The actor, who will receive the British Film Institute’s BFI Fellowship this week, spoke about his experience working with Nicole Kidman, Val Kilmer, Jack Nicholson, and Marlon Brando.
Speaking on his film Eyes Wide Shut, Cruise said he suggested to director Stanley Kubrick that his then-wife Nicole Kidman play the role of Alice. “Because obviously she’s a great actress,” Cruise noted, recalling his detailed preparation and long conversations with Kubrick ahead of filming.
Cruise also shared his admiration for Val Kilmer, who passed away in April. Reflecting on their time working on Top Gun, he said, “You just see what a great actor, charismatic guy he was… he became Iceman.” He described Kilmer’s performance in Top Gun: Maverick as “very special” and praised his ability to create emotional depth with minimal dialogue.
On working with Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men, Cruise detailed the actor’s craft during the iconic courtroom scene. “He’s like a crooner that knows how to carve up a monologue… he knows what he’s doing,” said Cruise, highlighting Nicholson’s command of voice, posture, and lens awareness.
The actor also mentioned Marlon Brando’s performance in The Godfather, noting how a single take involving a cat helped define the role. “It’s not just by chance. You work towards lightning in a bottle,” Cruise remarked.
Cruise is scheduled to speak at a BFI In Conversation event on Sunday, with the BFI Fellowship being awarded on Monday. He will also attend the world premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning at the Cannes Film Festival on May 14.