In the highly competitive world of Hollywood, directors frequently face difficult artistic choices that can make or break their careers—one such moment occurred when acclaimed director Doug Liman, known for the Jason Bourne films and Edge of Tomorrow, considered approaching Tom Cruise to star in his 2017 film, American Made.
Liman was worried that the film’s unconventional storyline and the morally ambiguous main character would be at odds with Cruise’s typically heroic roles, thereby damaging their respective careers.
Doug Liman’s Dilemma: The Unconventional Fit
Doug Liman was eager to reunite with Tom Cruise after their successful collaboration in Edge of Tomorrow. Liman is known for his exceptional collaborations with A-list actors like Matt Damon and Brad Pitt.
Suggested Article: Harvey Weinstein’s Lawyers Said Mel Gibson’s Anti-Semitic Past Makes Him Unfit for Testifying Against Jewish Producer, Court Cleared Gibson Anyway
But in American Made, Cruise’s portrayal of Barry Seal, a pilot entangled in a web of CIA operations and drug smuggling, broke away from the typical heroic mold for which he had become known. Liman had doubts about Cruise’s commitment to the role of Seal because he worried that the actor’s portrayal of a morally ambiguous character would be at odds with his established screen persona.
“I couldn’t help but think that Barry Seal’s story is the opposite of Top Gun; wouldn’t it be fun to just cast Tom Cruise? But I didn’t know… when I asked Tom about turning his character into a coward for Edge Of Tomorrow, I didn’t know how he’d feel about that, because traditionally, especially in action movies, he plays a very heroic character. He was so excited to play a coward in Edge Of Tomorrow; he didn’t just embrace it, he went really far with it.
I thought he’d be pretty fearless about jumping into Barry Seal. So I sent him the script and he loved it, and he loved the idea of it. People think of Tom as being fearless when he comes to his stunts, but he’s even more fearless in terms of his willingness to jump into characters that are so different than people think of him playing.”
Barry Seal was a courageous pilot who became entangled in the CIA’s covert operations at the height of the Cold War, and his story is told in American Made. Liman was inspired to adapt this story for the big screen by the contrast between Seal’s unrepentant outlaw personality and the covert operations of the CIA in the 1980s.
The movie reveals Seal’s complicity in drug trafficking and his use as a political pawn. Liman’s trademark sense of urgency and storytelling skill gives the narrative a thrilling and genuine edge. Cruise enthusiastically embraced the script and the opportunity to step outside his comfort zone, which dispelled Liman’s doubts about Tom Cruise’s suitability for the role of Barry Seal.
Cruise proved he was more than an action hero by his commitment to his craft and willingness to experiment. According to Liman, Cruise defied expectations by playing a cowardly character in their previous collaboration, Edge of Tomorrow. Liman had seen Cruise in action and knew that he would dive headfirst into the complicated role of Barry Seal in American Made.
Doug Liman’s Journalistic Approach
Throughout his career, Doug Liman has maintained a dedication to authenticity. His fascination with ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances compels him to do extensive research and tell their stories with journalistic verve.
The director investigates everything, learning the ins and outs of how things work and how people respond in extreme situations. Because of his unwavering commitment to realism, Liman can create stories with lasting emotional impact.
In American Made, Liman purposely subverts expectations by showing the CIA’s involvement in the drug trade from multiple angles. Beyond first impressions, he investigates the complex relationships between the CIA’s rule-abiding employees and the criminals they recruit.
Liman’s unconventional spirit and Cruise’s willingness to try new things are fully displayed in American Made. We can expect more stories that push the envelope from Liman as he continues to investigate out-of-the-ordinary scenarios with a journalistic approach and an uncompromising dedication to authenticity.
Source: Den of Geek
