Speilberg and Cruise Have A Falling-Out

[edonline]

NY POST/PAGE SIX...

TOM Cruise shouldn't wait by the phone for his old "friend" Steven Spielberg, who directed him in "War of the Worlds," to call.

Reports from Budapest and Paris, where Spielberg is filming "Munich," say the director is still steamed at Cruise for ranting, during what were supposed to be promotional appearances for the Martian-invasion film, against the widespread use of Ritalin to treat unruly children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder.

One source said: "Steven and his wife [Kate Capshaw] have five children themselves and know some children for whom Ritalin does a lot of good. They took exception to what Tom said about the drug."

Spielberg was also said to be annoyed that Cruise played up Scientology more than the movie during press interviews.

In August, when PAGE SIX started researching this story, we received a letter from Cruise's lawyer Bert Fields, noting:

"We have received word that you are planning a report that Steven Spielberg was upset with Tom about Tom's speaking out about his views on children's use of drugs . . . and that now they are not speaking to each other."

The letter stated: "Each of these statements is absolutely and demonstrably false. Steven is not upset with Tom . . . Tom and Steven remain close friends and are looking forward to working together again. The idea that they are not speaking is not only false but absurd. Actually Steven is shooting a movie in Budapest and Tom is shooting one [in the States]."

But maybe Fields should have talked to Spielberg before writing this letter.

Another source, a close friend of the director, said: "They will not be working together again and Steven will never call him his friend."

When we faxed Fields' letter to Spielberg rep Marvin Levy and asked for comment, Levy first wanted to settle the score about another item picked up from a Web site claiming the director insisted on being called "Maestro."

Levy said: "Whoever fed you that ridiculous item about Steven Spielberg wanting to be called 'Maestro' with no eye contact must have had a bad serving of goulash. The only person in our film community who might be called 'Maestro' is [conductor] John Williams and only when he's on the podium holding a baton. I will get back to you on the other item after I talk to Steven."

Levy called back to "decline comment."

[donna542004]

The lover's are having a spat.
Donna A.

[jeo4]

New at amazon.com:

"How To Fuck Up A Big Budget Summer Blockbuster"
by Tom Cruise



The joke's on you, Steven.

[Mr-Blonde]

I'm sure that Speilberg felt this way since the start of Cruise's meltdown but declined to comment because he's always first and foremost always a professional while Tom Cruise has devolved into self-important cultist idiot.

That being said, regardless of Cruise's antics War of the Worlds didn't blow me away as much as I had hoped it would. Perhaps Steven is really upset by the slimmer than expected profits. And if that's the case I'd say that is more due to audience's reaction to the film than Crusie.

[Tagia_Romero]

Originally posted by Mr-Blonde
I'm sure that Speilberg felt this way since the start of Cruise's meltdown but declined to comment because he's always first and foremost always a professional while Tom Cruise has devolved into self-important cultist idiot.

I agree on that. It is a shame that Cruise hasn't kept his professionalisim in place. As it has been debated, he can act, sure, but his recent debacle regarding Holmes, the Ritalin incident and his other rather questionable antics is making a lot of people doubt his sanity. And that's a bummer, big time, and that will bite Cruise on the butt eventually.
I think this whole thing with his 'love' for Holmes is also some sort of subliminal bite-back at Ms. Kidman who has remained quite dignified throughout all of this. And that just isn't kosher at all.

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by Mr-Blonde
Perhaps Steven is really upset by the slimmer than expected profits. And if that's the case I'd say that is more due to audience's reaction to the film than Crusie.

WOTW will make over 600 million worldwide once it's run is over. It's the 2nd biggest grosser of the year after Sith. It's also the 4th biggest movie of Spielberg's career after E.T, and Jurassic Park 1 & 2. And it will make another 600+ million on DVD.

...Just to put things into perspective. I doubt that Spielberg is pulling his hair off because of "slimmer than expected" profits.

Oh, and that article is bollocks. The whole argument is a based on a "good friend" of Spielberg who apparently likes to spread rumors about him - Some good friend. Whenever gossip magazines want to make stories out of nowhere, they quote "good friends".

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by Mr-Blonde
I'm sure that Speilberg felt this way since the start of Cruise's meltdown but declined to comment because he's always first and foremost always a professional while Tom Cruise has devolved into self-important cultist idiot.

Well put.

I've run into the argument that Tuukka makes and while that's a lot of scratch, I think it's clear that Spielberg wanted a better critical and popular reception. The lion's share of that 600 Mil is from people who left the theatre not demonstrably happy about dropping $10 that night to see it.

