When You Play The Villain A Little Too Well...

[@Renzy_YT]

Thank you all for the love on this one! If you enjoyed it, please consider subscribing! Cheers 🍻

[@army310]

hey I am happy how well your video is doing.

[@lionlike5856]

This video should be called “I’ve never seen interview with a vampire”

[@driferdark4339]

really great,wish it was a bit longer. Definitely one of Cruise's finer performance.

[@SmokeD-dl2ju]

Tom is a very good actor, LoL church 🎥🍿🥧🌺🌹❤️❤️🤑💯💯👍🐍👌🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🙏☮️☮️🙏☮️

[@Al-no2fm]

Easiestly his greatest role that and tropic thunder. It just feels like what Tom should be playing.

[@bronzeandsteel3344]

I was younger when i saw collateral-maybe twelve or thirteen-and i temmeber being so scared of Vincent in the movie because i was so used to tom cruise being tom cruise in movies and all of a sudden hes playing LA Anton Chigurh. It's like seeing your favorite elementary school teacher beat someone up.

[@needfoolthings]

When you break down the character to his deepest motivations, Tom Cruise plays himself in Collateral. It's just the line of work that's very different. And the methods of hiding.

[@Anfernee.Clarke]

Mr Montigue (my elementary school teacher) suplexing my classmates dad for showing up to a school intoxicated 😂

[@aniruddh_d16]

Anton Chigurh WAS in the movie. He played the boss who orders the hit, Felix Reyes-Torrena.

[@alexakuto]

​@@Anfernee.Clarkenow I need to know was it german or vertical?

[@Anfernee.Clarke]

@@alexakuto german. Poor Monty had to apologize the next morning during assembly, lots of BOO!!’s

[@di0__0ib]

Best way I can describe Tom's performance in Collateral, "Tom Cruise does not appear in this film". It's my favorite performance by him.

[@OsellaSquadraCorse]

Cruise and almost unbelivably, Ruffalo as well..

[@nyxcole9879]

No he's there lol just as his true self, charm and all

[@themurrrr]

You mean: Tom Cruise plays his true self in this movie

[@pedinhuh16]

One could argue that this movie is actually just Tom Cruise, finally, letting himself appear.

[@jonplaud]

It's part of my top loved performances from Tom Cruise, along with him as Grossman in Tropic Thunder and Lestat in Interview with the Vampire.

[@aldibeta]

Tom Cruise had always been a good actor in antagonist role. Arguably, his first antagonist role was Lestat in Interview with the vampire and another good antagonist role he played is Les Grossman in Tropic Thunder. His intensity make him very good as an antagonist

[@turfachowdhury6674]

I know the book fans hated him as Lestat, but I don't know why I thought he was perfect. And sadly to this day I can't get his face out of my head when I hear Lestat.

[@Louis-qt5qb]

Didn't Collateral come out before Tropic Thunder? Don't feel like checking it out immediately and will probably forget later lol. Thanks 🤝

[@Iram_Ali]

​@@turfachowdhury6674Agree. Saw the movie first, then read the novel and the rest of the Vampire Chronicles. Although his looks didn't really fit book Lestat, his intensity did. He was great as film Lestat. Other actors have done a good job too, but Tom did it best.

[@MasterBlaster220]

Its natural, since narcissists are evil, and he is one. His natural self shines in those roles.

[@franciscaguevara1611]

I was going to mention Lestat... he was soo good in that role, not just a pretty face

[@chriscwc]

I always thought of the movie title "collateral" to be referring to the collateral in "collateral damage", not the money at the start. The story is about Max, he is the collateral damage in Vincents job.

[@lanazak773]

Me too

[@lanazak773]

In fact, I consider this a major oversight by Renzy

[@themurrrr]

Same!

[@Thergood]

Yes

[@OriginalPuro]

That's what I got out of the movie as well, and to be fair and humble, I am extremely good with movies. The money never entered my mind as an option for what could be the "collateral".

[@cellamuert]

besides the whole crazy Scientologist overlord thing, he played les grossman. that makes this man eternal

[@billfred9411]

With the way Scientology works he may not even believe in it anymore, but he is too deep to leave because they specialize in getting dirt on you, so you never turn your back on them. Then again, he is such a big part of it now maybe he holds some power himself. Doesn't even feel right to call Scientology a religion. It's more of a company uses religion as a way to avoid taxes. They aren't even trying with the religion. Its literally written by a terrible science fiction author and it shows.

[@Roamr1720]

Les Grossman needs his own movie.

[@dogwklr]

A g5 and lots and lots of money

[@Dravianpn02]

And his performance in Magnolia is god tier. Only matched by the likes of Hoffman in synecodche new york and Joaquin Phoenix in the Master.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

"Vanilla Sky".

[@norecord1138]

imagine Collateral made now. Instead of a taxi it's an Uber. The twist is the driver is just as much of a psychopath as the killer.

[@6150RE]

I think this is a genuinely good movie idea, if executed well.

[@Enpamonhado]

Watched Collateral for the first time a few weeks ago after delaying it a couple of times, thinking it was just another dumb action movie. Boy, how I was wrong. Love it how due to its 20th birthday the film is getting a revival and finding its place among the great neo-noir films of the 21st century, like Drive and Nightcrawler (And Heat of course!). Mann is truly a genius of the genre.

[@geromelegnome5446]

Have you seen Training Day?

