Tom Cruise is often seen as the ultimate action star — the face behind some of the biggest box office hits in history. From the adrenaline-fueled Mission: Impossible series and the rugged Jack Reacher films to the soaring success of Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise’s name has become synonymous with blockbuster cinema. But there’s much more beneath the surface of this Hollywood titan than just explosive stunts and record-breaking ticket sales.

While Cruise’s charisma was undeniable in the 1980s and cemented in the ’90s, it’s his thoughtful approach to his craft in the 21st century that reveals the actor’s true depth. Far from being a one-note action hero, Cruise has demonstrated versatility and nuance in a range of complex roles that defy his tough-guy image. Performances in films like Rain Man, Interview with the Vampire, Jerry Maguire, and Eyes Wide Shut reveal an actor with a genuine passion for storytelling and a dedication to the art of cinema itself.

In a revealing discussion on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Cruise shared how deeply he loves movies — not just making them but studying them. “I love it, I love movies, I’ll watch scenes of films the way some people will listen to like tracks of music,” he explained. Cruise’s cinephilia is meticulous and passionate: he watches at least one film every day, analyzing the structure, performances, and cinematography. This constant engagement with cinema worldwide keeps him connected to the craft in a way few actors do.

This deep appreciation also gives Cruise a keen eye for greatness in his peers. Reflecting on his legendary 1992 courtroom drama A Few Good Men, Cruise paid homage to his co-star Jack Nicholson, recalling the iconic “You can’t handle the truth” scene that has since become a cultural landmark.

Cruise described the filming experience as electric, recalling how even the crew and onlookers gathered to witness the scene unfold. “People came from all around just to watch us play that scene,” he said. “When the scene ended the first time, there was applause… God, it was exciting. It was electric.”

What stands out in Cruise’s account is not just the big moment of Nicholson’s explosive monologue, but the subtle craftsmanship behind it. He noted how Nicholson’s power came from minimal movement and stillness — a deliberate use of the camera’s frame to command attention. “You can see the flicker of Jack’s eyes, and it’s not calculated. He just understands the power of the frame. That’s what makes him a craftsman,” Cruise observed.

For Cruise, acting isn’t just about the grand gestures or high-octane thrills. It’s about the little details that elevate a scene into something unforgettable. His respect for these nuances reflects a sophisticated understanding of cinema that transcends his blockbuster reputation.

Tom Cruise is more than an action hero; he is a craftsman of his trade — a dedicated student and lover of film who knows that the magic of movies lies in both the monumental and the minute. Whether soaring through the skies or quietly exchanging a flicker of emotion in a cl