Hollywood icon Tom Cruise has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, and his latest comments have sent shockwaves through the film industry. In a candid interview just days before the premiere of his highly anticipated film Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the 62-year-old superstar took aim at film schools, accusing them of failing to equip young actors with the technical knowledge they need to truly excel in the craft of filmmaking. According to Cruise, the key to becoming a great actor lies not just in mastering performance but in understanding the intricate technical aspects of filmmaking—something he claims legends like Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson, and other greats mastered long ago.

A Call for Technical Mastery

Cruise’s remarks came during a press junket in Cannes on May 13, 2025, where he was promoting the latest installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise—a series that has solidified his reputation as both a daring action star and a meticulous filmmaker. Dressed in his signature all-black ensemble, Cruise spoke passionately about the importance of technical knowledge for actors, emphasizing that it’s an area often overlooked in modern film education.

“Film schools are doing a disservice to young actors,” Cruise said, his tone firm yet encouraging. “They focus so much on theory and performance, but they’re not teaching the nuts and bolts of filmmaking—how to use a lens, how lighting shapes a scene, how editing can change the entire emotional impact of a performance. These are things every actor needs to know if they want to be great.”

Cruise’s comments reflect his own journey in the industry, where he has famously taken a hands-on approach to every aspect of filmmaking. From performing death-defying stunts to working closely with directors and cinematographers, Cruise has built a career on understanding the mechanics of cinema. He believes that this technical fluency is what separates good actors from the truly great ones.

“Marlon Brando understood lighting,” Cruise explained, citing the legendary actor as an example. “He knew how a certain angle or a specific lens could enhance his performance. Jack Nicholson, Cary Grant, Meryl Streep—all the greats did. They weren’t just acting; they were collaborating with the entire crew to make the scene better. That’s what made their work timeless.”

The Gap in Film Education

Cruise’s critique of film schools touches on a broader debate within the industry: Are modern film programs adequately preparing the next generation of talent for the realities of Hollywood? Many film schools pride themselves on offering comprehensive curricula that cover acting techniques, script analysis, and even some directing basics. However, Cruise argues that these programs often neglect the practical, technical skills that actors need to thrive in an increasingly competitive field.

“Acting isn’t just about what you do in front of the camera,” Cruise said. “It’s about understanding what’s happening behind it. If you don’t know how a lens works or how lighting affects the mood, you’re limiting yourself. You’re relying entirely on the director and cinematographer to make you look good, instead of being an active part of the process.”

To illustrate his point, Cruise shared an anecdote from his early days in Hollywood. When he was working on Risky Business in 1983, he made a point to spend time with the cinematographer, learning about different camera lenses and how they could affect his performance. “I wanted to know why they were choosing a 50mm lens over a 35mm,” he recalled. “I asked questions, I watched, I learned. That knowledge gave me confidence on set and helped me make better choices as an actor.”

Cruise believes that young actors today should follow a similar path. “Spend time in the editing room,” he advised. “Watch how a scene comes together. Study classic films—not just for the performances, but for the way they were shot, the way they were lit, the way they were cut. That’s how you grow.”

Learning from the Legends

Throughout the interview, Cruise repeatedly referenced the legends of Hollywood as models for young actors to emulate. He spoke at length about Marlon Brando, whose groundbreaking performances in films like A Streetcar Named Desire and The Godfather revolutionized acting. According to Cruise, Brando’s genius wasn’t just in his raw emotional power but in his ability to understand and manipulate the technical aspects of filmmaking to enhance his work.

“Brando knew how to use the camera to his advantage,” Cruise said. “He’d position himself in a certain way to catch the light, or he’d suggest a lens that would make his face more expressive. He wasn’t just reacting to the script—he was shaping the entire scene.”

Cruise also praised Jack Nicholson, whose iconic roles in films like The Shining and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest showcased a similar technical savvy. “Jack understood pacing,” Cruise noted. “He knew how to time his performance so that it would cut together perfectly in the editing room. That’s not something you can do if you don’t understand the process.”

For Cruise, these examples highlight a critical lesson: Great acting is a collaborative art form. Actors who isolate themselves from the technical side of filmmaking are missing out on opportunities to elevate their performances and contribute to the overall vision of a film.

A Passion for Mentorship

Cruise’s comments also reveal his deep passion for mentorship and his desire to see the next generation of actors succeed. Despite his demanding schedule—he’s currently in the midst of promoting Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning while also developing several new projects—Cruise remains committed to sharing his knowledge with younger talent.

“I love working with new actors,” he said with a smile. “I love seeing that spark in their eyes when they realize how much more they can do if they understand the whole picture. It’s not just about getting the lines right; it’s about being part of the storytelling process.”

Cruise’s advice to young actors is both practical and inspiring. In addition to urging them to learn about filmmaking tech, he encouraged them to immerse themselves in the history of cinema. “Watch the classics,” he said. “Study how the great directors worked with their actors. Look at how someone like Alfred Hitchcock used the camera to create tension, or how Orson Welles used shadows to tell a story. That’s the kind of education you can’t get in a classroom.”

A Legacy of Excellence

As Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning prepares to hit theaters, Cruise’s comments serve as a reminder of why he has remained a Hollywood titan for over four decades. His relentless work ethic, combined with his deep understanding of filmmaking, has allowed him to create some of the most memorable cinematic moments of all time—from the high-octane stunts of the Mission: Impossible series to the emotional depth of films like Jerry Maguire and Magnolia.

But for Cruise, the true measure of his success isn’t just in his own achievements—it’s in the impact he can have on the next generation. “I want to see young actors take risks, push boundaries, and really own their craft,” he said. “That’s what keeps this industry alive.”

As the Cannes Film Festival buzzes with excitement over his latest film, Tom Cruise’s words are sure to spark a larger conversation about the state of film education and the skills that actors need to succeed in today’s industry. For now, one thing is clear: If you want to shine like the legends, you’d better start learning the tricks of the trade—just as Cruise has done throughout his extraordinary career.