There are some things that celebrities do that can never be taken back. Some examples include Britney's head shaving, Nick Nolte's erratic drug-and-alcohol fuelled bender a few years ago, and Michael Richards' racist explosion. Near the top of the celebrity mishap list is Tom Cruise's infamous couch-jumping on Oprah. Since then, it's been impossible to forget.
In his pre-Scientology days, Cruise was the man. Every film he was in was a blockbuster (usually), and he was considered sexy, intelligent, and one of Hollywood's golden boys. But ever since he jumped and yelled on that couch, things have started to change. Now it's difficult not to picture his maniacal grin or hear his grating, boistrous laughter whenever his name pops up.
In the past few weeks, Cruise has been on a pilgrimage across North America to promote Valkyrie, his most-likely-a-flop film about a German on a mission to kill Hitler. He's working every PR outlet and TV show in order to eradicate his -- I'm just going to say it -- image as a crazy person. He refuses to answer any questions about Scientology, referring any such questions to the actual Church. Is that not a startling, 180-degree departure from his previous rants about how great the religion is and how everyone should practise it?
He's also been back-pedalling on his earlier assertion that psychiatry is a 'pseudo-science'. He now claims he could have reacted better to fellow Hollywooder Brooke Shields' usage of anti-depressants. It seems preachy Tom has now settled down, most likely at the advice of his publicists and handlers.
Is it wrong of me (us, and the public) to be so unforgiving? Maybe. But why should someone who so blatantly puts his career on the line deserve a second chance? He knew the repercussions of his actions, but was so CERTAIN of his position that he didn't give a damn who he ostracized. Say he was preaching Christianity with the ridiculous fervour that he used with Scientology - surely his fans of other faiths would be just as irritated and put off. It goes to show: admirers love celebrities for just that. Celebrity. Your allure tends to wear off when you tell us what God to believe in or who to vote for.
Thus far into his campaign, his image-remodelling attempt has been an astronomical failure. Media outlets aren't giving him much coverage, and if they do, each one of them shows the couch-jumping sequence. He even made an appearance in Toronto at MuchMusic headquarters (his quote, 'I've always loved Toronto', speaks volumes); but let it be known I don't even think the man's been in this city before, or at least not very often since his filming of Cocktail (thanks Cindy1d! Didn't know that.). Less people showed up for the appearance than anticipated - traffic didn't even need to be stopped on Queen Street, a feat easily achieved by the likes of the Jonas Brothers, Hilary Duff, or even Gwen Stefani.
Much like his Valkyrie character's mission to kill Hitler - it ain't gonna happen, Tom. Best to just let it go.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1. Yes - the public should be unforgiving of a person pushing a cult like scientology. Scientology has a LONG history of ruining peoples lives.
Posted at 4:03PM on Dec 22nd 2008 by Dave
2. Ofcourse people will still want Tom back and forgive him. He is interesting and a good entertainer. Expressing a view or an opinion only makes you interesting and unique, reading a script through every interview makes you forgettable....he did nothing wrong in my eyes
Posted at 9:01AM on Dec 23rd 2008 by Andrew
3. Your story is incorrect as far as Von Stauffenberg is concerned . He was not an undercover man at anytime . He served on the Russian Front , was injured and after recuperation was assigned to Heer Headquarters as briefing Officer . The attempt to assaainate Hitler was guided by some of the Senior Army Generals , including Fieldmarshall
Erwin Rommel and several others . This Movie will be a failure because it sways to much from the facts.
Posted at 12:04AM on Dec 23rd 2008 by Canalexpo
4. Scientology also seems to have ruined his acting ability. He used to be a more natural actor, but now appears to be preening in front of a mirror while over-acting.
Posted at 11:06AM on Dec 23rd 2008 by deirdra
5. Of course he has been in Toronto before! Parts of Cocktail were shot here and he did attend the wrap party.
Posted at 9:06AM on Dec 24th 2008 by Louise
6. This was just a vehicle to rebound his failing career and movies created for that purpose usually flop because the audience doesn't buy into them.
Expect a quick release to DVD. It's an absolute desperation for this movie to make money because the proceeds will go to fund the Church of Scientology.
Producer Tom Cruise has certainly bought some good reviews for 'Valkyrie'. I remember with 'War Of The Worlds' he simply banned any review until after it was released.
Valkyrie is a terrible movie - opening on the holidays to mock Christmas, Hanukkah & even Kwanzaa; It had a great cast that should have been able to carry this project, but they were underutilized to focus more on Tom Cruise.
It's a gigantic waste of time, money & curiosity that's best left waited for a television premiere.
Posted at 9:13AM on Dec 26th 2008 by John Duignan
7. Cruise is no actor -- he had decided he was a "celebrity". For this latest film, he's decided he wants to show that he's an actor again.
Sorry Tom -- you never were, and still are not.
Your immense ego, mouth and attitude coupled with your wing nut religion - showing how mean you can be to your fellow man - have pretty much finished you off as anything but Tabloid fodder.
Do yourself and the rest of us, a favour. Retire. Your efforts at a come-back are embarrassing.