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

re: Training Day... Ethan Hawke is *such* an exemplary actor. I actually think Denzel received a little too much credit for that film. Ultimately, Hawke's character and the supporting cast (yo, Scott Glenn was INCREDIBLE) really made the film stick the landing. Yes, DZ was dope, but Ethan and the others (heheh, Tuco!) definitely kept you on razor's edge. Rightfully so, too. Even Macy Gray and Terry Crews went hard in the paint.

[@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT]

Good job on having garbage taste. Now go home.

[@Stu98765]

I loved the film except the ending. It's so dumb a guy that can double tap people at will the entire movie dies at the end to someone that can barely hold a gun.

[@johnf.r6658]

Anyone could recommend more movies like those ? I saw le samourai (french 60s film starring Alain Delon) and I see a lot of similarities with these modern protagonist type, highly recommend that one and I would like to watch more movies like that

[@NormanSaxon331]

Vincent is an almost unique villain. He is not truly a psychopath or sociopath (first is born with no empathy, second is made that way) but probably a dark empath with sociopathic traits. He understands people and how to use them, but everything he does is focused on the mission. He doesn't brag, lies only to accomplish a goal, and only reveals what he needs to. He mentions a little about his father and if true he likely had a traumatic incident or series of incident that shut him down, and either had military or bodyguard training where he acquired his skills. A big question is if he worked as a hitman solely to have a purpose to his life or had plans for all the money he earned. I think likely he saw being a hitman as a series of missions, doing it solely to do it well, and not caring about anything else.

[@AaronTyler-m2r]

When watching this film I can’t help but wonder if Vincent was born like this or developed his sociopathic traits due to childhood trauma.

[@RohanDasgupta-f7x]

@@AaronTyler-m2r I’m thinking trauma, the way he carries himself and his philosophy of improvisation and adaptation suggest that he was made, not born

[@TSTD_Punisher]

Cruise as Lestat in Interview with the Vampire is one of the best, most accurate roles from a book adaptation i've ever seen. He might be a sociopath but he's a damn good actor

[@YOOT_JJ]

I mean, it’s really the perfect job for them when you really think about it.

[@leninswalrus]

​@YOOT_JJ it's really not because so much of acting is empathy. Mimicry is different from acting. You have to internalize xeperiences you didn't experience and connect them to emotions you can externalize

[@desiv1170]

@@leninswalrus Mimicry isn't different from acting. It is just one form of it. Empathy is one path for acting, but not the only one... That's like saying the only real acting is method acting... Nope, it is one way to get there, but not the only one...

[@trilliongold]

@@desiv1170 Exactly. In fact sociopaths make such great actors because they have been training the skill from birth. Leninswalrus probably knows several sociopaths in person. We all most likely do, but a lot of the times we have no idea because they are so good at hiding it.

[@noiJadisCailleach]

@@trilliongold Not from birth. But from the moment they had to defend themselves from an abuser. Along with a plethora of environmental factors.

[@y3ee3e]

can't believe this film is 20 years old. time absolutely flies. Great essay. I wish Tom did more roles like this. with that said I find it admirable he cares more about entertaining audiences with amazing spectacle than appealing to the academy.

[@omnivorous65]

I love your analysis of the character but it leaves out one dimension of it that I found the most fascinating, one that made the story and character development of Max so captivating. Vincent is Max’s mentor. He helps him to overcome his procrastination and lack of initiative. He realises Max’s talent but he also picks up on the fact that he is only talking about success, never doing the things to achieve it. Through instruction, demonstration and pushing Max outside his comfort zone he helps Max to realise his potential, get the girl, being decisive and adaptable. Max owes Vincent. Big time.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

Excellent perspective. It was necessary for the Max character to "arc" even though Vincent remained essentially the same. That's one of the reasons villain characters lose: they tend to remain arrogant, fixated, and unchanging. 💪😎✌️ Ironically, Vincent encourages Max to "adapt", and later finds himself UNABLE to do so once Max acts in unexpected ways. #MannIsTheMan

[@ianswift3521]

max doesn't owe anyone anything. vincent was just being vincent, he wasn't deliberately encouraging max for max's sake. he was just manipulating a weak male because it was a lark for him. he was planning on deleting max at the end...

[@AhHereWeGo]

@@ianswift3521that’s basically what I was coming to say. Vincent was only “helping” max to keep him occupied. Max would’ve been dead at the end of the night had he not randomly met the girl at the beginning

[@tommihommi1]

a more realistic view is that Max probably is deeply traumatized from the events of the movie and will take ages to "function" again, if at all

[@airthrowDBT]

​@ianswift3521 It's true that Vincent is PROBABLY going to tie up Max as a loose end (we'll never know) but even so the fact that he wants him to improve even temporarily, for a sociopath is fascinating. It wasn't for a cat and mouse reason. It was genuine, that was the cognitive dissonance of Vincent.

[@Why_So_Serious_279]

I also like to point out that Tom's character is wearing gray, not just any gray, but a light colored gray. His hair, his coat, his pants, the whole suit... all gray. It lends itself to the "gray areas" of life which so often we try NOT to dwell on too much because it leads to a lot of questions... questions we don't always want to answer or don't have the answer to... and this is where Vincent exists... in that gray area between right and wrong that we call necessity. Essentially, Vincent is the scavenger who cleans up the carrion of the criminal underworld... you know he's there, circling, but you go about your daily life without question because you KNOW his purpose, you just don't think about his methods. In the end, all you see is a clean street, devoid of any debris... because Vincent cleaned it up. You don't care how, you just notice the end result.

