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

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Tom Cruise is one of the most well known "good guys" in Hollywood, but how does he fair playing the villain? Let's dive into what makes his performance as Vincent in Collateral so terrifying, and what made people doubt it initially.
All music/SFX properly licensed.

[@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

[@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.

[@ladybug591]

Propaganda worked against Tom Cruise - Around the time of c*vid Tom criticized the standard of movies and he was right- awful movies - they have been terrible for years, full of leftist rubbish and anti-American propaganda and I think that critique upset quite a few. I see him only as an actor. He does not seem to have done any social harm, as some of his critics have done, he is not mixed with any deviant sexual group as many are - he has his odd religion and that's his business, hypocritic people seem to hate him for NOT being a Christian, that is not uncommon with protestants - they hate Catholics, and so it goes on in the world of gossip and jealousy. Most of his films have been outstanding and entertaining. His marriage did not go well for him, but she is a strange bird, he seems to have recovered now it is over. He is a great actor - totally involved.

[@bleepbloop101010101]

@@ladybug591 He's in a cult whose leader most likely has committed multiple murders, not so much an 'odd religion'.

[@lamefart]

Last Samurai and Magnolia were great.

[@uniquechannelnames]

His pistol draw is perfect and as always the Mozambique pattern.

[@RohanDasgupta-f7x]

@ “yo homie, that my briefcase?”

[@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.

[@Salamander676]

Sounds like Sympathy for the Devil with Nicholas Cage, but that movie is terribly disappointing at the end.

[@hatman4818]

That's actually a hilarious plot and I think you should pitch it, just taking the piss out of "psychopath" movies with two of them trying to one up each other.

[@PauH-l5s]

There's a scene with that exact scenario in the Korean movie "I Saw the Devil." A killer posing as a uber/taxi driver picks up the main antagonist. They end up getting in a major fight in the car where the antagonist ends up winning. This is just a 5-6 minute scene though.

[@HelicopterShownUp]

Sounds awful. I imagine Amy Schumer as the driver.

[@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".

[@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.

[@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.

[@hatman4818]

Yeah... At some point, the skills to be a good actor and the skills to be a good psychopath overlap because both involve a total mastery of bodily control to maintain an illusion.

[@Monkycrasure-gk4fz]

I highly doubt you know Tom Cruise the person. Watching movies and 5-7 minute interviews tell you nothing about him. Maybe he has crippling anxiety around strangers and crowds. Which is why he seems weird in interviews. We don't know. It's so strange how ppl feel like they know a celeb when you only watch them pretend to be something they aren't.

[@audiolatte]

@@Monkycrasure-gk4fz THIS!!!!!! Well said, annoys me as well

[@brendano4196]

He's a complex guy from what I can gather. He's a great actor, Minority Report, Collateral, War of the World's were all great movies of his that came out when I was a teenager. I hear some dark things about him mainly connected to Scientology but at the end of the day if he makes a good movie and isn't out actively hurting people I don't really care.

[@industrialathlete6096]

@@Monkycrasure-gk4fz Exactly!

[@neoverse]

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

[@krasky]

Nothing is hidden about Collateral. Stop that BS. It has been widely rated as a great movie.

[@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.

[@JCDenton95]

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

[@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

[@ericsmith8369]

Except Vincent is going to kill max, his new would be girlfriend and his mother, so not really a great mentor in the end.

[@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

[@stuffmcstuff399]

When he played LeStat, that cemented Tom with some proper acting chops. He played evil vampire type excellently well.

[@theOzz13]

I'd disagree.. Lestat was supposed to be a beautiful example of a human and.. he's, well, handsome. His charisma as Lestat was next to zero. I'd say his acting was well established before this. Taps for sure, the outsiders for sure.. but Lestat, le no

[@annakuch9108]

​@@theOzz13 i can see your point but I always thought of it like this: Tom Cruise played Lestat as Louis describes him in IVTW pretty much perfectly. YES he's missing many of Lestat's personality but only because thats what IWTV did too. In 'Lestat' we get to know him for REAL and looking back on Louis' tale you even ask yourself what tf Louis is on about. I remember he called Lestat essentially a 'pretend aristocrat' or smth like that and said that Lestat only ever knew how to steal the money and had no sense of anything and basically lacks all comprehension for a greater purpose. But in Lestat's book its in many ways the opposite! Anyways, as to not turn this into an essay: TLDR: imo Cruise played Lestat perfectly as Louis tells him to be in the first book

