Mask and Face

Rating: 5/10 (22 August 2000)

Can an actor's character mask ever become his real-life face? It would seem so, judging by Tom Cruise's "Special Feature" interview on the DVD of "Eyes Wide Shut."
As Cruise reflects upon his experiences in making the film and his relationship with Director Stanley Kubrick, one senses the actor hasn't fully shed his role. The low tones of his voice, the deliberate and interminable pacing of his lines, and the introspective and diffident attitude and mannerisms of his delivery all seem to be those of Dr. William "Bill" Harford carried over to real life. Indeed, at one point in reflecting upon his first learning of Kubrick's death, Cruise appears to almost uncontrollably recapitulate the start of Dr. Bill's emotional "release" scene from the film's climax.
Perhaps it's only natural, after having spent eighteen intense months (longer including the preparatory period) with this character, being in every scene, and all the while under the powerful influence of Kubrick.
Anyone who might think acting is a fairly easy can view this interview footage and observe the challenges demanded by the craft. When Laurence Olivier was once asked whether it was better to take the character home or leave it at the stage door, Olivier responded the latter.
Perhaps techniques in de-programming might be as beneficial as actual character development to the actor's work. At least one hopes Mr. Cruise will follow this up with some light comedies.