[@zakofrx]

And people don't care if the dirt is cleaned by the dirt.. Its only a problem when its public or involves the innocent...

[@RocketPropelledWombat]

He's also "The grey man". If you're going to go around plugging people, you don't want to stand out. Maybe it's indicative of either / both, who knows.

[@hanscombe72]

He’s wearing the same clothes that DeNiro wore in heat. It’s good trade craft because if anyone is trying to describe you, you are just the guy in grey suit. Mann said of cruise in the bar scene with the trumpeter that his stillness showed that he was in complete control of the whole space.

[@RocketPropelledWombat]

@@hanscombe72 That goes without saying, but OP was talking theories. Also: Describing a guy with dark hair wearing a grey suit doesn't work at night, so if he got rumbled on the job then he'd be pretty screwed unless he laid low until the next morning, which is unlikely. (Tbf that could be city-dependent and how well he did his homework).

[@RohanDasgupta-f7x]

It also provides the image of a lone wolf clad in silver/gray, providing the symbolism of him being a predator in the urban jungle

[@cameron1975williams]

Tom's playing a supporting role in this movie. That's balllsy in itself. Max is the main character, the one with the character arc.

[@criztu]

Foxx is the protagonist, but Cruise plays the leading role. liek, Foxx got an Oscar nomination for supporting role in Collateral..

[@lecoutcritique8854]

it's hard to say Cruise does not have a character arc, because his arc is so big, he actually goes 360. He start and end nihilistic, but in between he support Foxx, make a real emotional bond with him, all the more so he can frame and kill him, but still real. That's also because he know emotions are dangerous for him as well as for his victims => they cause lapses of judgement. If Foxx wasn't supported by Cruise all film long, he would just flee from the girl assassination by the end of the movie, but let's face it, it would have been the correct call : Foxx doesn't know the girl, Cruise is trained and armed. Foxx' character arc is that of inaction turning into action while Cruise's is that of nihilistic non commitment => emotional bonding => counseling => opening himself (to a next to be victim so no danger for him, he's done it before) => nihilistic non commitment. The film end on a high note because Foxx get the girl and Cruise keep's on circling in the metro, presumably for hours, yet imagine the film would have an epilogue like 5 months later : would he be with the high class girl still? would he own his limo company? it's hard to say for sure, people fall into habits for reasons.

[@noiJadisCailleach]

@@lecoutcritique8854 That's what you think. But you got scammed by Vincents' acting. Not Cruise's acting of Vincent, Vincent's acting to make you warm up to him by the end of the movie. Hook, Line, and Sinker.

[@ianswift3521]

at least you're trying to figure it out. that's important.

[@ianswift3521]

@@noiJadisCailleach not according to michael mann in the commentary track.

[@Soopology]

Probably my favorite role of his. I am still fascinated with how easily he played this. I got so lost in the character the first time I seen it, that I forgot it was Tom for most of the movie.

[@nathanfyfe1169]

One thing not mentioned that always fascinated me in this was the scene with the wolf/fox (something), where they stop and stare. Vincent is fully lost staring. Nothing is said during or after, it just happens. Always assumed that he saw himself as that, a lone animal but like the animal in the city it didn’t belong there. Just something that added more to why I love this film

[@mbryson2899]

That was a coyote. They don't wander the streets of LA very often, but they occasionally pop in to steal small pets and remind folks that the wild is still out there.

[@WhiskeyDJones]

I love the song that plays during that scene.

[@Devil-Made]

Did you know that wasn’t planned? The comparisons of Vincent to a wolf was, of course, hence the hair and makeup and attire, but actually seeing a wild coyote was a complete happy accident. That’s why the entire shot seems a little different. I believe they used whatever cameras they could to capture the moment. Also, Audioslave is credited for the music of the entire film. They were one of my favorite bands as a kid, but they were always just under the radar - they had hits on the radio, but most people could never identify who they were. So when I saw this movie I was hooked by the music first and foremost, kind of blown away that this band would get so much hype from this film, and the film itself followed a similar sort of trajectory: a small, dedicated fanbase slowly growing over the years until finally it’s mainstream popular - without changing along the way. It’s the perceptions of everyone else that changed, but the art at the center was always this good. The movie was always a hit, most people didn’t realize it. Audioslave were always mad geniuses, most people just couldn’t see it. It’s one of those very rare films that pairs so well with its soundtrack - a soundtrack almost entirely created by one band - it’s almost uncanny. Not just that, but the *perception* of both media share a similar path in the wider consciousness of the audiences. It’s like poetry. It rhymes.

[@alexcheremisin3596]

Shadow on the sun​@@WhiskeyDJones

[@WhiskeyDJones]

@@alexcheremisin3596 that's the one, my friend. Really should add that to the play list

[@SLAMMINnJAMMIN247]

I remember seeing Collateral back when it was in theaters and every gunshot was so deafening I mean you could feel it in your bones every time someone used their firearm. That was in 2004 and I haven't seen a movie in theaters that has matched that intensity on a sound level. Miami Vice and Public Enemies weren't even close but I can only imagine what Heat sounded like in the movie theaters.

[@Stoy981]

I saw Heat in the theater when it was released. I am not particularly emotionally sensitive, but the bank heist gun fight was as you imagine. It was so loud and viscerally violent I felt for a moment like I was going to cry. It felt like witnessing a real act of extreme violence and Mann did nothing to soften it.

