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Tom Cruise Shares the Unique Movie That Changed His View on Filmmaking and Led Him to Production
Tom Cruise is a household name synonymous with high-octane action and blockbuster thrills. His portrayal of iconic characters like Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible franchise, and Maverick in Top Gun, has solidified his status as one of the most successful and versatile actors in Hollywood. Yet, behind the intense action scenes, death-defying stunts, and exhilarating plots, there lies a deeper passion for cinema that goes far beyond acting. Cruise’s journey into the world of filmmaking is rooted in a single film—one that profoundly shifted his perspective and propelled him to explore a new path in the entertainment industry: film production. That film, as Tom Cruise recently shared in an exclusive interview, was Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut (1999).
A Glimpse Into the Early Career of Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise’s path to stardom began much like that of any aspiring actor—driven by an innate love for movies. Born in 1962 in Syracuse, New York, Cruise grew up in a working-class family with a turbulent childhood. Despite these challenges, he discovered an early passion for acting and cinema. From a young age, he was captivated by the magic of movies, and it didn’t take long for him to pursue a career in the industry. His breakout role came with Risky Business (1983), which thrust him into the limelight as a rising star. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1990s that his understanding of the art of filmmaking would undergo a seismic shift.
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Before Eyes Wide Shut, Cruise was already a household name, having appeared in massive hits like Top Gun (1986), Jerry Maguire (1996), and The Firm (1993). His fame was largely built on the strength of his performances, particularly in action-packed films and romantic dramas. However, as successful as his acting career was, Cruise found himself yearning for more—something beyond the role of an actor, something that would allow him to influence the filmmaking process in a more profound way.
The Film That Changed Everything: Eyes Wide Shut
In 1999, Tom Cruise found himself starring in a film that was both a critical and commercial departure from anything he had done before. Directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick, Eyes Wide Shut was a psychological drama that explored themes of sexuality, trust, and the complexities of human relationships. The film, based on Arthur Schnitzler’s novella Traumnovelle, was controversial upon its release, particularly due to its explicit content and thought-provoking narrative. Yet for Cruise, this was more than just a challenging role; it was an education in the art of filmmaking.
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Kubrick’s directorial style was famously meticulous and perfectionist. The way he approached every detail—from lighting and set design to the pacing of each scene—was nothing short of revolutionary. Cruise, who had already established himself as a leading man, found himself in awe of Kubrick’s commitment to the craft. The director would sometimes demand dozens of takes to achieve what he considered the perfect shot, a process that was both grueling and enlightening for Cruise. Working with Kubrick on Eyes Wide Shut was a turning point for the actor, who realized that filmmaking was not just about acting—there was a whole other dimension to it: the vision, the storytelling, the technical mastery, and the collaborative effort of everyone involved.
“It wasn’t just the role that changed me, it was the entire process,” Cruise said in an interview. “Kubrick had this way of seeing filmmaking as an art form—an intricate dance of creativity, timing, and perfection. Watching him work, seeing how he took control of every aspect of a film, opened my eyes to the true power of filmmaking. It was no longer just about being in front of the camera. It was about being behind it, making every decision, shaping the story, the shots, the sound, the editing. That experience with Stanley made me realize that I wanted to take my involvement in filmmaking to the next level.”
The Impact of Kubrick’s Legacy on Cruise
Stanley Kubrick’s influence on Tom Cruise went beyond technical filmmaking. Kubrick was a master of visual storytelling, often using lighting, color, and composition to convey complex themes and emotions. Eyes Wide Shut was a masterclass in subtlety, with each frame carefully constructed to evoke a mood, build tension, or convey the inner turmoil of the characters. For Cruise, this was an eye-opening experience. It was clear that Kubrick’s method of filmmaking was a far cry from the action-packed, fast-paced films that defined Cruise’s earlier career.
