One of the benefits of being Tom Cruise is that your name opens more doors than a concierge. He talks about getting involved in American indie cop pic "Narc".
Of all the independent films out there, why did you pick "Narc " to put your star-power behind?
I just thought it was a stunning film. That's all I can say. I couldn't believe it was a first-time director. When you watch this movie, you just see that Joe Carnahan is a great filmmaker and I think the performances are stunning. I sat down with Joe and he said "Will you help us out?" So I said "OK, I'll help you out". Actually I told him I was already helping him out because I was calling friends and telling them about the movie. And then Paula Wagner and I came on board officially.
It's a gritty film - not the sort of film one might associate with you...
I like all kinds of movies. Yes, I've made some pretty pictures. I just think that Joe Carnahan is a great storyteller and a great filmmaker and I can't wait to see what he does next. I'm really just on board as a big fan of the movie. I've always wanted to produce and I'm sure I'll try my hand at directing before all's said and done. I'm lucky, I get to do things I am interested. I am living the dream baby, no question!
So what's the best part of all this for you?
It's very nice to be able to help people like this. That's what producing is really - fostering a project, helping a movie along, supporting the director and the cast. I think I enjoy that part of it - it's like fathering.
You know people are always asking me "How do you become an actor? How do you become a director?" My answer is, "Just go out and do it. If you want to direct, don't talk about it. Do it!" That's how you learn and that's what they did on this film. It's inspiring. I get nothing out of this other than the pleasure of helping them in any way I can."
"Narc" opens in UK cinemas on Friday 7th February 2003.
