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Tom Cruise in uniform
Updated On: 22 February, 2009 07:12 AM IST | | Rajeev Masand
The biggest movie star in the world talks about slipping into a Nazi's clothes in this Sunday MiD DAY exclusive

The biggest movie star in the world talks about slipping into a Nazi's clothes in this Sunday MiD DAY exclusive
Taking a break from his blockbuster outings, The World's Biggest Movie Star returned recently to flex his acting chops in a period ensemble film, a World War II drama no less. Tom Cruise, under the baton of X:Men director Bryan Singer, has brought the inspiring story of Nazi officer Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg to the screen in Valkyrie.
The film centers around an unsuccessful conspiracy hatched by Stauffenberg and other members of the German Resistance to assassinate the Fuhrer.
Both Singer and Cruise (who took the part of Stauffenberg), insist the film isn't your typical historical epic, preferring instead to describe it as a 'suspenseful thriller'.
Looking relaxed in his suite at the Hyatt in Seoul, Cruise is warm, friendly and full of energy despite having landed only hours ago from Los Angeles. In less than 48 hours he'll be back on a flight, headed to Berlin. If he's tired, he doesn't show it.
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Flashing that legendary thousand-watt smile, the actor is as keen to question as he is to answer yours. He enquires about your flight into Seoul, your response to Slumdog Millionaire, and the business that Hollywood films do in India. The funny thing is he seems genuinely interested. Only fair you return the good manners...
What was it that drew you to this film?
I think what's thrilling about this film is that it's about taking down Adolf Hitler from the inside. When I read Chris McQuarrie's script, the first thing I thought about was how incredibly suspenseful it was, really a great thriller. And Bryan (Singer) is someone that I've always wanted to work with since I saw The Usual Suspects. We actually met at the premiere of Mission Impossible, the first one. And I said to him straight off, "I want to work with you." Then when I put the script (of Valkyrie) down, I thought, "This can't be true, this story. How much of this is actually true?" And as it happens, it was indeed a true story, and I just thought it was great. I'd never heard it before. I also wanted to work with him. So off we went.

