[IMG:L]From Top Gun to the Mission Impossible films, we’ve all gotten used to Tom Cruise racing by at maximum speed. But he’s slowing down for his latest project, Robert Redford’s weighty political drama Lions for Lambs, playing a telegenic Presidential hopeful whose aspirations become linked to the fate of two idealistic soldiers at risk in Afghanistan and the ambitions of a respected TV journalist (Meryl Streep).
Cruise also applied to brakes on the red carpet at the premiere (photo gallery), which opened the AFI Film Festival at L.A.’s Arclight Theater (where his co-stars, wife Katie Holmes and their pals Will Smith, Jenna Elfman and David Beckham showed up to support him), and the world’s fastest-moving superstar gave Hollywood.com his drive-by thoughts about his new film.
On whether his role as a politician will be limited to the big screen:
“Yes, it will be, I’m an actor. It was very challenging to play this character, these scenes were very challenging, especially being across from Meryl Streep. It took a lot of research for me. This is an area that Redford is very versed in, so I couldn’t think of anyone better to direct this picture.”
[IMG:R]On whether the film should be viewed as a cautionary tale:
“I think it’s that. I think it’s a political thriller. I think people are going to walk away with what they’re going to walk away with; their own personal views, maybe an enlightenment in certain areas, and [the film will] challenge them, definitely. It is a picture that is incredibly relevant today and it’s a reminder. And I also think, if you look at Redford‘s pictures, that this is a film that we could’ve made 20 years ago and you’re still looking at the dynamics of politics and journalism, education. If you looked at the military and these heroes who absolutely give their lives for freedom and liberty, I think these are very relevant and also it has a timeless quality to it.”
On the public’s openness to relevant political themes in Hollywood entertainment:
“I think we’re open to entertaining. And certainly we walk away with what we walk away with from the picture, but I know there is an audience out there that likes these kinds of pictures. I like a wide range. If you look at the kinds of films that I make from action to drama to love stories, thrillers, political thrillers. I enjoy these types of films also.”
[IMG:L]On the daunting privilege of working opposite Meryl Streep:
“Everything that could be said about that woman has been said. To sit there–and I’ve seen all her pictures–and see that iconic, beautiful profile and from the inside to see her develop a character and to share in that experience and to be party to that generosity was a treat. Because it’s one thing to watch someone’s work or to study their work and then to have an opportunity to be on the floor working with them and particularly Redford, Streep, it’s always edifying.”
On whether he hesitated to mix controversial themes with his box office appeal:
“No, for me just making the picture was a success. That we could get a picture made here, I think that’s what’s great about this country and our democracy. I think the picture invites that dialogue. I didn’t think about it for a second. I just said ‘Let’s do it.’”