[@annakuch9108]

​@@theOzz13 i can see your point but I always thought of it like this: Tom Cruise played Lestat as Louis describes him in IVTW pretty much perfectly. YES he's missing many of Lestat's personality but only because thats what IWTV did too. In 'Lestat' we get to know him for REAL and looking back on Louis' tale you even ask yourself what tf Louis is on about. I remember he called Lestat essentially a 'pretend aristocrat' or smth like that and said that Lestat only ever knew how to steal the money and had no sense of anything and basically lacks all comprehension for a greater purpose. But in Lestat's book its in many ways the opposite! Anyways, as to not turn this into an essay: TLDR: imo Cruise played Lestat perfectly as Louis tells him to be in the first book

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@Jabullz]

It was a running gag for years on Rosies show that Tom was her "biggest crush" he was trying to act like he was extremely flattered, often that comes with coming off too humble/shy. Regardless of what you think of Tom the dude is a LEGENDARY actor, if not the best actor of his generation, and by a long shot.

[@brentoutashape9141]

He probably already knew she was gay. I'm sure she came to him before the show, and said something like, "Tom, I know you know, but I'm gay. Right now, my ratings are best with stay-at home moms that love you, so I've had this running theme on my show that I have a crush on you. I'll help you promote your new movie, just play along with the crush thing, you can play it anyway you like, shy, subdued, flattered, I don't care, but my 3 PM audience needs to think I'm as straight as a pool stick."

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@ChickenSoupMusic]

His role in Magnolia is darker and excellent

[@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.

[@curm1778]

He showed everyone something they hadn't seen from him before: range. All that charm and coy cuteness focussed into murderous intent. Cruise understood the mission.

[@BigDamnGyro]

"I'm working." The way that line is delivered is *so* good. I didn't see Collateral until about a year or so ago and well after I started writing short stories during the Rona. I'm glad I did because I know I wouldn't have appreciated it when it came out initially.

[@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.

[@mastermindmartialarts]

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

[@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.

[@QuincyKane]

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

[@DarkHeartsOfcl]

This is one of my favorite movies ever. The dynamic between Tom and Jamie is perfect, the acting is awesome and the pace of the movie keeps you locked in start to finish. I watch it a few times every year

[@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

[@adamrichardson6821]

@@cjmaddux Totally agree. His performance in Oblivion is epic.

[@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.

[@metal_nick]

That's Michael Mann for you.

[@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

[@originalname1239]

I loved Tom Cruise as Vincent. No one else could have pulled it off. He gives enough detail about his personal life to make us relate to him, but keeps enough of it vague that our imagination can’t help but fill in the gaps. Vincent is vastly different than most Hollywood villains. The average movie villain is larger than life, eye catching and, untouchable. Vincent is the opposite. He’s tangible and normal. He could sit right next to you on the subway and you wouldn’t even notice. Vincent works as a villain because he doesn’t feel like a monster, he feels like a human.

[@Freeden]

Collateral is one of my favorite movies of all time and Vincent is probably one of my favorite villains. I love the film because it feels like a grounded take on the typical good vs. evil battle, like these are two kinds of guys you could meet in irl on both sides of that classic trope. Tom Cruise was really good as Vincent and his delivery of who is, what motivates him, and his view of the world develop this character into, what I think, is one of the most fully developed villains in film history. It might sound like an exaggeration to some, but movies like this are only as interesting as their villains and Vincent is a really interesting guy, despite being so evil.

[@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

[@Men_of_Tomorrow]

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.

[@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.

[@JTVega]

You should see Tom Cruise in Tropic Thunder where he plays his real life self as a movie producer.

[@maggie198333]

Collateral is such a good movie. I played it from time to time. I used to live in downtown LA. The way the movie portrayed Los Angeles is just so accurate: the loneliness, the darkness, and everything. The movie makes Los Angeles into a character like Leaving Las Vegas.

[@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

[@tolcinnamonroll4954]

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

[@justadude117X]

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...

[@ShahzebSalahuddin]

fr. This might be the only video I watched on 1x speed this year because I didn't want it to end,

[@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.

[@Vincent_Beers]

Jamie is wooden when appropriate, it's a fear response. You see him gradually more emotional as he pushes the fear aside. Apparently you missed the nuance.

[@danis8455]

@@Vincent_Beers I assume you 3 all gave me a downvote but its then 99 vs 3. So that makes you 3 the minority.... But apprently you missed that nuance. Idiotic arguments. His acting was wooded...go watch the movie.'

