Key Takeaways:
• Cocktail (1988), a critically panned film, proved Tom Cruise’s remarkable commitment and ability to draw box-office success.
• Despite a low 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie grossed an impressive $171.5 million worldwide.
• Cruise’s dedication to even lesser-liked roles, contributed significantly to his Hollywood status, establishing him as a reliable actor studios could bank on.
Cocktail: The Unexpected Breakthrough
While controversial, Tom Cruise’s striking on-screen charisma and dedication have firmly rooted him among Hollywood’s elite. Even though Cruise has spearheaded multiple successful franchises, it was his lesser-liked film Cocktail (1988) that solidified his star-power, despite being critically panned.
From Critical Fail to Commercial Triumph
Directed by Roger Donaldson, Cruise, then a budding actor, played the role of ambitious bartender Brian Flanagan in Cocktail. Despite failing to land favorably with critics and snagging Cruise a Worst Actor nomination at the Golden Raspberry Awards, the movie surprisingly resulted in a commercial triumph.
Against a budget of $20 million, Cocktail amassed $78 million at the US box office and a remarkable $171.5 million worldwide. This commercial success, despite a 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, notably highlighted the undeniable charm and pull of Tom Cruise—a trait undeniably central to his enduring Hollywood career.
Undeniable Dedication
Cruise’s unyielding dedication to his roles, even those that lacked critical acclaim like Cocktail, made a resounding statement in Hollywood. It demonstrated to industry insiders and audiences that the then up-and-coming star was worth investing in.
For Cocktail, Cruise gave his all to the role, going to great lengths to bring the character of Brian Flanagan to life. As evidenced in an old CBC interview, the actor revealed that he had interviewed around 35 bartenders in preparation for the role, showcasing his commitment and willingness to delve deep into character study.
The Lasting Influence of Cocktail
Tom Cruise’s commitment to Cocktail, even as it went down as one of his least-loved films, hinted at the actor’s enduring ability to translate his dedication into box-office gold. It engraved Cruise’s stature as a Hollywood force to be reckoned with, paving the way for his subsequent successes.
This unwavering commitment set the tone for his subsequent roles, elevating him to Hollywood’s A-list status. It conveyed that depending on Cruise means the actor would exert every effort to deliver the best outcome, even when the projects aren’t expected to shine.
A Legacy Built on Commitment
Even though other successful films, including the Mission Impossible franchise, have been instrumental in carving Cruise’s legacy, Cocktail holds a special place. It demonstrated that the actor’s passion and dedication lay beyond the box-office successes and accolades. His devotion to cinema and commitment to the craft, which were all too visible in Cocktail, indeed form the essence of the Tom Cruise brand, we admire today.
In conclusion, Cocktail, despite falling short of critical acclaim and audience approval, ushered in commercial success and laid the groundwork for Tom Cruise’s Hollywood career. The movie’s success, against all odds, significantly displayed Cruise’s potential as a box-office magnet, making him a reliable figure Hollywood studios could invest in and bank upon.