And Cruise's rank, selfish, embarrassing unprofessionalism has to have rankled someone like Steven who, aesthetic problems I occasionally have with him aside, is nothing if not a consumate professional.

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by Buck Turgidson
Well put.

I've run into the argument that Tuukka makes and while that's a lot of scratch, I think it's clear that Spielberg wanted a better critical and popular reception. The lion's share of that 600 Mil is from people who left the theatre not demonstrably happy about dropping $10 that night to see it.

That's always a very subjective claim. Personally I liked the film very much and it will make my top 10 for the year.

Rottentomatoes: 72% fresh, average grade 7.
IMDB: 6.8 average
Yahoo movies user grade average: B (this is the most reliable source to research mainstream reaction, IMHO.

All in all WOTW averaged as a 7/10 movie both from the viewpoint of the critics and the audiences. And it made horseloads of money. It's disappointment only for those who expected the audience reaction to be something totally exceptional.

[RustyRazor]

Anyone notice that when The Schnoz was with Nicole Kidman, he was the most calm and quiet jerk-off you could ever meet? Still into scientology, but he never beat you over the head with it.

With them split, he's donned his god like robes and taken to preaching to those that really don't want to listen.

You screw up promoting a multi million dollar movie for one of the top directors in Hollywood and don't seem to care? Did he forget that without the movies, his psychologically screwed up ass wouldn't have a platform to spew his babble?

Tom Cruise really is a piece of shit, he's lost his mind, and if Katie Holmes is even close to intelligent, she should run while she has a chance.

[El Bracamonti]

It's unfortunate that this had to happen to two very talented individuals. Ordinarily I would just side with one person and call them better off. But in this case, I simply can't do that.

[SkyNet]

i personally felt War Of The Worlds was less than spectacular... but i still enjoyed it. Esp since Tim Robbins was in it, and he is one of my favorites.

As for Spielberg being pissed at Cruise... i totally agree with that. BECAUSE:

The ONLY reason Cruise was being invited on all these shows was because he had War of The Worlds coming out... his JOB... keep that in mind... Promotion is part of Cruise's JOB... is to go out and PIMP THE SHIT OUT OF THE MOVIE! But Cruise really didnt do that.... he went out and tried pushing his opinions on everyone, and was very annoying about his relationship with Holmes. The loss of his publicist and the hiring of his sister as a publicist... was the biggest mistake in Cruise's career. My question is: is this always been the way Cruise has been outside the public eye?? Is this the reason Nicole Kidman said get the fuck out?!

But i can understand why Spielberg is pissed.... BUT its not like the movie only made like 50 million... it has crossed 200 million in the states, ,one of only, what 4 movies to do so. I mean their last collaberation only pulled in 135 Million domestic total. So Spielberg cant e THAT pissed!

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by Tuukka
It's disappointment only for those who expected the audience reaction to be something totally exceptional.

Like Steven Spielberg.

[Beeblebrox]

Originally posted by RustyRazor
With them split, he's donned his god like robes and taken to preaching to those that really don't want to listen.

Not exactly what happened, at least to my knowledge. Cruise fired his entire pulicity team and replaced them with his sister, who is also a Scientologist. The old PR team seemed a little more able to reign in Cruise, and it's possible that his sister's goal isn't to reign him in at all.

Word on the street is that Scientologists themselves aren't too pleased with Cruise's proselytizing either. He's making a mockery of their beliefs (or at least bringing unwanted attention to them) in much the same way Robertson/Fallwell tarnish mainstream Christianity.

[metalnightmare]

Tom is a nut case With the way that Cruise has been acting as of late i think someone needs to shut him up.

[BubbaStrangelove]

Originally posted by Beeblebrox
Not exactly what happened, at least to my knowledge. Cruise fired his entire pulicity team and replaced them with his sister, who is also a Scientologist. The old PR team seemed a little more able to reign in Cruise, and it's possible that his sister's goal isn't to reign him in at all.

Cruise should hook up with this guy...

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/37459/print/

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by Buck Turgidson
Like Steven Spielberg.

He's never said that, has he? So you are only assuming that he thinks like that. Spielberg has made dozens of millions with WOTW, I find it hard to believe he is heartbroken because the film is "only" his 4th biggest hit ever and "only" has made 600 million.