“I had to shift my mindset,” Cruise explained. “In films like Top Gun and Mission: Impossible, the focus was on speed, excitement, and intensity. Kubrick, on the other hand, slowed everything down. He took the time to craft every single moment, and the payoff was incredible. It made me realize that filmmaking isn’t about rushing through the process to get to the final product—it’s about crafting something that lasts. It’s about creating an experience for the audience.”
This revelation sparked a transformation in Cruise’s approach to his own career. Rather than simply being a cog in the machine of Hollywood, he now saw filmmaking as a holistic experience—one that required an understanding of all aspects of the process, from production to post-production. The more he learned, the more he felt compelled to become involved in the creation of films in ways that went beyond just acting.
The Transition to Film Production: Taking Control
In 1993, Tom Cruise took a monumental step in his career by co-founding his production company, Cruise/Wagner Productions, with Paula Wagner, his long-time collaborator and mentor. This move marked a significant shift in Cruise’s trajectory within the industry, as he began to take an active role in the creative and logistical sides of filmmaking. He was no longer content to simply act in films; he wanted to shape them, from the ground up.
The first major project produced by Cruise/Wagner was Mission: Impossible (1996), a film that would go on to become one of the most successful franchises in Hollywood history. But what many don’t realize is that the success of Mission: Impossible was due in large part to Cruise’s deep involvement in every aspect of the production process. He was not just an actor in the film; he was integral to its development, from choosing the director and the script to selecting the crew and overseeing the marketing campaign.
Cruise’s approach to Mission: Impossible was directly influenced by his experiences working with Kubrick. He wanted to ensure that every detail of the film was meticulously crafted, from the performances to the technical execution. This hands-on approach would become a hallmark of his later work as a producer, as Cruise consistently sought to elevate the quality of the films he worked on, ensuring that they were not just commercially successful, but also critically respected.
Expanding His Influence: A Producer’s Vision
As Cruise’s career evolved, so did his influence in Hollywood. Beyond Mission: Impossible, Cruise continued to produce and star in films that reflected his deepening understanding of the craft. The Last Samurai (2003), a historical epic set in Japan, was another project where Cruise took a central role not just as an actor, but as a producer who helped shape the film’s direction. Similarly, Vanilla Sky (2001), a psychological drama that explored themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, demonstrated Cruise’s growing interest in complex, thought-provoking storytelling.
But perhaps the most striking example of Cruise’s growing role as a producer came with the Mission: Impossible franchise itself. Over the years, the franchise has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar global phenomenon, and with each new installment, Cruise’s involvement has deepened. He is known for pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking, personally performing many of the dangerous stunts himself. Yet, his dedication to innovation in production is just as significant. Whether it’s working with groundbreaking special effects, collaborating with world-renowned directors, or developing the marketing strategy, Cruise’s influence on the Mission: Impossible films is undeniable.
Filmmaking as a Collaborative Art: Cruise’s Philosophy
For Tom Cruise, filmmaking is not just about one person’s vision—it’s about collaboration. While Kubrick’s meticulous attention to detail shaped Cruise’s view of filmmaking, it was his own experiences as a producer that solidified his belief in the collective nature of the process. “Filmmaking is about bringing together a team of people who are all working toward the same goal,” Cruise said. “It’s about giving everyone the freedom to contribute their talents, but also knowing when to take charge and steer the ship in the right direction.”
Cruise’s philosophy has led him to work with some of the most talented directors, writers, and cinematographers in the industry. His production company has fostered relationships with both established and emerging filmmakers, always with an eye toward creating films that are not only entertaining but also artistically fulfilling.
A Career Defined by Transformation
The film Eyes Wide Shut didn’t just change Tom Cruise’s view on filmmaking—it transformed his entire approach to the industry. It opened his eyes to the artistry behind filmmaking and set him on a path toward becoming one of the most influential producers in Hollywood. The lessons he learned from Stanley Kubrick have shaped the way he approaches every film he works on, whether he is acting, producing, or both. Through his company, his collaborations, and his relentless pursuit of perfection, Tom Cruise has proven that he is not just an actor; he is a force in the world of filmmaking—one who is continuously pushing the boundaries of what cinema can be.
