Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood‘s most enduring movie stars, marked a significant milestone eight years ago with the release of his last non-franchise film, American Made. Released in 2017, this movie stands apart from his recent body of work, dominated by blockbuster franchises, as it showcased Cruise’s ability to carry a more grounded, true-story based film outside of a cinematic universe.
The Unique Place of American Made in Tom Cruise’s Career
After decades of performances in landmark films like Risky Business, Rain Man, and A Few Good Men, Tom Cruise shifted his focus predominantly to franchise films. However, American Made, directed by Doug Liman — who previously collaborated with Cruise on Edge of Tomorrow and is planning to take the actor into space for a future project — offers a distinctive entry in Cruise’s recent filmography. It tells the true story of Barry Seal, a pilot entangled in international drug smuggling and covert government operations during the 1980s, allowing Cruise to stretch his range beyond his blockbuster roles.
A True Story Brought to Life with Charisma and Suspense
In American Made, Cruise embodies Barry Seal, whose involvement with Pablo Escobar’s drug cartel, the US Drug Enforcement Administration, and the CIA forms a chaotic and suspenseful narrative. Cruise delivers a performance that blends charm, humor, and a rare, convincing southern accent, infusing the character with authenticity and energy. The film also benefits from supporting performances by Domhnall Gleeson, Jesse Plemons, and Caleb Landry Jones, rounding out a strong ensemble capable of elevating the unusual and fast-paced story.
The film is a rare example in today’s entertainment landscape, where sequels, reboots, and franchise films dominate box office revenue. It subtly addresses critics’ calls for more adult-driven movies by combining character depth with an intense narrative. Fans of Tom Cruise will recognize his passion for aviation reflected in his role, which visually diverges from his usual action-packed aerial stunts seen in movies like Top Gun and the Mission: Impossible series.
Visceral Flight Sequences That Heighten the Film’s Tension
Doug Liman’s direction emphasizes a gritty, realistic portrayal of flying that complements the film’s darker tone. Rather than the glorified aerial combat seen in something like Top Gun: Maverick, American Made immerses viewers in the terrifying reality of Seal’s dangerous flying missions, featuring external aerial shots and shaky cockpit footage. Scenes where Cruise’s character dodges gunfire or deliberately crashes planes are charged with genuine suspense and danger, instilling an uneasy sense of peril rather than thrill. This approach demonstrates why the film stands apart but may also contribute to why it has been overlooked in the era of larger-than-life blockbusters.
How American Made Highlights Tom Cruise’s Strength Beyond Blockbusters
Since American Made, Cruise’s work has largely been confined to high-profile productions such as Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Top Gun: Maverick, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. While these blockbusters perform well commercially, American Made reveals a compelling truth about Cruise’s career: his true power lies in the strength of his performances, not solely in the scale of a movie’s production.
It should be noted that although American Made is based on the real-life escapades of Barry Seal, much of the plot diverges from historical fact. This blend of truth and exaggeration works in Cruise’s favor, as his skillful portrayal lends credibility to the film’s more outlandish moments. Through his grounded delivery, Cruise anchors a story that otherwise might feel implausible, enhancing viewer engagement with the wild narrative twists.
Interestingly, this ability to lend authenticity also benefits Cruise’s roles in more extravagant franchises. Films like the Mission: Impossible series rely less on realism and more on spectacle, where Cruise’s star power complements the already high-stakes storylines. However, original films such as American Made depend heavily on a convincing central performance to sell their unusual premises, underscoring Cruise’s unique talent for elevating diverse projects.
The Broader Impact of American Made on Cruise’s Legacy
Watching American Made today provides insight into the versatility and enduring skill of Tom Cruise as a movie star. Although his recent focus has been on franchise success, this film remains a testament to his ability to surprise and command the screen in a different kind of storytelling. It reminds audiences and critics alike that Cruise’s appeal is not confined to spectacle but rooted in his capacity to embody complex characters convincingly.
With the scarcity of mid-budget adult-oriented movies in current Hollywood, American Made remains an overlooked but valuable piece in Cruise’s oeuvre. For those interested in exploring a distinct facet of his career, the film is currently available for streaming on Peacock and Prime Video, offering an accessible way to revisit this underrated title.
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