[@HayK47]

@@Stoy981’Heat’ and the bank heist shootout was exactly what I was thinking. The gunshots had that percussion like in real life.

[@DogeickBateman]

@@Stoy981 I'm not the biggest fan of Heat's practically laconic pace, but the firefight wasn't just any Hollywood gunfight, because you weren't the audience behind a big screen, you WERE the audience on street as Val Kilmer blows through two CAR-15 magazines in seconds.

[@etroqueen9891]

You have to watch Heat - same director. To this date it had one of the most intense, deafening and, according to experts, accurate urban shootouts in cinema history. The sound engineering and the direction was completely spot on. I watched it on vhs and dvd but I can only imagine what it would have sounded like on its release in theatres.

[@SLAMMINnJAMMIN247]

@@Stoy981 Damn I'm jealous of you lol

[@Michael-ci1gp]

In Plato’s Republic, when discussing the criminal, Plato notes that the criminal is the one who, “was meant for greater things,” in that in a just society, one that pursues justice instead of wealth, the criminal is actually the one that becomes the philosopher. Vincent is so profound because philosophers have identified men like him for thousands of years, men who possess a profound understanding of the world, but due to the societal values of their time, believe that the only thing that should be pursued is money. He’s a tragedy. In another time, another place, Vincent was a saint.

[@ianswift3521]

who's to say he didn't enjoy what he did and being in control and on top of the situation at all times? who's to say he did it exclusively for money ?

[@ianswift3521]

I would believe if he only pursued money he'd be doing something other than deleting people. He loved deleting people and being in control.

[@domenica3639]

"In a world without Gold, we might've been heroes." - Edward Thatch

[@AcidifiedMammoth]

​@@domenica3639*Assassin's Creed IV flashbacks*

[@mentalitydesignvideo]

that's a brilliant comment

[@y3ee3e]

another thing, it's crazy seeing this and heat and realizing michael mann made films from 20 and 30 years ago that look more polished than most of the top movies today. fantastic director.

[@zakofrx]

He has made some of the best movies made..

[@thefractaleye]

Thief with James Cann is an absolute masterpiece of cinematography and minimalistic noir cool. The safe cracking scene has been redone time over and no doubt the macro close up probably influence on Fincher.

[@Ray_2112]

There are many older movies looking more polished than today's ones...

[@bigben8502]

@@thefractaleye Great score by Tangerine Dream, too.

[@mandu6665]

And his last four films are total misses that are worse than many TV shows of today. Miami Vice, Black Hat, Public Enemies, and Ferrari are total turds. He's reached his Ridley Scott/Martin Scorsese arc where everything he makes is garbage or completely dull and uninspired. Special mention to that farcical "true story" Tokyo Vice show.

[@mastermindmartialarts]

I will never tire of breakdowns of Tom Cruise's Vincent character from Collateral. Such a deep and nuanced character.

[@chriz9959]

I personally couldn't distance myself more from Tom Cruise as a person, but his acting is on an unattainable level. The way he trained himself for Collateral alone, mastering the handling of the weapon is phenomenal. There were some videos on YT, especially about the gunfight with the two junkies who steal his suitcase, where special forces and instructors have commented on how he draws and fires the gun, a perfect Mozambique drill combined with a perfect tactical draw.

[@Pedro_Paulo_Castro]

The reptile-like coldness in his eyes is what makes this performance so compelling. It's like Tom Cruise let the mask fall for this role

[@guybates111]

Could be. Still a big Cruise fan. I prefer my sociopaths/psycopaths acting, not doing that other stuff.

[@metnah1]

I'd bet its botox tbh

[@outlander234]

lmao you guys see what you wanna see. His acting is very weak in this movie, he looks almost cartoonish. Doesnt fit the role at all. If you think Vincent is scary then maybe you should go out more or watch Sopranos or something. There are dozens of actors who could have been a better fit for the role than Tom.

[@robbieshand6139]

I think he was made to look like a wolf, with his grey hair, grey suit and eyes that stare right through you.

[@jackmeeks2294]

@@outlander234you missed the whole point genius. He’s not supposed to be scary, he’s supposed to blend in. You sound like a moron doing your best impression of someone with intellect.

[@neoverse]

Collateral is a hidden gem. This is the first video I've ever noticed in my suggestions that talks about it.

[@tylero8595]

I saw Collateral in the theatre. I was blown away. It was not what I expected. It's one of my favorite films.

[@kyleAGB]

Wow! You saw this in the theater??? AMAZING

[@kyleAGB]

Have you seen other movies in the theater, rich guy?

[@oscarsalazar5876]

@kyleAGB given the opportunity, I'd shit in your breakfast.

[@taqial-faris6421]

I caught it on TV by accident, I was instantly hooked. Great movie.

[@tylero8595]

@@kyleAGB only this one.

[@EchoDoctrine]

Audiences are crazy. This movie is phenomenal. IMO it was Cruises greatest performance, he crushed this role. Also the scene in the ally when Vincent quickly shoots two random robbers …. You could see the training Tom did and it’s extremely impressive. Great movie. One that deserves far more attention & praise.

[@mitchellmurray5892]

Terrific review of a great film/performance. "Collateral" was perhaps the last time Cruise the actor was favoured over Cruise the movie star. He's had strong showings since - the "Mission Impossible" series, "Edge of Tomorrow", "American Made", "Top Gun: Maverick" - but none that have subverted his usual presence/tested his range quite like Vincent. I strongly believe this is Cruise's finest hour.

