Tom Cruise has had his fair share of controversies and mishaps over the years, from his unwarranted criticism of Brooke Shields, peculiar support of Scientology and occasional flashes of intensity that have led him to be known as one of the most bizarre people in Hollywood. However, despite his sometimes strange presence off-screen, he has delivered some of the most influential performances in cinematic history, whether it be through his leading role in Eyes Wide Shut, Magnolia or the Mission: Impossible series.
As a result of this, he has been showered with critical acclaim and praise from everyone in the business, with his fierce commitment to his craft becoming more infamous than his combination of questionable antics in the limelight. But despite his overwhelming level of success, some of his roles were also met harshly, with the actor describing the one film that everyone expected to damage his career.
Oliver Stone has had an equally controversial and impactful career to Cruise, known for his biting political satire and sometimes taboo subject matter, often exploring the impact of violence and his experiences of the Vietnam War, something that became the full focus of his attention when creating his 1989 film Born on the Fourth of July.
Starring Tom Cruise, the film follows a paralysed ex-soldier who becomes an anti-war activist and pro-human rights activist after his experiences in the Vietnam War, feeling betrayed by the country he fought for. The film is one of the most hard-hitting in Stone’s filmography, with a poignant look at the consequences of war and lies that are sold to young men to convince them to give up their lives and devote their bodies to a fabricated patriotic cause.
The film was anticipated to be as controversial as Stone’s other films. The director had a tepid reputation after creating films like Platoon and Wall Street, and when accepting the part, Cruise was advised against taking it, with people suspecting that it would do more harm than good.
When discussing this, Cruise said, “And Born On The Fourth Of July – when I took that movie, people said, ‘What are you doing? You’re going to ruin your career.’ I’ve always tried to find something that interested me. I haven’t only tried. I did it. Everything that I’ve done interested me. I learned a lot and challenged myself.”
Given the fact that Cruise was at the beginning of his career, many people were sceptical about the overt political messaging of the film, with Stone being known for making bold statements that didn’t always sit the right way with mass American audiences. At this point in his Hollywood journey, Cruise starred in films like The Colour of Money, Top Gun, and Risky Business, and he had a few flops with the abysmal reception of Cocktail.
However, this was perhaps the most daring role at this point in his career, and it seemed to separate him from other actors and foreshadow his future roles, showcasing a daring penchant for risk-taking and working on projects that above all, piqued his interests and tried to do something different.