In the heart-pounding world of movies, stunts are the spice that keeps us glued to the screen. A tale of two action giants, Matt Damon and Tom Cruise, unfolds with divergent paths. Cruise’s $600 million fortune sparkles with success, credited to his approach.
But Matt Damon brushes off Cruise’s golden advice, and the gap widens. Action fans are left to wonder: will Damon eventually embrace the Cruise way and soar to new heights in action, or is going to continue exploring other genres?
Stunts, Safety, and Cinema: Perspectives of Tom Cruise and Matt Damon
In the world of action films, two dominant forces have emerged, each embodying a distinct approach to daredevilry. On one side is Tom Cruise, an actor known for pushing the limits and taking risks to capture awe-inspiring shots. On the other side stands Matt Damon, a versatile performer who values collaboration and safety, understanding that some feats are best left to the experts. This clash of ideologies has not only shaped their careers but also influenced how we view and appreciate modern action cinema.
Tom Cruise is an unwavering force in his pursuit of perfection, leaving no room for compromise. With heart-stopping stunts that leave audiences breathless, he redefines the limits of cinematic daring. From clutching the side of a soaring airplane to plummeting down skyscrapers and maneuvering high-speed motorcycles, Cruise is a one-man spectacle, determined to shatter boundaries on the silver screen. His fearlessness not only earns him applause and admiration but also a healthy boost to his bank account. stunt coordinator Wade Eastwood spilled:
“Tom does not like when there are cuts in the scene because he feels that it takes away from the character and the acting. Because of this, when shooting an underwater scene, there were not any cuts and the audience watched intently as Cruise held his breath for a long period of time.”
Contrasting with Cruise’s fearless approach, Matt Damon takes a pragmatic stance, valuing the symbiotic relationship between actors and stunt professionals. He prioritizes realism for the audience while never jeopardizing lives or letting ego get in the way. He mentioned:
“I do as much as I can but whenever it’s like going to be a little sketchy, I always let the professionals do it because they’re really good at what they do.”
Damon’s trust in the skill and dedication of stunt doubles allows him to seamlessly merge his performance with their expertise, resulting in a harmonious blend of action and authenticity.
Matt Damon Puts a Pause on Tom Cruise’s Intense Tale
During a conversation with Cruise about his incredible Burj Khalifa climb for Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Damon was curious about how it all came to be. Recounting the exchange, Matt Damon shared:
“Now he’s a really intense guy, he goes like (imitates Cruise) ‘Yeah I’ll tell you how it happened. I’ve been thinking about this shot for 15 years.’ I am like, ‘Wow really!’ and he says, ‘So I go to the safety guy and I lay it all out. Safety guy says we can’t do it. It is too dangerous, you can’t do it. So, I get a new safety guy’.”
Damon went on to say:
“That’s the beginning of his story and I say, ‘stop!’“
Despite their contrasting approaches, both share a mutual appreciation for their vital role in delivering believable performances. Enduring grueling workout routines and intense training regimens, they sculpt their bodies and hone their skills, infusing their roles with an air of authenticity that elevates the excitement of each high-octane sequence. United by their commitment, yet distinct in their paths, these icons shine as beacons of inspiration, adding an indomitable spirit to the silver screen that sparks euphoria in audiences worldwide.
Source: TheThings
