Tom Cruise, often seen as just a movie star, is hailed as an underestimated actor by Kenneth Branagh, predicting a golden age of performance as he receives the BFI Fellowship.
Tom Cruise: the name conjures images of death-defying stunts, blockbuster action franchises, and a career that has spanned over four decades. He’s the man who saved the film industry during the pandemic with Top Gun: Maverick, the last great movie star in an era where the concept seems almost quaint.
But according to his friend and co-star Kenneth Branagh, there’s more to Cruise than meets the eye—he’s an actor whose talents have been underestimated. This week, it was announced that Cruise will receive the prestigious BFI Fellowship, the British Film Institute’s highest honor, in recognition of his significant contributions to filmmaking in the UK.
From the fantasy realms of Legend to the intense drama of Eyes Wide Shut and the adrenaline-pumping Mission: Impossible series, Cruise has been a fixture in British cinema for decades [Deadline]. But it’s Branagh’s comments that have sparked a fresh conversation about Cruise’s place in the pantheon of great actors.
In an interview with The Times of London, Branagh, who shared the screen with Cruise in the 2008 thriller Valkyrie, didn’t hold back in his praise. “If he ever tires of wowing the world with action, he’s going to surprise those who view him as only a movie star,” Branagh said. “What he’s done with ‘Mission’ and ‘Top Gun’ is unique—cinematic entertainment with a serious intent to give you a wonderful time at the movies. But he’s an underestimated actor—for whom a golden age of performance beckons”.
It’s true that Cruise’s image has often been defined by his action-hero persona. Since the mid-’90s, he’s been synonymous with high-octane thrillers, often performing his own stunts and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on screen. This has led to a perception that he’s more of a daredevil than a thespian, more concerned with spectacle than substance.
But Branagh’s words suggest that there’s a depth to Cruise’s acting that hasn’t been fully appreciated. Indeed, Cruise’s filmography is peppered with performances that showcase his range. In Rain Man, he played the self-centered Charlie Babbitt opposite Dustin Hoffman’s autistic savant, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a man undergoing a profound transformation. In Jerry Maguire, he was the slick sports agent who finds his conscience, earning an Oscar nomination for his efforts.
And in Magnolia, he gave a tour-de-force performance as the misogynistic motivational speaker Frank T.J. Mackey, a role that earned him another Oscar nod.
But perhaps the most telling example is Born on the Fourth of July, where Cruise played Ron Kovic, a Vietnam War veteran who becomes an anti-war activist. His performance was raw, emotional, and deeply affecting, earning him yet another Oscar nomination. It’s a reminder that Cruise has always had the chops to tackle complex, dramatic roles.
So why has he been underestimated? Part of it may be due to his own choices. In recent years, Cruise has leaned heavily into the action genre, with the Mission: Impossible series becoming his signature franchise.
These films are undeniably entertaining, but they don’t always provide the same opportunities for character development as more dramatic fare. Additionally, his public persona—marked by high-profile relationships, his association with Scientology, and his intense dedication to his craft—has sometimes overshadowed his acting abilities.
Branagh’s comments suggest that Cruise could pivot away from action and surprise audiences with his dramatic prowess. It’s an intriguing possibility.
At 62, Cruise shows no signs of slowing down, with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning set to hit theaters soon [CBR, 2025]. But perhaps, as he enters the later stages of his career, he might seek out roles that allow him to flex his acting muscles in different ways. Branagh seems to think so, predicting a “golden age of performance” for Cruise.
The BFI Fellowship is no small honor. Previous recipients include legends like Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, and Elizabeth Taylor. It’s a recognition not just of Cruise’s box-office clout but of his contributions to the art of cinema. His work in the UK has spanned genres and decades, from the fantastical Legend in the ’80s to the erotic drama Eyes Wide Shut in the ’90s and the action-packed Mission: Impossible films in recent years. This award underscores his versatility and his commitment to filmmaking.
Branagh also shared some insights into Cruise’s personality off-screen. He described Cruise as someone who enjoys the quiet corners of British pubs, where he can soak in the atmosphere without causing a fuss. “He’s a natural giggler and just enjoys what he does so much, and that’s infectious,” Branagh said.
This paints a picture of a man who, despite his megastar status, remains grounded and appreciative of the simpler things in life. Indeed, Cruise’s dedication to his craft is legendary. He’s known for his meticulous preparation, his willingness to perform his own stunts, and his insistence on authenticity. But according to Branagh, he’s also humble and gracious, traits that have endeared him to colleagues and fans alike.
In an industry often criticized for its ego and excess, Cruise’s humility is a refreshing counterpoint.
Cruise’s career trajectory is also a testament to the changing nature of Hollywood. In an era where streaming services and franchise films dominate, Cruise has managed to remain a bankable star, drawing audiences to theaters with the promise of spectacle and star power.
But as the industry evolves, there may be opportunities for him to explore different kinds of roles, perhaps in smaller, character-driven films that allow him to showcase his acting chops. In conjunction with the Fellowship, the BFI will host a month-long showcase of Cruise’s films, a retrospective that will likely remind audiences of his range and versatility.
From his early work in Risky Business and Top Gun to his more recent outings in Edge of Tomorrow and American Made, the showcase will be a celebration of a career that has spanned genres and generations.
Personally, I’ve always admired Cruise’s commitment to his roles, whether he’s dangling from a helicopter or delivering a heartfelt monologue. There’s a sincerity to his performances that resonates, even in the midst of the most outlandish action sequences. Branagh’s comments serve as a reminder that beneath the stunts and the spectacle, there’s a talented actor waiting to be rediscovered.
Cruise’s connection to the UK is deep-rooted, spanning over four decades of filmmaking. From the fantastical landscapes of Legend to the gritty realism of Jack Reacher, he’s left an indelible mark on British cinema. And as he himself said upon receiving the Fellowship, “I’m truly honoured. I’ve been making films in the UK for over 40 years and have no plans to stop”. It’s a testament to his enduring passion for storytelling and his commitment to the craft.
In conclusion, the news of Cruise’s BFI Fellowship and Branagh’s praise offer a chance to reevaluate his contributions to cinema. While he may be best known for his action-hero persona, there’s a depth to his acting that deserves recognition. As he continues to defy expectations, perhaps we’ll see a new chapter in his career, one that showcases his talents in ways we haven’t seen in years.
Source Deadline