[@MERCURIAL7i]

Collateral was his best work but I think his scene in Mission Impossible 3 with Davian also shows his acting range

[@cjmaddux]

Agreed , save for one oversight. "Oblivion". Collateral and Oblivion are hands down my 2 favorite Cruise films. Which is wild, because he has had some seriously huge hits, all of which I have enjoyed. Something about those two films hit so differently

[@riplix20]

1:13 the way she looks into the camera, she hates that guy LOL

[@manubishe]

Shouldn't have brought him there

[@BuddyGorey]

@@manubishethere’s context

[@manubishe]

@@BuddyGorey inside the show? I'd like to believe that her expression is done for an audience, not an expression one would meet off-screen.

[@BuddyGorey]

@@manubishe inside the show. He was her recurring lore and gimmick crush. She got him on the show once she’d become the most viewed morning show

[@Potato_Bug]

The only problem with this video, is it’s not hours long… your voice, your thoughts, the visuals… I wish it wasn’t so short

[@DoFliesCallUsWalks]

Yeah the guy's a genius how can he have so little subs

[@shanesnell1049]

I always thought that this film could be 4 hrs long

[@tolcinnamonroll4954]

The way my heart dropped when I saw this was only 15 minutes

[@Phoenixguy357]

agreed. id watch a longer version that talks more about Tom's social skills in real life (or at times the lack thereof). I didnt know he was the inspiration for Bateman. I find that kind of thing highly intruiging

[@Speknoz]

Watch it again then...

[@biancachristie]

My favorite Tom Cruise role (and pretty much the only time I've ever felt he was compelling) was in Magnolia. He was so effectively slimy and the emptiness in his eyes really works as you realize that this guy's whole life (obviously a giant front) is built on the complicated relationship he has with his own father

[@Myrdden71]

I would never doubt Tom Cruise's ability to play any role he wants to play. He doesn't make a bad movie, doesn't do a bad job in any role he's in. Oblivion, Minority Report, Top Gun, A Few Good Men...memorable characters from memorable movies. Even when he plays a role that people at first think he shouldn't play, like Jack Reacher, he does a fabulous job and wins most of them over. Whether he's Lestatt or Vincent, he can do villainous psychopath if he wants to.

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

He is a scumbag Scientologist

[@zakofrx]

And he cares about his customers.. Other actors now demand you watch them no matter what... Tom doesn't push his politics online unlike others.. Others act like fast food workers that abuse you and then still expect you to buy from the store... Tom understands that abusing customers in his free time hurts the movies he makes...

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

@@zakofrx BS. He is a cult leader and a punk.

[@Alnivol666]

Don't forget The last samurai.

[@saikoabesu]

I saw this in theaters, then saw it again like 5 or 6 more times, then bought it on DVD and watched the hell out of it. Vincent is just absolutely iconic and everything about this film was just so well constructed. I still see Vincent as one of the top movie villains of all time. Absolute cinema.

[@Achille10001]

I always thought that the "jazzy" colors of Collateral makes it even more scary, It's like watching a documentary. Tom Cruise is one bad-ass actor who we all love and appreciate.

[@whatisahandle_69]

Nah I don't mess with scientology.

[@jonplaud]

I read that to prepare fro the role of Vincent, Cruise worked as a UPS delivery man to get that feeling of going in, doing your job and getting out.

[@rome8180]

Tom Cruise has always creeped me out for the reasons Christian Bale was describing. That's part of why I've never liked him as a hero as much as other people do. He may be described as "one of the nicest guys in Hollywood," but it's tough not to feel it's an act when you watch him closely. I obviously can't prove anything one way or another, but the consequence is that I buy him more as a psychopathic villain than as a clean-cut leading man.

[@redpanda6497]

So I'm not the only one who feel this way.

[@SIPEROTH]

The reason is that Tom Cruise actually has a very powerful personality whether for good or bad. His not a simple nice guy or just a simple asshole. That can be perceived by people that have good sense and makes them creeped out. That is also what makes him a good actor.

[@RogerKomula-kl9lb]

The other one I love is Live, Die, Repeat or whatever it's called when he dies over and over again. It's glorious.

[@DetectiveTrupo203]

Edge of Tomorrow, it's an excellent film

[@owenc.q8514]

You should read the original manga or light novel then

[@bingobriano6021]

0:40 ??? When did Bale say this about Cruise? If he said this, it should be referenced properly.

[@Syracuseman77]

I agree. I did a Google search. There is an article titled: "Christian Bale’s Inspiration for ‘American Psycho’: Tom Cruise". It has been archived, but if you Google that title an article from Collider should be one of the first links. Inside that Collider link, there is a hyperlink for the text: " interview with Mary Harron" that will take you to the archived interview.

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

I wish Cruise would let his hair go grey. The dye he's currently using makes him look older rather than younger. Vincent shows that grey looks good on him. I think it's his best role. I find him very believable as a cold psychopath.

[@MylesKillis]

Yeah it looks good on him in his late 30's early 40's cus the guy was really good looking in his early 40's

[@edisonlima4647]

Are you kidding? He is playing characters described, *in dialogue* as "young man" (The Mummy). He will burn the world before accenting he is aging.

