passive observation; Cruise actively sought out filmmakers, engaging in deep discussions about storytelling and technique. He emphasized the critical importance of personal experience and evaluation in shaping his understanding, rather than simply relying on the opinions of others.For him, knowing how movies are made makes him a better actor who can grow with each role and whose producing knowledge can grow, too.Love Of Movies In ActionIf you look at what he's done in Mission: Impossible with the underwater sequences, complex aerial maneuvers, or this insane plane stunt in the new movie, he's able to do them not just because he stays in shape but because he knows how they'll be shot and can contribute to them.Cruise focuses on how he can create an environment for himself that will allow him to succeed. He's creating his own opportunities and then seeking out the craftspeople who are experts in this area to pick their brains.It's not just about loving movies, it's about wanting to know and work with people who feel the exact same way. Cruise's goal is always to apply this knowledge to enhance the narrative and create a more impactful cinematic experience.The conversation with BFI also highlighted the collaborative spirit Cruise brings to his work not just with the craftspeople, but also the above the line people on set. Cruise spoke with deep respect about learning from and working alongside industry legends like Sidney Pollack, Paul Newman, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg.But the one thing he learned from all these legends was the idea that you have to find your own unique voice amidst these influences. That's how you leave a lasting mark in Hollywood. Behind the ScenesOne of the highlights of these kinds of things is the behind-the-scenes glimpses of how some of his movies are made. He shared memories of the courtroom scenes with Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men, which allowed him to see an actor who was generous with his performance and who helped Tom a lot, mentoring him between the scenes.Cruise tells a story of how the rafters were filled to watch Nicholson and Cruise work on the courtroom scene, and how Nicholson would carve the dialogue and find his own stillness in the scenes as well.Of course, he talks about his new movie, The Final Reckoning. It's crazy to know that his drive to produce the first Mission: Impossible stemmed from a love for the theme music and a desire to translate a Cold War-era TV show into a dynamic action film.Cruise's collaborative spirit is evident in his long-standing and fruitful partnership with Christopher McQuarrie, whom he praised for his storytelling genius, particularly in the challenging narrative puzzles for the Mission: Impossible movies they've done together. These movies could only get bigger and better with Cruise's willingness to learn and experiment and study. Summing It All UpThat VFI interview really is a conversation full of great snippets, so don't just read my takes, watch it. I can barely unpack everything Tom said in an hour. Even after decades of success, Cruise's passion remains and is inspiring for all creatives. I love that his ongoing dream of being in movies continues to lead him to big, spectacle features that delight audiences all over.Let me know what you think in the comments.

May 28, 2025 - 08:55

Spend An Hour Learning About Movies With Tom Cruise

Modern press tours are really fun. I love long-form conversations where people really have time to dissect the craft and magic of movies.

And there are few people I'd rather hear speak on those subjects other than Tom Cruise.

Recently, Cruise spent an hour with the BFI Institute, where he opened up about his dreams, the kinds of movies he's always wanted to make, and the magic of the cinema.

Let's dive in.

Tom Cruise's BFI Lecture is Wonderful

Tom Cruise is one of those movie stars who is dedicated to keeping audiences happy by making some of the biggest movies of all time.

His love for movies and filmmaking is unparalleled, and his path to stardom should be inspiring to all creatives who love the idea of working in and supporting Hollywood.

Cruise has always been ambitious. From being a young actor looking for big roles, to being a big actor who has seen Hollywood changing, and is looking for ways to make sure movies stay around.

Cruise Values Movies

In the interview, Cruise even recounted actively pushing studios to send him to different countries to learn how stories resonated across cultures. This global perspective even led to his pioneering of red carpet premieres internationally, bringing a slice of Hollywood to diverse audiences.

What truly sets Cruise apart is his commitment to continuous learning.

Cruise watches a ton of movies and dissects the work of actors, directors, and cinematographers. On set, he was a sponge, absorbing information from every department and constantly asking questions.

This wasn't just passive observation; Cruise actively sought out filmmakers, engaging in deep discussions about storytelling and technique. He emphasized the critical importance of personal experience and evaluation in shaping his understanding, rather than simply relying on the opinions of others.

For him, knowing how movies are made makes him a better actor who can grow with each role and whose producing knowledge can grow, too.

Love Of Movies In Action

$\u200bLove Of Movies In Action$

If you look at what he's done in Mission: Impossible with the underwater sequences, complex aerial maneuvers, or this insane plane stunt in the new movie, he's able to do them not just because he stays in shape but because he knows how they'll be shot and can contribute to them.

Cruise focuses on how he can create an environment for himself that will allow him to succeed. He's creating his own opportunities and then seeking out the craftspeople who are experts in this area to pick their brains.

It's not just about loving movies, it's about wanting to know and work with people who feel the exact same way.

Cruise's goal is always to apply this knowledge to enhance the narrative and create a more impactful cinematic experience.

The conversation with BFI also highlighted the collaborative spirit Cruise brings to his work not just with the craftspeople, but also the above the line people on set.

Cruise spoke with deep respect about learning from and working alongside industry legends like Sidney Pollack, Paul Newman, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg.

But the one thing he learned from all these legends was the idea that you have to find your own unique voice amidst these influences.

That's how you leave a lasting mark in Hollywood.

Behind the Scenes

One of the highlights of these kinds of things is the behind-the-scenes glimpses of how some of his movies are made. He shared memories of the courtroom scenes with Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men, which allowed him to see an actor who was generous with his performance and who helped Tom a lot, mentoring him between the scenes.

Cruise tells a story of how the rafters were filled to watch Nicholson and Cruise work on the courtroom scene, and how Nicholson would carve the dialogue and find his own stillness in the scenes as well.

Of course, he talks about his new movie, The Final Reckoning. It's crazy to know that his drive to produce the first Mission: Impossible stemmed from a love for the theme music and a desire to translate a Cold War-era TV show into a dynamic action film.

Cruise's collaborative spirit is evident in his long-standing and fruitful partnership with Christopher McQuarrie, whom he praised for his storytelling genius, particularly in the challenging narrative puzzles for the Mission: Impossible movies they've done together.

These movies could only get bigger and better with Cruise's willingness to learn and experiment and study.

Summing It All Up

That VFI interview really is a conversation full of great snippets, so don't just read my takes, watch it. I can barely unpack everything Tom said in an hour.

Even after decades of success, Cruise's passion remains and is inspiring for all creatives. I love that his ongoing dream of being in movies continues to lead him to big, spectacle features that delight audiences all over.

Let me know what you think in the comments.