We’ve All Had a Tom Cruise Moment

All the journalists who covered Hollywood in the golden age that went around risky business through (1983) Top Gun: Maverick He (now) had a Tom Cruise moment. I had mine in 2002.

My father just died. It was a hard death, not a quick one, and on my last trip to Sacramento I made a promise to myself: I’ll be at peace with everyone for a while. No fight. No arguments If someone asked me to do my best, I would do it.

The first test was done around Bakersfield. On the way, Mayer Roshan, now editor, called me. Los Angeles MagazineHe was the editor-in-chief of Tina Brown at the time. Speech.

we have a problemMayer explained. Speech I had planned some kind of thematic publication about work and/or professional life in the United States. But Tina did manage to make a promising cover for Tom Cruise. Mayer couldn’t see the link. But maybe you should learn. The interview is already scheduled. Stay at the Hotel Bel-Air for about three days, talk to the cruiser and write something, if not brilliant, at least makes sense.

TRUE. No fight. There is no topic. Just an interview with Tom Cruise.

When I got home, my 14-year-old son said his first words: “I’m so sorry, Dad. I’ve heard of Tom Cruise. We’ve been dealing with my father’s humiliation for a long time; And he knew how I felt about interviewing celebrities. i didn’t like them

But it was there. So I went and studied at the Santa Monica Library, which in those days was more of an information repository than a homeless camp. Basically, I was reading some old, largely sympathetic books on Scientology, including what seems like a big encyclopedia of Scientology terms, beliefs, and “technology”. I realized it didn’t hurt. Only if a topic has been opened.

Where everything gets interesting.

Actually, I met a cruise ship aboard Bel Air. It was one of those crisp, clear Southern California winter mornings when you couldn’t see why anyone else would live there. Tommy was charming. Of course he smiled. But I got straight to the point.

we have a problem, I said. The next topic is about work and professional life. But we have a movie star on the cover: you. If we don’t want to make a fool of ourselves, we both have to find out what it is. risky business My son, Jerry Maguire, super weapon Hot, ᲛRebellion is impossible (With Minority Report on deck), they can teach doctors, lawyers, investment bankers, or anyone. SpeechIt might be on the minds of the ad-hungry editorial staff.

To his eternal credit and to my mediocre gratitude, Cruz did not blink. Instead, he started an intellectual and structured conversation about his movies, career, goals, and principles he found in the ups and downs of the dangerous swimming industry. After training at the library, I was able to follow the basics of Scientology. It was basically simple, real, and he did all the work.

God bless you.

Because the adventure was over. for one thing Speech Before publishing the folded work. But Pat Kingsley, a publisher of Cruz at the time, wasn’t among those who graced the cover of the magazine’s death. He somehow managed to convey everything To wearHe published it in May with the prophecy title: “The Most Dangerous Place”.

Cruz was never a friend—professional aloof, not knowing what he thought were movie buddies. But he was really worried for a while. He once sent a plexiglass booth depicting the basic principles of Scientology. My son kept it as a pop culture piece along with a Charles Bukowski poster and a Stooges album he found in the woods. At one point, Cruz even invited my wife, Judy, and me to a big banquet at the Scientology Star Center.

Gone. It was strange because we sat at a table with some creative artist agents and Paramount Pictures leaders who didn’t seem comfortable. In fact, a Paramount officer sitting to my left was so shaken up that Judy and I decided to quietly part in the middle of the process. “This guy is nervous,” he said.

When we were tired, the park attendant surprised me. “I’m sorry you left earlier,” he said. “We’ve all read your article.”

Cruise sent a note saying he was sorry we couldn’t stay, but hoped we could talk someday.

But we never did. My Tom Cruise moment is over.