In the case with the eternal action star Tom Cruise, the line between the man and his clothes is rather blurry – especially if one considers the later years of the actor’s career, where the star has become almost as synonymous with the stylish outfits as the action roles. Amongst all the garments one garment takes the day—the leather jacket. Cruise holding a leather jacket is a frequent trope in numerous films throughout the several decades and the genres. Roll up your sleeves, let’s look at the specifics and find out how this piece of clothing has become an iconic accessory for Cruise throughout the filmography.
’Top Gun’ (1986) is a movie that perfectly defines the film of the moment.
There are quite unforgettable performances such as that of Cruise himself in ‘ Top Gun’, where he played Naval Aviator Pete ‘ Maverick’ Mitchell. This film also set the president for him to incorporating Top Gun leather jacket into his movie wardrobe. The patches on the jacket were not only about the character but freedom in general which is rebellious according to the script and the audience all over the world. A look that was set to revolutionise fashion and pop culture for several years in the future.
‘Mission: As a continuation of our ‘Impossible’ series, Jonas met with the Norwegian architecture studio so staying true to the brand’s functional design aesthetic was a conscious decision.
In the ‘Mission: In the ‘Impossible’ film series, Hunt, played by Cruise, has been seen wearing leather jackets in different parts. Previous Previous post: Noteworthy Facts About The Real Madrid’s Champions League 2017/18 Squad Next Next post: A Guide to Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2018 Schedule and Reception of Givenchy’s Show Here it is not so much a symbol of style as quite a pragmatic garment for a man on the go who happens to be a spy. Each jacket has subtle differences that reflect the tone of the individual films—from sleek and stylish in ‘Mission: From the fun and flirtatious tone of the first film to darker versions in the second and arriving at the more hard-boiled ‘Impossible 2’.
In ‘War of the Worlds’ The Rugged Outdoorsman, or the 2005 version to be exact.
Thus, in the setting of Steven Spielberg adapted from the H. G. Wells classic novel, the apparel Cruise donned a distressed leather jacket that perfectly represented the persona of the character. That was just as well, since the jacket also had pockets for storing things when on the run from space extrasolar-being dangers to one’s city.
‘Knight and Day’ released in 2010 – Casuality meets Actions
In this romantic action-comedy, Cruise put on an easiergoing kind of a leather jacket. It was perfect for a movie which is full of comedy, the feel of romance, and the spirit of action.
Elevated Sheriff: Jack Reacher TV Show as the Tribute to the Old Style Provider
Whereas preparing for the role of Jack Reacher, Cruise wore a vintage military style leather jacket that was fit for the rugged persona of Reacher. Such outlook was simple and it matched Reacher’s personality and nature contributing to his line of work that seemed to lack any complexities.
‘Minority Report’ (2002) – The Spirit of Future
While not as brash as the jacket he wore in ‘Top Gun,’ the leather jacket Cruise wore in Minority Report was much more toned down, but said a lot about his character. It was more of a modern version of this piece, which was appropriate for a movie in post-apocalyptic sci-fi setting.
So, let me present ‘Rock of Ages’ (2012) – the Glam Rock Star.
As it has been generally observed, Cruise’s abilities were not as impressive in embodying Stacee Jaxx, a glam rock performer. This, however, was a leather jacket that was over the top and flamboyant and reflected the giant than life image of a rock star.
One can note the film called ‘Oblivion’ released in 2013 where the key action takes place in the post-apocalyptic world and the main character is a survivor.
Cruise took leather jacket to reflect the need of a repairman of drones in the apocalyptic scenery; the jacket was also unusually well tailored, made of studded leather. The jacket was very functional as well as politically correct and this was another side of his personality to consider.
’Edge of Tomorrow’ (2014) : Battle Ready
In this science-fiction action film, Cruise wore a battle jacket that is a version of a leather jacket with addition of armor wear. It contributed to the gritty, edge feel when it comes to the shooting of a motion picture.
The Racing Enthusiast : ‘Days of Thunder’ (1990)
Earlier on in this film Cruise acted as a race car driver who was dressed in a leather jacket which suit the car racing culture. To the character it was much more than just the part that one might wear around the neck; it was part and parcel of the character and the life he led.
