"Do exactly what I'm going to tell you": Tom Cruise's "Step by Step"

Tom Cruise’s contributions to Hollywood have been numerous. Although primarily known for his stature in pushing out blockbuster endeavors, the actor has also earned considerable praise for his willingness to offer guidance to his colleagues and fellow professionals within the industry. On many accounts, notable celebrities have spoken up about Cruise’s good-natured, sporting demeanor.

Tom Cruise’s “can-do” mindset has helped many of his colleagues

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The actor’s Eyes Wide Shut co-star, Todd Field, is among such talents to have shared how the Top Gun alum was able to help him through a dire situation. In an interview with The New Yorker, the actor-turned-director additionally explained how Cruise’s “can-do” mindset encouraged the former to pursue filmmaking in the first place.

Tom Cruise Urged Co-Star Todd Field To Pursue Directing Todd Field was influenced by Tom Cruise to pursue filmmaking

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) is a psychological drama helmed, produced, and co-written by renowned filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. The movie featured Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman in the leading roles. The film went on to garner $162.1 million at the worldwide box office against a budget of $65 million. Kubrick cast then-actor Todd Field in the movie after seeing the latter’s performance in an indie film titled Ruby in Paradise. Field played the role of Nick Nightingale in the erotic thriller premise.

In a conversation with The New Yorker, the Tár director recalled how his co-star, Tom Cruise, encouraged him to delve into the realm of film direction. At the time, a desire to create something of his own was brewing in the depths of Field’s mind. He was no longer interested in acting. However, the Radio Days talent didn’t exactly know how to go about it.

Tom Cruise in Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

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Todd Field recollected Stanley Kubrick clearing up all of his doubts; guiding the former through the technical aspects of the craft. However, it was Tom Cruise who recognized within his co-star a knack for filmmaking. The Little Children director was told the following by the Mission: Impossible star: “You’re going to make movies.”

It was at this point that Field disclosed an idea for a film he conceived based on an Andre Dubus-penned 1979 short story. However, the then-actor wasn’t sure whether he’d be able to secure the rights. Once again, Cruise was willing to provide a morale-boosting push to his co-star. With his convincing, self-assured attitude, the Jerry Maguire star affirmed to Todd Field, “You’re just making excuses. Figure it out.” 

Field was able to come up with a script and obtain the rights to the short story thanks to this much-needed push. The former actor finally had the opportunity to make his directorial debut with 2001’s In the Bedroom.

Tom Cruise Helped Save Todd Field’s Movie From Harvey Weinstein Todd Field’s debut feature was saved from Harvey Weinstein’s re-cuts

Tom Cruise’s efforts helped Todd Field to move forward with his filmmaking dream. However, the latter’s worst nightmare was yet to come. In the Bedroom, starring Sissy Spacek debuted at Sundance. Subsequently, the up-and-coming filmmaker’s debut feature was acquired by Harvey Weinstein’s Miramax.

This development led to Todd Field’s growing apprehension. The now-convicted s*x offender was infamous at the time for having films made under his banner go through several re-cuts. This troubled the Tár alum gravely. He was left “weeping in the bathroom.” Tom Cruise, Field’s former co-star in Eyes Wide Shut, who had first encouraged Field to pursue filmmaking, was the one the novice director chose to call up for advice.

Cruise was more than willing to help. Following is how Todd Field’s conversation went with the Top Gun alum:

“I called up Tom Cruise and said, ‘Something terrible has happened.’ He basically said, ‘This is how you’re going to play it. It’s going to take you six months, and you’ll beat him, but you have to do exactly what I’m going to tell you to do, step by step.’”

The step-by-step solution provided by Tom Cruise

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The solution provided by Tom Cruise involved letting Weinstein re-cut the 2001 film to whichever extent he desired. Then, he urged Field to wait for the producer’s version of In the Bedroom to test poorly at preview screenings. When this would happen, the actor-turned-director could point to the positive reception that his film garnered from Sundance. Subsequently, he could request the film to be released in its original premiered state.

Cruise’s step-by-step instructions were utilized by Todd Field. It’s safe to say that the Hollywood legend’s master plan worked effectively. In the Bedroom was a grand success, grossing $44.8 million at the box office against a budget of only $1.7 million. Field’s debut feature was nominated for five Oscars.

We can conclude that Todd Field has a lot to thank Tom Cruise for. Not only did the latter assist the filmmaker in advancing his directorial desires, but he also helped him through a challenging circumstance, ultimately rescuing Field’s debut feature from Harvey Weinstein’s uncompromising re-cuts and edits.

Todd Field’s In the Bedroom is available on Prime Video via buying/renting.

Source: The New Yorker