Tom Cruise was 54 years old when he starred in the 2017 film “The Mummy.” This is an important factor to consider when evaluating the movie because it shapes the way his character is portrayed and how audiences perceive his performance.
In the film, Cruise plays a character who can be described as a selfish, cocky semi-scoundrel. This is a common archetype that Cruise has often portrayed throughout his career. However, at 54 years old, it becomes increasingly difficult for audiences to buy into this persona. It's not that Cruise can't still pull off the charismatic, charming rogue; it's just that it feels a bit tired and repetitive at this point.
As an audience, we have seen Cruise play variations of this character in numerous films, such as “Top Gun,” “Jerry Maguire,” and “Mission: Impossible.” While he may still have the physicality and energy of a younger man, there comes a point where the audience wants to see a different side of him. We want to see growth and maturity in his characters, rather than just another iteration of the same old trope.
This clash between the reality of Cruise's age and the material he is working with creates a dissonance that is hard to ignore. It becomes a distraction from the story and prevents us from fully engaging with the film. It's not that Cruise is necessarily a bad actor or incapable of delivering a compelling performance; it's just that the material he is given doesn't fully utilize his talents or allow him to explore new territory.
In my personal experience, I have often found myself longing for Cruise to take on more challenging and diverse roles. I appreciate his dedication to action-packed blockbusters, but I believe he has the potential to deliver even more nuanced and complex performances. As an audience, we want to see him evolve and surprise us with his choices.
The fact that Cruise was 54 years old when he starred in “The Mummy” adds an additional layer of complexity to the film. It highlights the tension between the actor's established persona and the need for his character to grow and evolve. While Cruise is undeniably talented, it is important for filmmakers to consider how his age and on-screen persona can either enhance or hinder the storytelling process.