A common theme in super hit Tom Cruise movies is that he is a maverick. He is one that does not follow the rules, does not win any big accolades, does not bother about politics or bureaucracy much. He has a god father that supports him and gives him air cover, brings him in when needed on a mission. Only he can even attempt that mission, no guarantees on whether he will succeed, most certainly he will have setbacks, have to work with challenging people, overcome his own fears and ghosts from the past.

He is one that is fiercely loyal, always does the right thing given the circumstances, and makes decisions in split seconds but with firm conviction, is okay that he does not know all the facts. He anticipates, he inspires and he leads with his heart.

Not much of a crowd pleaser or flamboyant or arrogant despite his insane talents. He is courteous, remembers past contributors and honors them, never forgets those that are similarly loyal, even admires his arch rivals.

Today what reminded me was watching the latest Mission Impossible movie, Dead Reckoning. It is hard to believe how someone is having so much fun doing their 9th movie in the franchise. Perhaps there lives a bit of this character in the person, only that can explain a 60+ actor doing such breathtaking stunts on his own, carrying himself with such style, energy and poise. Live on Tom Cruise and your maverick self! Does not matter that your Oscar count is nothing, accolades don’t stack up your mantlepiece like your namesake with the last name Hanks. You are dear to all of us and the feeling we get coming out of your movies cannot compare to the rest.

I genuinely feel like I understand this character. Identify with it closely and perhaps am paying a price for it too. But that lets me be myself, live with myself, sleep peacefully and have fun doing what I do.

A common theme in super hit Tom Cruise movies is that he is a maverick. He is one that does not follow the rules, does not win any big accolades, does not bother about politics or bureaucracy much. He has a god father that supports him and gives him air cover, brings him in when needed on a mission. Only he can even attempt that mission, no guarantees on whether he will succeed, most certainly he will have setbacks, have to work with challenging people, overcome his own fears and ghosts from the past.

He is one that is fiercely loyal, always does the right thing given the circumstances, and makes decisions in split seconds but with firm conviction, is okay that he does not know all the facts. He anticipates, he inspires and he leads with his heart.

Not much of a crowd pleaser or flamboyant or arrogant despite his insane talents. He is courteous, remembers past contributors and honors them, never forgets those that are similarly loyal, even admires his arch rivals.

Today what reminded me was watching the latest Mission Impossible movie, Dead Reckoning. It is hard to believe how someone is having so much fun doing their 9th movie in the franchise. Perhaps there lives a bit of this character in the person, only that can explain a 60+ actor doing such breathtaking stunts on his own, carrying himself with such style, energy and poise. Live on Tom Cruise and your maverick self! Does not matter that your Oscar count is nothing, accolades don’t stack up your mantlepiece like your namesake with the last name Hanks. You are dear to all of us and the feeling we get coming out of your movies cannot compare to the rest.

I genuinely feel like I understand this character. Identify with it closely and perhaps am paying a price for it too. But that lets me be myself, live with myself, sleep peacefully and have fun doing what I do.