Twenty-two years ago, Tom Cruise made his film debut in “Taps,” embarking upon an extraordinary journey that has led him to the summit of showbiz success. Legions of devoted fans have followed Cruise every step of the way, from his breakthrough performance in 1983’s “Risky Business” to Academy Award-nominated turns in “Born On The Fourth of July,” “Jerry Maguire” and “Magnolia.” His latest film, “The Last Samurai,” is just the sort of epic that the Academy voters love, and will likely net Cruise his fourth (and best yet) chance at a coveted gold statuette.
While Cruise is certainly one of the most recognizable celebrities in the world, he is that rare matinee idol who also commands the utmost respect of the critics and his peers. His love life has been the subject of much speculation in the tabloids, but over the years Cruise has steadfastly avoided discussing either his divorce from Nicole Kidman or his current relationship with actress Penelope Cruz. He’s more than willing, on the other hand, to talk about his movies.
Question: What was it that touched you so much about this script?
Tom Cruise: The code of the Samurai: Bushido (“the way of the warrior”). When I read it, it aligned with what I believe, what I strive for in my life, and that hit me. Samurai is just eternally cool and the culture is something. It’s always been enigmatic to me. Then I met with Ed (Zwick, the director) and saw his enthusiasm and vision for this film... and (I was) going, man, I want to go on this ride with you. Where are we going to go with this?
Q: So from beginning to end, how much of a personal journey was it for you?
TC: Big. It was big, because any time you start looking at life from another culture’s point of view, another person’s point of view, it’s very exciting and it’s enlightening. Also, the physical journey and the character development happened at the same time. We’re talking about a year of developing this character and working with it. Working with the Japanese actors — that was very fulfilling. Seeing those performances come to life.
Q: Was it a big adjustment, working with a largely Japanese cast and crew?
TC: They were very generous, very giving, and supportive and validating as to the history and the work that we’ve done, and helpful to me with the swordplay and giving me confidence.
Q: The physical demands of the role were incredible and quite dangerous. Were you ever scared?
TC: (Laughs) At first I was thinking, how am I going to do this? What’s gonna happen? First, I worked by myself, building up my arm strength and flexibility. Then we started introducing other guys coming in, and they were swinging at me, and OK, we were going hard because you’ve got to go full speed. I thought, wow. And then (stunt coordinator) Nick Powell built me up to where I had total spatial awareness of the guys behind me. Even at that speed it felt slow to me when we were going through it. If someone made a mistake, or a misstep, I had good awareness of where they were. That’s what martial arts gives you, that kind of awareness, where things to other people seem to be happening fast, but to you, it’s in slow motion.
Q: In what ways has making this movie changed you?
TC: It’s given me an opportunity to really see the things that, for me, are spiritually important, and to explore and express the kind of humanity that I feel is important today. And it was right there. It was perfect.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 5, 2003. Read the original PDF.