[@radhiadeedou8286]

​@@MylesKillis He was in his 40s in collateral

[@MylesKillis]

@@radhiadeedou8286 he was 42 when it came out. So technically true he was 39 when cast. Your statement makes it seem like he was 45 when filming

[@Jared_Wignall]

Tom Cruise’s performance in Collateral should have got him an Academy Award nomination at the very least. It’s probably his best performance he’s given and he’s given many excellent performances. Great video man, hope you’re doing well. Keep up the great work and take care!

[@danis8455]

Tom should have won an oscar for this really. He carries this movie as a champ! thought Jamie even was a bit wooden in his performance.

[@zDToddy]

In a situation like that you would be too, always weighing the next thing you are going to do or say, trying to be as static as possible.

[@pedinhuh16]

Hard disagree with you about Jamie, he played exactly like a person like his character would behave in such situations.

[@MrSamsation]

For anyone wondering- The song playing at the start is Erik Satie's Gnossienne No. 1. Absolutely delicious tune.

[@name5798]

THANK YOU SO FUCKING MUCH

[@carzybacon47]

I love you

[@vincenzobonadonna4556]

Thanks

[@rankcolour8780]

I love Satie, he was doing the equivalent for the time of Jazz. As well as this the Trois Gymnopédies are some of my all time favourite notes to play.

[@leopetaccia1012]

One of the things that makes this film so beautiful to watch is the camera Mann used. It was around this time when he started messing with digital cameras, and part of his reasoning was that digital cameras capture ambient light at night like nothing else. A lot of the scenes in his films take place at night. Digital walks the line between surreal and so raw you’re there, especially with Collateral. He started experimenting with this with Ali, in which some scenes are shot in digital. Collateral was his first film shot entirely in digital. He did it again with Miami Vice then later with Public Enemies, both of which were criminally underrated. Though that’s not the worst status to have as a film.

[@Shj109]

Collateral is TRULY GOATED and I'm glad you covered it on this channel. Vincent telling Jamie Foxx about morality, Mark Ruffalo menacingly walking to a hotel room with Tom Rothrock playing in the background is just intense. Michael Mann is truly a great storyteller.

[@lizzyrank5405]

The funny thing is that if a person is too nice or smiles all the time, something in the human brain gets creeper out. I think because normally people aren't like that, so when someone is genuine, something in our heads think something is up and they have an agenda. That's why we'll take someone grumpy or sad over a nice person any day. For me, it's why I think smiling clowns are the worst and only scary clowns out there.

[@secondarygroup6715]

I would not take a grumpy or sad person over a happy? That is such a mood kill lmao

[@AtiXcs]

that is bs, no one takes sad and grumpy over fake smiles and clowns.

[@commodorejamesnorrington4171]

Not sad and grumpy but nonchalant and chill

[@Magicmammoth934]

Social niceties are a way of checking in on someone. Judging their mood, threat level ect. A nice smile disarms folks, a too long smile sets off the same alarm as someone not following the social norms. They can't be read so thus might be a threat

[@SmartStart24]

Hard disagree. No to scary clowns, no to grumpy assholes. I rather you smile at me too long.

[@teardrop720]

I wonder why tom cruise doesnt play more roles like this. This was definitely one of his best performances.

[@47Jonesy]

I always thought this was one of tom cruise' best roles. i ALSO think this is when Jamie Foxx got sucked into scientology

[@mgiebus1869]

He's a scientologist?

[@47Jonesy]

@@mgiebus1869 actually, a theory i concocted all on my own but like...it feels right. Married Katie Holmes after Cruise and how he like....behaves himself now? He feels very much like hes in will smith mode now. Just a theory of mine tho, not confirmed as far as i know.

[@mgiebus1869]

@@47Jonesy haha I subscribe to it, especially after that hospitalization.

[@ianswift3521]

Marion Bishop*

[@AhHereWeGo]

⁠​⁠@@47Jonesykatie holmes left cruise because of scientology, she wouldn’t have been allowed to marry jaime because she was excommunicated

[@TheYakove]

Bale is a legend for this, it's so spot on that I can't unsee the resemblance

[@hkmrsrg1367]

Tom's best roles is in Collateral and Tropic Thunder.

[@needfoolthings]

He plays himself in one and the opposite in the other.

[@marcozantis8419]

Magnolia also

[@Dravianpn02]

Nah Magnolia. And also Vanilla sky.

[@RIPdBOON]

​@Dravianpn02 Vanilla Sky scared the crap outta me. I have no idea why either, it's just so disturbing. It dug in and hit something primal in me.

[@Dravianpn02]

@@RIPdBOON same. It's great stuff.

[@Lunarcheese72]

9:04 I don't think anyone had a clue Mark Ruffalo was in this movie.

[@irishwolf2390]

Tom is highly underrated, you give him the a good script with a good director, he can do some pretty good stuff .

[@x_mau9355]

Tom Cruise underrated??! Tell that to who pays him...

[@stefthorman8548]

​@@x_mau9355most viewers dismiss his skills because he's in an non mainstream cult, btw, cults are where an human is at center focus, so their are many mainstream cults, like catholics, Muslims, and funny enouth, jews aren't an cult, but an religion, even though it spawned so many cults, who claims to be the "chosen one" and God's representative on earth, and you can't tell me catholics aren't an cult, when they place the popes words Jesus, or God's, oh, sorry, I mean, the popes "interpretations of the bible". They are also an money making organization, with all their money, and political power.

