When Martin Scorsese was directing Paul Newman and Tom Cruise in The Color of Money in 1986, his intense approach on set revealed an unusual dynamic between Hollywood’s established and rising stars. Their experiences during the film’s production, and Scorsese’s surprising methods, marked a turning point for the cast and added depth to this award-winning movie.
Bringing Together Iconic Talent for a Dramatic Sports Film
Paul Newman was already one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors during the 1970s and 1980s when he agreed to collaborate with Martin Scorsese on The Color of Money. The movie stands out in Newman’s career, ultimately earning him his lone Academy Award for Best Actor. Starring alongside Newman was Tom Cruise, then fresh from his breakout role in Top Gun, making The Color of Money a significant early appearance in Cruise’s career.
The film explores the world of pool hustlers, following Eddie “Fast Eddie” Felson, portrayed by Newman, as he encounters the young and energetic Vincent Lauria, played by Cruise. The narrative pits experience against youthful ambition, mirroring the real-life chemistry and contrast between the actors on set.
Scorsese’s Unconventional Approach to Working with Tom Cruise
Martin Scorsese, renowned for his passionate style of filmmaking, brought together generations of Hollywood talent on The Color of Money. While Cruise was eager and deeply respectful of his collaborators, Scorsese noticed that the young actor’s politeness became an obstacle. Cruise, in awe of both Scorsese and Newman, approached each scene with formality and deference, which stood in sharp contrast to the veterans’ seasoned attitude.
“We had to kind of rough him up to stop that.”
—Martin Scorsese, Director
Scorsese revealed that he and Newman found Cruise’s extreme professionalism somewhat limiting. The director explained that they felt compelled to “rough him up” to encourage a more natural, unguarded performance. This tough love was designed to help Cruise discard his inhibitions, even if it meant confronting him with challenging criticism or putting him through intense scenes. Their goal was to bridge the gap between Cruise’s youth and the confidence that came with experience.
Tom Cruise, remembering his first audition with Newman for another movie, admitted feeling intimidated. The dynamic added a tangible tension to the set, reinforcing each actor’s role in the story and sharpening their performances.
Tom Cruise Reflects on Learning from His Co-Stars and Director
Despite Scorsese and Newman’s sometimes “rough” approach, Cruise later expressed nothing but admiration for both men. Rather than feeling resentful, he regarded the experience as a master class in cinema that influenced his own craft.
“You could see they had a broader understanding of cinema. And there were so many things that I learned about what to do and, for myself, what not to do.”
—Tom Cruise, Actor
Cruise found himself absorbing invaluable lessons as he watched his co-stars and director at work. He was especially fascinated by their discussions on filmmaking, which broadened his understanding of the industry. Cruise’s respect for Scorsese and Newman grew as he witnessed first-hand how their expertise shaped the movie’s production.
Reflecting on his time with the veterans, Cruise was inspired by their experience and talent. Their influence extended beyond acting; it gave the young actor new insight into the artistry and discipline required for future projects, including his later work in major film franchises.
Lasting Legacy of The Color of Money
Martin Scorsese’s directorial approach and the unusual, intense dynamic between the film’s stars contributed to The Color of Money’s critical and commercial success. The movie not only stands as a milestone in Paul Newman’s illustrious career, but it also helped solidify Tom Cruise’s standing among Hollywood’s elite.
The collaborative and competitive atmosphere fostered by Scorsese, and the deliberate “tough love” shown to Cruise, resulted in authentic performances that audiences and critics recognized. The film remains an example of how generational differences and directorial technique can intersect to deliver powerful cinema. The Color of Money can currently be rented on Amazon Prime Video (USA), allowing new viewers to witness the legacy of Martin Scorsese directing Paul Newman and Tom Cruise in The Color of Money.
