When I work, I work very hard. So I look to work with people who have that level of dedication. And I depend on that from everyone. From the director to my crews that I work with.
I’m a good listener. I think it’s the one characteristic that’s most important. I’ve always been that way. Not that I take all the advice, but you’ve got to listen to it and have the courage to make your own decision. Then I just go for it.
I’ve never done work for money, ever. If your choices are based on grosses and the film doesn’t do well, what does that mean? It leaves you with nothing.
I’ve gotten very good at scheduling my life, scheduling the scene and preparing myself for knowing, saving the energy, consuming the energy, knowing when to go for it and having the available reserves to be able to do that. You have to think about that, because it’s endurance.
I look at the Samurai because they were the artists of their time. What I think struck me when I read Bushido is compassion. ‘If there’s no one there to help, go out and find someone to help.’ That hit me, because I try to lead my life like that.
Awards are wonderful. I’ve been nominated many times and I’ve won many awards. But my journey is not towards that. If it happens it will be a blast. If it doesn’t, it’s still been a blast.
I kept looking [at Katie] and thinking, ‘This woman’s amazing.’ I’m happy that I’m with her. She’s amazing, and I’d think the same of her even if she wasn’t with me – she’s just amazing.
![Tom Cruise Quote - I kept looking [at Katie] and thinking, ‘This woman’s amazing.’ I’m happy that I’m with her. She’s amazing, and I’d think the same of her even if she wasn’t with me – she’s just amazing.](https://minimalistquotes.com/images/i-kept-looking-at-katie-and-thinking-this-womans-a.jpg)