[@zakofrx]

All while also producing the movie as well as any other job he thinks he needs to do to make a good movie.. In an interview in the past an effects person complained becsue Tom had to approve every thing he made for the movie and fired him becsue his quality didn't meet his standards...

[@themurrrr]

@@stefthorman8548 We dismiss him because in his cult, and he is best friends with the cult leader, there is child sex trafficking, child labor, elder abuse, and the list goes on. He has people doing all kinds of work for him, they work over 40 hrs a week and WHEN they get paid it’s like 25-50 bucks a week. They have no choice, they are slaves. And he is fully aware of all of that. He profits off of it. Happily, eagerly.

[@danblack5402]

I first saw this in the theater in 2004. It’s been my favorite movie since. It’s so smart, so well developed in terms of character building, pacing, etc. love this movie.

[@ianray8823]

I still love the way Tom says "I am a cool guy" in a subtle threatening way

[@noahwattel4226]

2:15 honestly reminds me of Matpat from Game Theory lol

[@ellebell9139]

But thats just a theory😂

[@aniruddh_d16]

When he says, "Suddenly, you are old," that rings with me. At that point, it doesn't matter if he's the villain in the film, he's just a character at that point. One night, that changes everything in Max's perspective. One movie, that changed every perspective.

[@Mattblaze1477]

The scene with Tom, Jamie, and the Jazz Musician sitting around the table was wonderful. "What a great story...I got to tell the people in Culiacon and Cartegena that story (Face Drop). The soundtrack is great as well, fits the movie perfectly. Michael Mann is the man.

[@jezebulls]

First time watching this at 18. I remember watching this every time I got someone to check it out. Probably one of my favorite films of all time.

[@rowanjoy419]

actually my first time watching him was as Lestat who is pretty much the villian, handsome but scary. Then I saw more movies of him were he is not necessary the hero but more so a gray character so I never knew people doubt him.

[@BrendanGFoster]

One of the best roles he's ever done

[@RoxxSerm]

Cruise gets a lot of flock for the culty stuff he does/did in life but noone can deny he is a magnificent actor. Last samurai Collateral Tropic Thunder MI series the man has a wide range. And it means something if youre as big as a smurf and still one of the most succesful in hollywood.

[@axbix]

I've always loved the headcanon that this is the same Vincent from Color of Money, where after Eddie dies and Carmen leaves him; he goes to West Point.

[@geromelegnome5446]

Cool

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

"Vanilla Sky" vibes as well, lol.

[@MrVvulf]

He also found time to win a silver medal in air pistol shooting at the Olympics, as Yusuf Dikec from Turkey.

[@jimmyispromo]

Loved this character. He played it perfectly

[@abhijayjaiprakash]

You are underrated, this is great.

[@jaredtgriffinatyahoo]

Excellent analysis. Tom Cruise playing Vincent after Christian Bale playing Tom Cruise (in American Psycho) is like everything coming full-circle-Tom seems to be acknowledging what he’s become

[@she_who_dares9713]

Man. One of my favorite roles of Tom, along with Magnolia. And one of my favorite films of all time,

[@MrVee24]

"One day my dream will happen and you'll wake up and realise it never did" that scene always gets me.

[@Granger-e6i]

I watched the movie because of this and i enjoyed it. I prefer videos like these than just being directly asked by someone to watch movies they like.

[@lindildeev5721]

Tom Cruise playing a villain to perfection shouldn't seem weird: being able to play different characters is the purpose of real actors and type-casting is like castrating them. For Vincent, the problem comes from the Christian morality of too many movies: the bad guy must be bad in every way and the hero must be virtue itself.

[@iroh8457]

That’s not Christian morality ??

[@fabsmaster5309]

@@iroh8457I think they’re referring to the main figures that represent good and evil in Christian morality (which stems from judaism and zoroastrianism). These figures are respectively unequivocally good and unequivicolly evil. Unless your interpretation of Christianity says that Satan is a good guy in some ways and Jesus has his flaws.

[@iroh8457]

@@fabsmaster5309 ah icic. I thought he was referring to mankind in Christian morality.

[@aghost3628]

I don't think that kind of black and white narrative is because of chrisitianity influencing films, moreso because its simpler and somewhat human nature to generalize people as good or bad. Non western media still has plenty of black and white morality stories

[@damnson2235]

The thing is, Vincent doesnt feel like an evil guy, more like someone who does evil things. We dont really know his backstory and he got into that business. And I mean he is really friendly and nice to people, if its fake or not, he cares enough to fake it. He may be the villain of Max' story, but he doesnt feel evil.

[@mgiebus1869]

Collateral is one of my favorite films to this day and I could never put my finger on why

[@chrisdistant9040]

Atmosphere and soundtrack?

[@mhw0508]

@@chrisdistant9040I second that

[@TheOneAndOnlyNeuromod]

Collateral doesn’t just refer to the money up front. It’s a double entendre - it also refers to “collateral damage” - which is what Max (and many) are to Vincent as he continues through his missions of destruction.

[@Raidenski]

Tom Cruise should definitely play more villain roles.

[@carpeimodiem]

Want to say a few things... 1. I was raised and trafficked in that cult. 2. You nailed this perfectly. By far his best role. And far more authentic. Or to be more specific, authentic to his shadow. 3. You scored this like a prince. Love Satie: Gnossiennes, and the entire Painted Veil soundtrack! So unbelievably underrated. 4. Subscribed.