[@adamrichardson6821]

@@danis8455 That movie without Tom Cruise is a complete dud, aside from Jason Statham.

[@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

[@eze1196]

I always say that about Tom Cruise "I think that this is his Best role" but then i see another underrated film about him where he plays a better role

[@George2647g]

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

[@fiercecoffee1634]

Lol

[@-Only.Facts-]

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

[@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!

[@jackcovey1832]

Funny you should say that because in the very same year, Cruise's COLLATERAL co-star Jamie Foxx won an Oscar for RAY.

[@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

[@GeekTalkwithMerg]

I really enjoyed magnolia until frogs fell out of the sky.

[@hermestrismegistus3417]

yeh he was shooting pearls in magnolia

[@ianray8823]

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

[@ProudFilthyCasual]

I somehow missed this and saw it for the first time recently, and man what a fantastic movie it was and well written, "A man dies on the bus and they don't find him for two weeks" that conversation is brief and not focused on, but it sticks big. Made me remember how good Cruise is. Idk about the guy personally, as I'm not around him, but I get the feeling he's a guy who is highly intelligent but naturally socially awkward from that intelligence when he was growing up and properly didn't always fit in, but then he was really handsome and acting was found and he had to have a persona and then used that intelligence to create one, but he is still kind of awkward and trying to fit in with all these people he doesn't really identify with, and so sometimes it comes off forced or intense.

[@SteveBrown-f3q]

Flawless performance. Sticks with you long after watching. Great great film

[@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.

[@sarahthelibrarian7591]

He’s always given me a bad feeling - I’ve never liked him even though I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s.

[@joshmartin2744]

He brings to mind a roommate I had in college. He was courteous, kind, selfless, and an all around nice guy - but something about him always rubbed me the wrong way, even though I couldn't figure out why. It all made sense one day after he explained to me that he was autistic. He told me that he didn't really feel these emotions - that he had to "learn" them, and practice them. He had to take his social queues from those around him. None of this changed the fact that he was the kind of guy to give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. After that, after understanding that the subconscious perception I had that he was "faking it" was due to autism, I was much more comfortable around him.

[@minabee369]

I don't care if he's an asshole in real life. He's in show business, and part of that is customer relations. He's always been great to his fans and, for the most part, has kept his mouth shut about several issues that would annoy half his audience. Although he did make some missteps talking about PPD and oversharing about his love life, he's dialed it way back and committed to being simply Tom Cruise, the last movie star. I don't judge his personal life because most people in Hollywood are terrible people. If he's a narcissist, then that's par for the course for an actor. Any film with Tom Cruise is one I'm willing to watch... Even the early Mission Impossible films had convoluted plots. He's just so much fun to see on screen.

[@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.

[@mooviedude141]

I love how calm cool and collected Vincent is, one of the best movie villains ever. I also always wondered if the club owner gotthe right answer would he have actually let him go.

[@atlast7035]

My favorite line was: "You promise not to tell anybody, right?" I laughed so hard the first time I saw the movie, and I keep thinking it's funny every time.

[@teardrop720]

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

[@MrVee24]

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

[@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.

[@ResearcherGhost]

Social anxiety can make you appear akward, and many people to appeal to the audiences work really hard to deliver a smile, and make comfortable the people around them, as someone with that i'll rather jump from a plane than go to a party where everyone will judge me for being overly quiet, I see some of that in Tom

[@extraplain2412]

Tom Cruise is just actually a good actor. Rain Man, Interview with a Vampire, Collateral, Eyed Wide Shut are just a few from the top of my head where he puts in great performances.

[@she_who_dares9713]

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

[@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.

[@ricseeds4835]

Damn you, Jamie Foxx. This is the 2nd movie he's been in where the villain is more than competent and capable but loses to Foxx's "hero". The one that pissed me off the most is "Law Abiding Citizen"

[@theroachden6195]

In Law Abiding Citizen though he had to violate the law making him a criminal himself.

[@chilledchupacabra5317]

The way vincent lost was poetic, he lost because he shoots in the exact same pattern, being blocked by the door, while Max shoots wildy and hits him through the window.

[@RachelOkello-l8s]

Django

[@TheStrayHALOMAN]

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

[@kaveiros75]

What an underrated movie! And one that should have given Tom Cruise an Oscar award (together with Minority Report).

[@BrendanGFoster]

One of the best roles he's ever done

[@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.

[@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.

