Quoted from JonnyBoy It felt like Scott was trying go for the Michael Mann theme of two men on either sides of the fence who actually aren't that different to each other. He was clearly trying to suggest that Travolta and Washington's characters were somehow morally, spiritually connected - trouble is, they weren't, and I don't think that really ever got off the ground. The story did unravel a bit at the end, suddenly lurching into a fairly dull chase sequence because it felt like the writers suddenly realised 'oh cr**, we need an ending', although I did like the last exchange between the two leads.

I was going to say 'Collateral' as I read this, which of course you referenced later on. 'Collateral' was where Mann harnessed all of the best parts of his previous work, and this was achored by an incredible performance from Cruise - had a more in vogue actor turned out such a performance, I imagine the plaudits would have been deafening.

'Training Day'? My man! Says it all, a tour de force. I also loved him in 'American Gangster' alongside another terrific actor in Crowe.

Depp? Depp is good, but nowhere near the class of DDL, IMO. I'd take Cruise and Washington over Depp any day.  

Just wanted to state - having reread my previous post - I am not suggesting no solid reasons exist to argue that Washington and Cruise are not good actors; but rather that the reasons generally put forth tend to be "unsubstantiated and flimsy".

Andrew

Quoted from Andrew Depp? Depp is good, but nowhere near the class of DDL, IMO. I'd take Cruise and Washington over Depp any day.

I agree DDL is pretty much in a class of his own. But I personally think Depp is one of the most interesting actors working today. Take Public Enemies, for instance - towards the end, I honestly forgot I was watching Johnny Depp. He disappears into his roles in a way that I don't think I've ever seen Tom Cruise achieve.

Here's a question - if you could write for one of Washington, Cruise or Depp, which one would you be more excited about working with? For me, it would be Depp - I'd be so excited to see what he could do with the character I'd created.

Quoted from JonnyBoy Here's a question - if you could write for one of Washington, Cruise or Depp, which one would you be more excited about working with? For me, it would be Depp - I'd be so excited to see what he could do with the character I'd created.

All 3! Any of those guys performing a character I had created would be a dream. The pick of the bunch, however, would be Cruise - without a moment's thought.

Cruise is oft criticised, and there is probably a sentimental loyalty there somewhere. However, performances like 'Jerry Maguire', 'Collateral', 'Born on the Fourth of July', 'Magnolia', 'The Last Samurai', and I could go on, just inspire me more than the others. That's my thing, I need to be inspired and I am quite emotive in that way. I just think Cruise became perceived as a 'celebrity', and it affected how his talent was viewed, which is part of what I want 'Cruiseaholics' to tackle - the all-consuming power of celebrity, and how it manifests itself in people's lives, dreams and reality.

I'll shut up now, 'cos this is the Pelham thread!

Andrew