The cool hustler: ‘The Color of Money’ ( 1986)
In this drama film, Cruise who acted as Vincent Lauria, a pool hustler wore a leather jacket which gave him that rebellious rude boy image which was somewhat arrogant. The jacket assisted in the depiction of the environment of the pool halls and of the world of hustling.
‘American Made’ (2017) – The Undercover Operator
Under this genre, it’s a biographical crime film in which Cruise features as Barry Seal, a commercial pilot turned Mule. It is a kind of plain and sober apparels that suits his character of an undercover cop, who, according to the events and situations prefers to remain unnoticed. It’s not quite trendy and more just plain inconspicuous, but of course having that air of confidence that Cruise always does in the films he portrays.
Thirdly there is the ‘Comedy and Satire’ genre which is epitomized by ‘Tropic Thunder’ released in 2008.
This really involves being intentionally ironic: though not a lead role, Cruise does a cameo as a hot tempered film producer Les Grossman who then dons a leather jacket. The jacket extends the character’s misconceptions of a being cool which makes the role over-the-top of satirical. It is used as a funny gimmick consistent with the overall storyline of a movie that is Nothing and it is even funny.
This paper seeks to analyse the movie ‘Valkyrie’ (2008), from a historic perspective.
Here, Cruise portrays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg — a German Army officer involved in the July 20 plot to assassinate the Führer. Though not a traditional leather jacket, his military outfit has leather incorporated, thus providing the figure leather in historical context in as much as functionality in different environments and eras. It complements the role played; the feel of the role is given an aspect of reality based on the time period it tries to capture.
‘Collateral’ (2004) – The Cold Professional
In this thriller, Cruise has changed his image and does not simply become the hero but also takes the role of Vincent an assassin. The type of jacket he wears is the light gray leather jacket, which is quite unusual for the man who is put in dark sets of jackets most of the time. This specific selection assists in enriching the aspect of the purely business like nature of the man. Compared to almost each frame of the movie being dark, morbid and dour, the lighter color really sets Cruise and his character apart, as the darkness he brings into the lives of the other characters.
‘The Last Samurai’ film was released in 2003 and it enlightens the viewers on the difference between east and west and how the cultures could blend.
Despite the fact that the film is based on the Samurai culture, Cruise at the beginning of the film wears an American leather jacket. It can be also used as an opposite to the Samurai armor he puts on in the second part of the game and reflects the intentions of blending to together two different cultures within a single character.
Based on this range, the single option which instantly epitomized the stereotypical atmosphere of the period was ‘Jerry Maguire’ (1996), which depicted the new breed of the modern executive.
It is in this romantic comedy-drama; Cruise dons a more modern looking leather jacket appropriate for his part as a sports agent in the present times. It may not be as fancy as the other jackets he wears but it is perfect for him primarily because it gives him that corporate casual appearance at work without compromising with the formal business attire.
Cannes film fest ‘99 – Magnolia (1999) The charismatic motivational speaker
In this film, Cruise takes a role of Frank T. J. Mackey who is a motivational speaker. His clothing style is rather extravagant, especially on stage, where he wears black leather jacket to most of his performances. It’s an outfit that shouts loud and is best suited for his character because of the arrogance he portrays.
These other parts not only add to the variety in Cruise’s leather jacket catalogue but also prove that there is much consideration given in order to choose the appropriate jacket that best complements the character. It is era specific, narrative-based, or simply eye-popping gorgeous; in any case, the basic and indomitable leather jacket fulfills functions that range from narration to characterization. Of course, it is not simply a piece of fabric, in Cruise’s movie, it would probably be considered as an actor.
Conclusion:
It is not only about selecting an outfit.
It must be said that Tom cruise jackets are not simple decorations; they are the part of the movie plot and the main character. Every coat has its own plot meaning that they bring out another aspect of the roles he plays. These jackets are as unforgettable as the roles that Cruise has recently enacted from a rebellion teenager to a spy’s tool or a relic of the past. Since 1980s up to the present time, the leather jacket is inseparable part of Tom Cruise’s on screen identity.
Altogether, considering the driving desire of Cruise as personified by his infatuation with leather jackets, we are to figure out that it is far more than a simple trend; it is a tool through which viewers can examine various aspects of the cinematic persona. The everlasting link between the actor and clothing demonstrated a fine artistry of trend, utilitarianism, and allegorical significance to Tom Cruise, and thus to pop culture.