[@robertpotwin]

This was an amazing role for Tom Cruise…I grew up with Tom Cruises. I might be right smack dab in the mathematical centre of his demographic. I’m also a massive Michael Mann fan (Thief, Manhunter, Heat). I was blown away by how ‘effortlessly’ charismatic Cruise was as Vincent. It was a “can’t quite put your finger on it” kind of coldness that reminded me of Brian Cox’s portrayal of Lektor: Understated..and so cold.

[@mishunkontrol1874]

My favorite scene was in the Mexican bar when Max went from timid to channeling Vincent's demeanor. Such a smooth and thought-provoking transformation.

[@IAMthatIAM992]

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

[@chrisdistant9040]

Atmosphere and soundtrack?

[@gregbors8364]

Michael Mann (“Heat”) is a great director

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnny--dollar]

Good guy stars playing the bad guy is a great jolt to their fans. The greatest was when Sergio Leone asked Henry Fonda (The father of good guys) to play in his newest movie. Fonda said he would love to but he wanted to play the bad guy. The movie was "Once Upon a Time in the West" and Fonda's character was one of the most chilling bad guys of all time.

[@jeffcurtis5980]

Cruise is a brilliant actor. Best of his generation. This role of Vincent is mind blowing. I really hope one day he picks up his long overdue Oscar.

[@richardscanlan3419]

This film is for me Cruise's best work.The character of Vincent was utterly believable,and chilling. The fact that it was directed by Michael Mann is the icing on the cake.He has made so many great films,and is a credit to his father Anthony Mann who made a string of great movies through the fifties and sixties.

[@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.

[@jimmyispromo]

Loved this character. He played it perfectly

[@eternity_warriors]

Well - it is always breathtaking to see Professionals at work. Either it is Chigurh, or Leon. And now Vincent of the Collateral.

[@javabl3ck]

No one talks about how the train death alludes to his story about the guy who died on the train and no one notices.

[@yananna_yarn]

"When your job is to be as cold, calculated and efficient as possible, you absolve yourself of any real attachment..." Some say you also do it on your way to enlightment. Great vid! Thanks a lot! ❤

[@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.

[@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

[@Professor_Genki7]

I love internet psychologist

[@diorocks5858]

One of the best movies ever and definitely Tom Cruise at his best. I was in the Philippines on business and watched this movie at the cinema in Makati. All the Phillipinos whispered "Oh no Low Batt" it was wonderful

[@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.

[@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.

[@47Jonesy]

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

[@IAMthatIAM992]

He's a scientologist?

[@47Jonesy]

@@IAMthatIAM992 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.

[@IAMthatIAM992]

@@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

[@Mr.AllOverThePlace]

He is a narcissistic psychopath, a born method actor, a chameleon,, with 0 fear or anxiety

[@upcycle.outdoorsman9629]

I see his role in Collateral as one that was very near his actual persona.

[@Mr.AllOverThePlace]

@upcycle.outdoorsman9629 100%, it didnt feel like he was acting at all

[@MrBeefyweefs]

Great film. We are all cut from the same cloth... too many folks (try to) forget their shadow, and their capacity for misunderstanding, hate, and violence, which unfortunately creates more separation. Ironically, I'm pretty sure acknowledging this part in all of us is a key to finding peace in this world.

[@Lorkoification]

He was also outstanding in Vanilla Sky, where we see his vulnerability.

[@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.

[@manasnain6695]

Man you're a massive lifesaver, I could hear it in the background but couldn't find the name for the life of me.

[@Raidenski]

Tom Cruise should definitely play more villain roles.

[@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.

[@promisemochi]

i love his acting ability so much. i have a lot of respect for him to that extent. i can see how absolutely talented he is at his craft and his passion he has makes any film he is in enjoyable to watch. you can tell he has the time of his life doing what he does and that just comes across on screen in such a special way.

[@CajunMarine33445]

I love Collateral, by far one of Tom Cruise's best roles and one of Michael Mann best films other than maybe Heat. Tom Cruise as Vincent truly captures the essence of evil as a cool calculated killer. Methodical in both his task and purpose. Focused as a professional. A Wolf a hunter of men. Without empathy, without compassion, without remorse....

[@abhijayjaiprakash]

You are underrated, this is great.

[@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.

[@DuKc]

dude i love your vids so much never stop

[@Chaotic313]

I feel the name Collateral refers to the collateral damage and death beyond the hits with the cab driver being the main example. Maybe just my interpretation. Loved the movie and watched it many times. Great video!