Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One has led to the transcendence of practical filmmaking. The internet was set ablaze by the high-octane stunt sequences that embellished the endeavor. Whether it be the leading star engaging in a knife fight on top of a speeding train or riding a motorcycle off a cliff—the seventh installment to the acclaimed franchise has managed to pull off the unimaginable.
However, there’s a level of technicality to these real-life stunts; certain criteria need to be met for their fulfillment and oftentimes than not, requesting permission for it (especially in foreign countries) can prove to be challenging. Even if a request is granted, there are certain limits imposed. In an interview, Cruise recalled how his on-set dynamic with co-star Hayley Atwell almost landed the production team in trouble, entailing a scenario where the renowned Hollywood actor felt that the country they filmed in would end up kicking them out.
Tom Cruise’s Character Dynamic With Hayley Atwell In Mission Impossible 7
Appearing on the Australian talk show television program, titled The Project, the action star was asked about the incorporation of comedic elements in the latest installment of the renowned Mission Impossible franchise and which thematic aspects he enjoyed the most about the endeavor. The Christopher McQuarrie-helmed film not only delivers on its promise of an action-packed, commendable narrative, but it also understands the characters it utilizes; the relationships between them, and the dynamics that affect the story at large. One such dynamic was observed through Tom Cruise and Hayley Atwell’s car chase sequence in Rome.
In the interview, the Top Gun alum stated the following when commenting on the intriguing on-screen partnership he shared with his co-star:
“Oh, I love it (the comedy). I love it all. We are constantly looking for that kind of character drama, character comedy. And Hayley Atwell really inspired this kind of action. You see the kind of talent that she is; the dynamic we have together … We know the space we are gonna work in—in Rome. But we are creating those characters as we’re going, as we’re riding.”
He then stated that during such sequences, he happened to be there with Atwell to throw the actress several lines and see how they landed. With McQuarrie’s guidance, these elements could be further fleshed out. These are the technicalities that need to be kept in mind while simultaneously filming life-threatening scenes—even when the star is traversing the roads of Rome and doing a 360 inside a car.
Tom Cruise’s On-Set Shenanigans Nearly Got The Cast Kicked Out
One of the interviewers expressed shock over the actor having to manage intricate character interactions whilst filming complex action sequences. “Can’t be funny if you’re terrified!” stated the interviewer. To this, Cruise said, “We were in a 360 and I was like, ‘Just keep saying the tires are on fire, we are on fire!'” Bringing out this comedic nuance in the highly elaborate car chase, however, almost proved detrimental. To quote the star, “In Rome, they didn’t know we are gonna do that.”
Although an area was provided to the production team for filming, it didn’t necessarily imply they could surpass the limits imposed. So, as Tom Cruise and Hayley Atwell were spinning, the officials said, “You only have one more take.” However, the Hollywood talent continued pushing forward, incessantly requesting more takes. Therefore, while conducting the 360, Cruise didn’t refrain from extracting the comedic potential out of the action sequence. He pressed on, consistently telling co-star Atwell, “Just say we are on fire! We are on fire!”
This did not stop until the actor could get the smoke from the tires to come up in the scene. To say that Tom Cruise is a perfectionist would, hence, be a bizarre understatement. The Knight and Day alum, even when tasked with the job of bringing characters to life through a nuanced sense of lightheartedness, never stops until he gets a satisfactory result.
One of the members of the interviewer panel, upon hearing the anecdote, affirmed, “You’re never allowed back to Rome, though. Obviously.”
In reply to this, Cruise stated the following:
“You know what, they did allow us back. But I thought at that moment, they were gonna ask us to leave.”
Luckily, no such drastic steps were taken on behalf of the country’s officials. However, this incident proved to be a testament to the Jerry Maguire star’s dedication, tenacity, and perseverance—even in scenarios that tend to be quite restrictive and confining. His humorous on-screen shenanigans with actress Hayley Atwell seem to have captured the attention of devoted cinephiles. So either way, his efforts have led to a triumphant victory; the victory of winning the audience’s hearts.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, which has garnered $268.3 million at the box office against a budget of $291 million, is currently in theatres.
Source: The Project