Posted at 9:22AM on Jan 4th 2009 by Keith
8. Let's be fair out there, folks. I'm not enamoured with Scientology, but every actor should be evaluated for his/her acting, not for their personal choices - to do otherwise, is nonsense. I WILL see Valkyrie simply because it portrays an extraordinarily important segment of German history invariably overlooked: a film about the single most widespread and closest-to-successful operation to end WWII and save the world further disasters. All significant attempts to assassinate Adolf Hitler came from among Germans, NOT from the external enemies of the monstrous Hitler dictatorship. Even with historical errors, a film version of that heroic story of Count Von Stauffenberg and his co-conspirators is a story worth telling. Further, Mr. Cruise has done some excellent films - why do his ignorant critics pick on the failures alone and gloss over the many successes? Take Sir Richard Burton: compare his "Anthony" (God help us!) in "Cleopatra", to his amazing and gripping portayals in "Becket" (an excellent film fraut with historical errors!) or "Virginia Wolf"! He is rightfully remembered for his triumphs, not his losses. As for this ridiculous character slamming of Mr. Cruise current among the so-called 'critics", shame on you all, for lack of professioinalism and blatant unfairness!
Daniel Marz
Posted at 1:06PM on Dec 29th 2008 by Daniel Marz
9. Dear Chris,
Notwithstanding your remarks, I hope you get a second chance when you need it. And everyone does, sooner or later. As the Lord's Prayer says, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us."
Blake
Posted at 1:35PM on Dec 29th 2008 by Blake
10. Ol' Tom's been getting eccentric for quite a while. Not uncommon for someone who's been told that he can do no wrong for so long, the list is endless for those who society puts on a shaky pedestal and end up believing their own B.S. I guess that because we're the ones who put him there, we're ther ones that ultimately knock him off! Pretty sad, as he was quite talented until he got brainwashed by the organised religion of his choice....another sucker!
Posted at 7:42PM on Dec 29th 2008 by Roger
11. Ask Brad and Angelina to adopt the poor boy. He just needs a little more discipline. I have a fly swatter and know how to use it.
Posted at 8:55AM on Dec 31st 2008 by Paul Latham
12. It appears the fruit cake attitude worked for a while. Now he is all humble and quiet like. And you and me , the public are still talking about him. I guess it works. Get your name in front of the press and public as long as it isn't too horrific.
Any publicity is good, as long as there isn't a fatality arttached.
Posted at 8:56AM on Dec 31st 2008 by Brian Wm Burnett
13. He's had his good fortune. If he never makes another dime, he'll still have more money and public recognition than anyone posting here will ever have. His time is over, happens to every actor, maybe for different sets of reasons, but even Deniro's career's a shadow of what it once was; this is the nature of stardom. Feel sorry for Cruise? Save your pity for someone who desrves it. And, honestly, I think Jesus could care less whether we think Tom Cruise should continue to have a successful acting career. Jesus didn't like rich people very much, he was very clear about that.
Posted at 9:34AM on Dec 31st 2008 by NoahVale
14. Eastwood, Newman, Rooney and many others lasted well beyond their beginnings so why think Cruise has had it? Actors are only as good as their last film so must continue to make sure they have good results. He has learned to make changes. He can last longer IF he gets good advice and HEEDS it. And he still gets lots of publicity, so he ain't dead yet!
Posted at 9:53AM on Jan 1st 2009 by Don
15. The fact that this page even exists about Tom is an attestation to his legend. I'd jump on Oprah's couch if I were entering into a relationship with the beautiful and talented Katie Holmes as well.. what normal red blooded American boy wouldn't?? The World needs to find more meaningful things to focus and comment on... :)
Posted at 2:11PM on Jan 1st 2009 by Jay Stuart
16. Have to agree that Cruise's acting is well below par. He certainly is nowhere near the top of his craft. It's not fer nuthin that the characters he plays require similar acting abilities - anxious, angry, hyper, etc. Nothing that requires too much effort on Mr. Cruise's part.
As for giving him a second chance - he's actually into his eighth or ninth. His comments about Brooke Shields were not the first time he publicly condemned psychiatry and psychiatric meds, nor were they the last.
Find out what Scientology teaches about the role psychiatrists played in getting those little Xenuvians (or whatever they're called) to earth all those years ago and you'll understand Tom's hatred of them. (No wonder Scientologists tried so hard to keep it a secret for so long! LOL)
Posted at 6:24PM on Jan 4th 2009 by HD
17. From what I've heard Valkyrie is supposed to be a really good picture. Cruise is a top box office attraction. He has the ear and respect of the Hollywood elite and is considered to be one of the nicest guys in the industry from other actors, directors and the lowliest guy on the crew.
It may well behoove us all to take a look at the person writing the piece and those who comment so derrogatorily against the man.
Posted at 1:54PM on Jan 5th 2009 by John
18. Hey there John - I wrote the piece. You're right about Valkyrie getting good reviews. Unfortunately the only thing about the movie that's been called 'distractingly bad' is Cruise himself. Just sayin.
Posted at 1:57PM on Jan 5th 2009 by Chris J.
19. He is just another actor that has let fame and fortune get to his overswollen head and people are tired of it. I have no desire to see any of his movies anymore because I just can't stand to even look at him. So why would I pay $15 to go watch him larger than life for 2 hours. This constant coverage of every actor in every magazine has grown tiresome and I no longer even buy magazines with stars on it. Give me House and Home any time (until they start covering it with actors).
Posted at 2:46PM on Jan 6th 2009 by Sue
20. It is insulting to the memory of all Germans who resisted Hitler to see Stauffenberg portrayed by Tom Cruise. Stauffenberg symbolizes a certain reach for freedom while Cruise actively militates for a "religion" that is repressive and obsessed with money. I hope the film flops and completes the burying of this jackass' career. Once his career is over, he can blame his engrams, the suppressive persons and whatever he feels like.
Posted at 4:19AM on Jan 8th 2009 by Eric