Cover Tom Cruise in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (Photo: Paramount Pictures)
Tom Cruise in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (Photo: Paramount Pictures)
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Whether he’s jumping out of a moving plane or charming the audience, Tom Cruise’s performances never fail to fill us with excitement
One of Hollywood’s most iconic action stars, Tom Cruise has left a mark on modern cinema. With a career spanning over five decades and a long repertoire of films under his belt, his influence encompasses generations of avid movie-goers. Known for doing his own stunts—such as climbing the Burj Khalifa, motorbiking off a cliff and hanging from the side of a plane, among others—Cruise’s fearless commitment and strong passion for acting have him commanding the screen whatever the genre.
More from Tatler: 7 Films with fearless heroines: ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’, ‘Alien’, and more
Top Gun (1986)
Above Top Gun Official Trailer
The quintessential Tom Cruise film, Top Gun is easily the actor’s most iconic role. He brings Lt Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell’s character to life, perfectly portraying charisma and cockiness. While Endless Love (1981) was his debut film, one can argue that Top Gun was the start of his rise to stardom.
Mission: Impossible (1996)
Above Mission: Impossible Official Trailer
A staple in spy films, Mission: Impossible revitalised the genre with its over-the-top action sequences and faithfulness to the source material—a television series of the same name. This movie also birthed iconic catchphrases such as ‘Your mission, should you choose to accept it…’ and was an introduction to the spy thriller genre for most.
Also see: 9 films that romantically inspire us to live in the past: ‘The Notebook’, ‘La La Land’, and more
Collateral (2004)
Above Collateral Official Trailer
In one of Cruise’s most compelling roles, Collateral showed us the actor’s versatility outside of his typical cocky-hero persona—portraying Vincent’s cold-blooded nature, which puts a chill down the audience’s spine.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Above Edge of Tomorrow Official Trailer
With an interesting plot, breathtaking cinematography, and great performances by Cruise and co-star Emily Blunt, Edge of Tomorrow is a fan favourite that perfectly blends action and suspense with a touch of comedy. Here, Cruise plays Major William Cage, an inexperienced military spokesperson thrown into a suicide mission. Every time he dies in combat, he repeats the same day as if nothing happened. Cruise’s portrayal of Cage interestingly shows us the stages of grief each person might go through in that situation—from desperation to acceptance and willingness to evolve.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Above Top Gun: Maverick Official Trailer
Paying homage to the original film from 1986, Cruise reprises his role as Maverick—this time mentoring the next generation of pilots. More than just a nostalgia trip for fans, Top Gun: Maverick introduces plenty of new elements to the table that bridge the gap between old and contemporary.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
