Tom Cruise Reflects on ‘Extraordinary Experience’ Working with Jack Nicholson on A Few Good Men

At the British Film Institute (BFI) event on May 11, 2025, Tom Cruise, now 62, shared candid reflections on his celebrated collaboration with Jack Nicholson during the making of the 1992 courtroom drama A Few Good Men. The discussion, moderated by Edith Bowman and held just before Cruise received the prestigious BFI Fellowship on May 12, offered an insightful glimpse into the professional dynamic between two Hollywood legends and the enduring legacy of the film.

• A Few Good Men*, directed by Rob Reiner and adapted from Aaron Sorkin’s play, cast Cruise as Lt. Daniel Kaffee, a military lawyer defending two U.S. Marines accused of murder at Guantanamo Bay. Nicholson played Col. Nathan R. Jessep, delivering one of cinema’s most iconic performances, immortalized by the line, “You can’t handle the truth.” The film garnered critical acclaim with four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Nicholson.

Cruise described his time working alongside Nicholson as an “extraordinary” experience. He recounted a particularly memorable courtroom scene filmed in Los Angeles: “I remember the Nicholson scene when we were in the courtroom, suddenly I’m looking around and the rafters were filled,” capturing the “magnificent” atmosphere surrounding the shoot—an intensity that transcended the final edited sequence seen on screen.

Beyond Nicholson’s commanding on-screen presence, Cruise praised his off-camera mentorship. Calling Nicholson a “wordsmith,” a “great crooner,” and an “actor’s actor,” Cruise highlighted Nicholson’s generosity, recalling moments when Nicholson encouraged him with remarks like, “That was a good take Tommy, nice work Tommy.” This supportive environment extended to technical acting skills, with Nicholson guiding Cruise on the nuances of eye movements, breath control, and camera awareness—lessons Cruise likened to those he absorbed from Paul Newman in The Color of Money (1986).

Drawing comparative insights, Cruise noted how such technical mastery elevates the art of acting. He emphasized that while inspiration from great actors like Newman and Nicholson informs performance, true craft lies in skillful technique—an understanding that enriched his portrayal in A Few Good Men.

Tom Cruise’s reflections not only honor Jack Nicholson’s profound influence on his career but also celebrate the collaborative spirit that helped create a film remembered for its dramatic power and cinematic excellence. As Cruise joins the ranks of BFI Fellows alongside legends like Akira Kurosawa and Martin Scorsese, his tribute underscores a lasting legacy forged through artistry, mentorship, and unforgettable storytelling.