[@lloydd.984]

Cruise's Vincent reminded me of one of his ealiest movies playing Cadet Shawn in the movie Taps. Intense but controlled, highly focused, a perfectionist....but of course, this describes Tom Cruise himself. Vincent is Tom Cruise stripped down to cold hard bone.

[@3ddesigns220]

The best actors are playing themselves put into whatever situation they find themselves in, Tom is certainly among them.

[@GoofyGoober690]

It's genuinely amazing that this video goes into so much detail without once touching upon his history in scientology.

[@jackson53810]

renzy's finally getting lots of views! you deserve it brotha

[@-Only.Facts-]

Tom Cruise is a great actor, totally believable in every character he plays, totally underrated.

[@supersupersomething]

He does this for a living! 4:20

[@mexygnome]

His proper and professional use of gun play also shows how much the movie doated on realism for delivery. Absolutely stunning work. Your video conveys this quite well.

[@Ჽum]

I was about to say that it would be awesome to get more of a backstory to Vincent (I know Mann has been writing novels nowadays), then 14:40 popped up and yep, there's all of the backstory to that character you need. Gary, Indiana. "You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy."

[@Dragonwolf920]

One of my coworkers has a friend that served on the carrier they filmed the top guns maverick scenes and they said he was an absolute sociopath and was extremely unfriendly to active personnel

[@thekicker2517]

Source: A friend's brother's dog's second cousin.

[@QenaitheCustodianGuard]

I watched collateral so much when I was younger, it's an unreal film! Vincent is simply harrowing and Cruise does such a great job portraying him.

[@cjnf11]

Erik Satie music in the background, good taste. I have watched Collateral many years after its release, quite randomly, and this was without a doubt the best what I've seen with Cruise (but I admit I haven't seen all of his movies). I want to praise both Vincent's portrayal by Cruise and his writing as a character. And even his visual design.

[@fezchavez]

Finally I was hoping someone would say what it was thank you. What's the name of this song?

[@cjnf11]

@@fezchavez Check Gymnopedies 1, 2, 3 and Gnossiennes 1, 2, 3. It's some of those. But you should listen to all of them, it's great, and for me the second three is a continuation of the first three, with a mood change, so it's like a whole big music piece altogether.

[@ANiCKiN]

The only weak link in this movie: Jada.

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

Agree.

[@NostalgicGamerRickOShay]

The woman from GI Jane 2?

[@ANiCKiN]

@@NostalgicGamerRickOShay 🫢

[@TheStrayHALOMAN]

Tom is one of my favorite actors because he's weird, uncanny and insanely talented at the same time.

[@DuKc]

dude i love your vids so much never stop

[@QuincyKane]

"Collateral" is one of my all time favorite films; this was a great breakdown of Tom's character and his performance.

[@cameron1975williams]

From the halcyon days when Tom would act for a living. Working with the greatest directors, tackling more interesting roles than Ethan Hunt.

[@jdx4174]

He still makes great movies though. Top Gun Maverick was awesome

[@George2647g]

This is Tom's best performance because honestly it seems like it's the most natural for him..

[@ChernobylKid]

his best performance ever in my opinion

[@ChernobylKid]

and the shot sounds omggg

[@Brimar7]

This video actually made Tom Cruise seem more normal. …and I loved him in this role. Now they need to make a prequel featuring Vincent.

[@Zavonofcats]

The man is a very good actor.

[@ryuzakikun96]

I started watching your video and then decided that I would just watch the movie before I finished your video. It was terrific, definitely worth a watch.

[@carlosluis5609]

Thank you for these videos, they are just the types of videos for me, a person that loves the behind the scenes and the meaning of every scene in a movie or series.

[@AlanSmith88888]

Tom is just one of those actors who is so underrated. How has he not won an oscar for his roles Probably because he doesn't make the "typical" movies that help you win oscars.

[@rocksledgemedia]

Ok I’ll subscribe now. Been bantering with my brothers for years that Tom Cruise does his best work when he plays either a villain or incredible asshole…basically when he seemingly stops acting…

[@henmat3000]

We easily and blindly root for the manipulative, evil guy, even when we’re not supposed to, which is one of the themes of the story.

[@glazdarklee1683]

Wow. I'm the same age as Cruise. (Beyond that the resemblances fade.) This video has provided more insight into the power of this performance than anything else I have ever encountered. That you don't have a million subscribers is absurd.

[@superscuba73]

Vincent is a sociopath not a psychopath, he became who he is because of external factors that affected his psyche not mental illness from birth.

[@jjramos46]

Sadly that's really the only villain he's done. And it's his best role by far.

[@totalbliss1]

The analysis of Collateral was great in this video but the other things I could do without.The insinuation of Tom Cruise to be a psycho/sociopath is what I meant. It's presumptuous and derogatory. Great actors with great talent all come off very awkward in interviews and social situations. That's just them in a nutshell. The deeper and chameleon like they inhabit their roles, the more awkward they may come off in person. Tom Cruise is a very underrated actor's actor. He's known primarily for his box office hits but he's as equally good if not better for his acting chops.

[@ghostcat9588]

Great video. The movie direction did a great job building up to why Vincent was so good at his job. Tom Cruise couldn't have portrayed a hollow and empty villain any better.

[@ww-ue7nj]

The way I saw it was that the hit man had no mental shackles like fear or morals, but had no meaningful goals to pursue. The cab driver had meaningful goals, but had mental barriers preventing from pursuing them.