Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
'Pressure is privilege': Tom Cruise shows enduring dedication in Korea
Hollywood star Tom Cruise speaks during a press conference for his latest movie “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” at a theater in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap
By Baek Byung-yeul
Hollywood icon Tom Cruise, during his 12th visit to Korea, offered insights into his enduring work ethic and philosophy of embracing challenges in producing movies as he promotes the upcoming film “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning.”
"We have a saying, which is 'pressure is a privilege'," the 62-year-old actor told reporters Thursday in Seoul. "The thing I also have realized about myself is how much I enjoy the pressure, how much I enjoy the responsibility of making movies."
The movie star said he acknowledged the fear involved in his daring stunts but emphasized his willingness to confront it.
"People ask if I'm not scared when facing various difficulties. Honestly, I am," Cruise said. "It's okay to feel those emotions and I'm not afraid of them. I don't just look for what's safe."
Cruise, whose career has been a lifelong pursuit since first dreaming of making movies at age four, emphasized his deep gratitude and commitment.
“It’s not what I do, it’s who I am,” he said. "There hasn't been a day that I have not felt privileged, a day that I have not felt very grateful to be able to do what I do. Thank you for allowing me to entertain, it is an honor."
Tom Cruise, left, and director Christopher McQuarrie wave during a press conference for their movie “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” at a theater in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap
This hard work is clear in how he picks up and uses skills to tell his stories.
"I really dedicate myself to becoming competent at everything that I do," the actor said. "I'll learn a skill and then I'll apply that skill to storytelling. From underwater sequences to flying various aircraft and performing complex stunts, if you follow my career, you can see the different abilities I've gained. You can see how this has led to 'The Final Reckoning,' for instance, with the submarine sequence. We constantly try to improve our storytelling ability."
The upcoming film marks another milestone in his nearly two-decade collaboration with director Christopher McQuarrie, which began with "Valkyrie" (2008).
McQuarrie lauded their partnership, built on mutual trust and respect.
"There's no ego whatsoever. There's no pride of authorship," McQuarrie said. "That trust and respect, and interest in what the other has to say, that's just the foundation of our friendship and our creative perspective."
From left, actors Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff, Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Greg Tarzan Davis and director Christopher McQuarrie pose at a press conference for the film "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" at a theater in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap
In "Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning," Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his Impossible Missions Force team face a perilous threat to humanity. The film, which has also been invited to the 78th Cannes Film Festival, is highly anticipated by action enthusiasts worldwide.
The latest installment in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise will see Cruise perform some of his most fearless stunts yet, including a wing-walking sequence on a biplane and a challenging underwater scene.
McQuarrie especially explained the difficulties of shooting the underwater scene.
"Tom's vision was severely limited inside the helmet. He practically couldn't see. Everything had to be rehearsed above water, and he performed largely from memory. It was truly astounding,” he said.
Cruise's 12th visit to Korea further cements his strong bond with local fans, who have consistently lauded his dedication.
"Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning" will be released in theaters on May 17.