MovieChat Forums > Valkyrie (2008) Discussion > Tom Cruise's acting in this film

Tom Cruise's acting in this film

posted 13 years ago by kenobi7
65 replies | jump to latest

I was very surprised by Tom Cruise's performance in "Valkyrie". I had always figured that he was just an arrogant douchebag, even though the only movie I had seen of his was "The Outsiders", and that was a fairly small role. The reason I thought this about him was because of the way he is off-screen - he just seems real cocky and stuck-up ("The Today Show" scientology rant with Matt Lauer, anyone?). But in this particular film, I was very impressed by his acting. He did not strike me as a great actor - I would have to watch more of his films to be convinced of that - but he was very good. He played it all very well: the scenes with his family, the first scenes of his dismemberment, the determination he had to get the job done, the confidence he had when he thought they had succeeded, the loss on his face when he figured out they had actually failed, and especially his final scene with the firing squad. His acting was extremely surprising and very impressive, especially in such a dramatically tense movie like this one.

[–] ValkyrieOakenshield74 13 years ago

His best actings to me (And probably his best movies too) are Lestat in Interview with the Vampire and Valkyrie.

But he has some others great actings out there, Mr Less Grossman is indeed another of his best actings.

I will be close but still untouchable
Sabaton

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] themidgarzolom 7 years ago

Check out Magnolia, if you haven't. I think it's his most memorable role.

[–] kenobi7 13 years ago

I don't think it has any real influence on his films, it's just that when I see actors and/or actresses (whether they act in movies or on TV) being themselves off-screen, the way they are affects the way I think of them in other stuff. And "Minority Report" does sound pretty good, I'm going to have to check that one out. Thanks!

[–] beavertoof 13 years ago

I don't like him generally, but thought he was great in this.

[–] YouFightLikeACow 13 years ago

Tom Cruise is a fantastic actor. Questionable antics and beliefs in his personal life, but brushing that aside he knows how to command the screen in any role. Minority Report and Valkyrie, I think, are among his greatest roles.

You fight like a dairy farmer.
How appropriate. Cue my username.

[–] Nolegirl97 13 years ago

I haven't watched that many of his films, but I agree... poor Katie Holmes...:(

Dare to reply....... I SAID DARE!!!
Made you look

[–] roland-rockerfella 13 years ago

Tom Cruise is actually a very good actor. People become to swayed by his private life to mutch whitch is noones business but his. I don't go to films to be concerned by actors private lives, I go to watch their films and see them act, and Cruise is a fine actor. One of my favorite actors of all time Charlton Heston carried views totally diffirent to mine, but who cares he was a great actor.

[–] SpiltPersonality 12 years ago

While this is true to a certain extent, it isn't true to other extents.

For instance, many people may have liked Gary Glitter, but would have a difficult time listening to his music now.

I personally didn't like him any of the time, but he was popular at least with some.

SpiltPersonality

[–] leobourne 11 years ago

The problem is that people look at him as a star more than an actor. No one would have thought he could play this role. You'll also have to give a lot of credit to the director for believing that he could pull it off. He doesn't falter for a second. The other movie would be A Few Good Men. He looks tremendous for an army officer and plays the role to the T in both. He's underestimated a lot. Got immense potential. People should stop prying into his personal life.

[–] SpiltPersonality 11 years ago

I'm not disputing that he is a great actor. I am saying that if people read and watch pulp media (Woman's Day or Oprah etc) then they are going to associate an actor/singer/member of the royal family - whatever - with their personal lives. Fair? Probably not.

[–] duckofprey 13 years ago

The OP should get out of his cocoon ("even though the only movie I had seen of his was "The Outsiders") and watch some other films that Tom C did a very good job in.

They include:
Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles
The Last Samurai
Born on the Fourth of July
and of course Valkyrie

[–] kenobi7 13 years ago

This movie actually has inspired me to check out some of Cruise's other movies. I had heard of a bunch of different ones, but have never got to see them. I'll have to watch them one of these days! :)

[–] jwiles1 13 years ago

Cruise is an excellent actor. In addition to Valkyrie, born on the fourth of July and A few good men are good examples of some of his better roles.

Regarding his offscreen persona, I don't care for him, but then I feel that way about the majority of Hollywood stars.

[–] JWiLL552 13 years ago

You need to watch "Minority Report" and "Collateral".

Easily two of my favourite movies in their respective genres and far and away my favourite Cruise characters.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] kenobi7 13 years ago

Absolutely terrific summary of your opinions! :) He was great in "Valkyrie", and is absolutely insane (but in a definite good way) in "Tropic Thunder". He is a perfect and very unexpected addition to the cast, and his performance flows very well with that of the other castmembers. I really am going to have to check out some of his movies!

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] Desertman84 13 years ago

He was great in this film.He played his character with honest portrayal.