[TrippingBalls]

As far as the "dissapointment of War of the Worlds":

People are just pissed that Steven went back to his Jaws and Jurassic Park roots and actually made an awe-inspiring thrilling spectacle that stays with you long after the movie, instead of directing another Saving Private Ryan or another light-hearted comedy (Catch Me if You Can, The Terminal). When Spielberg joins Kubrick with the list of dead directors, which of his movies are people going to remember him by? 1942, Catch Me if You Can, A.I., The Termianl? Nope. Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, and now War of the Worlds will be what people remember him by. There's a reason the movie is his 4th highest grossing film ever.

The only place I've seen the movie shat on are internet forums. Everybody else I've talked to seems to have loved the movie. I haven't met anyone so far that's hated it, or has bitched about the ending.

[Mr-Blonde]

Originally posted by TrippingBalls
As far as the "dissapointment of War of the Worlds":

People are just pissed that Steven went back to his Jaws and Jurassic Park roots and actually made an awe-inspiring thrilling spectacle that stays with you long after the movie, instead of directing another Saving Private Ryan or another light-hearted comedy (Catch Me if You Can, The Terminal). .

Wrong. I was let down by the plot holes, the way the pacing of the movie slows to a creep during the basement scene and the lackluster Hollywood ending. I'm glad that you liked it so much though, it just wasn't one of his better films IMO.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by Tuukka
He's never said that, has he? So you are only assuming that he thinks like that.

Yes. I have nothing better to do than inventing reactions from a director, most of whose recent films I don't even particularly like. You caught me.

[The Heart Collector]

Originally posted by TrippingBalls
The only place I've seen the movie shat on are internet forums. Everybody else I've talked to seems to have loved the movie. I haven't met anyone so far that's hated it, or has bitched about the ending.

I haven't personally met a single individual who enjoyed the movie.

[eljefe15]

Fuck Tom Cruise and everybody that looks like Tom Cruise!

Peace...

[Lazy Boy]

Originally posted by eljefe15
Fuck Tom Cruise and everybody that looks like Tom Cruise!

Peace...

Uh...yeah!! Woo-hoo! (pumps fist in air)

[screamer581]

Originally posted by The Heart Collector
I haven't personally met a single individual who enjoyed the movie.

Hello Mr. Heart Collector, my name is Matthew Christopher McComas and I enjoyed War Of The Worlds, nice to meet you.

[ChaseILHS]

I also have to say I enjoyed the film as well.

[Lynn7]

The publicity tour for the movie was a big fiasco starting from the moment he took off on Brook Shields and then climaxing with jumping onthe Oprah couch. Then it was just constant make out scenes with Katie Holmes at movie premieres. The guy was obviously having a mid-life crisis cause he has always been pretty professional up until he dumped Nicole for Cruz. When he took up with Cruz, he was like a teenager in love and then when she dumped him for McCaunehay he went bezerk.

I'm sure spielburg will forgive him though. I think they have a long standing relationship and he probably knows Tom is going through something.

[BubbaStrangelove]

[In Team America styled mockery of Matt Damon....]


Tom Cruise!

[Nachokoolaid]

Originally posted by TrippingBalls
As far as the "dissapointment of War of the Worlds":

People are just pissed that Steven went back to his Jaws and Jurassic Park roots and actually made an awe-inspiring thrilling spectacle that stays with you long after the movie, instead of directing another Saving Private Ryan or another light-hearted comedy (Catch Me if You Can, The Terminal). When Spielberg joins Kubrick with the list of dead directors, which of his movies are people going to remember him by? 1942, Catch Me if You Can, A.I., The Termianl? Nope. Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, and now War of the Worlds will be what people remember him by. There's a reason the movie is his 4th highest grossing film ever.

No. People won't remember Spielberg for WOTW.

Jaws, ET, Close Encounters, Private Ryan,...they're all really great films. They all take a massive shit on WOTW. WOTW is like Spielberg's ugly step child, and I think fans won't really consider it one of his better films when he's gone. In fact, I think it's my least favorite Speilberg film. *checks filmography* Ok, I've never seen Sugarland Express or The Terminal, but of ALL of Spielberg's other films, WOTW is the worst.

If you didn't tell me that Spielberg directed it, I would have thought it was McTiernan, or maybe Johnathon Mostow. Not that they are bad, but it just seemed to fit their style more, and it wasn't *Spielberg.*

[jeo4]

I agree with Nacho on this one. ET, JURASSIC PARK, JAWS, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS...these are the films that Spielberg will be remembered for, not some bloated remake with Tom Cruise in the leading role.

[lunatic]

Originally posted by jeo4
I agree with Nacho on this one. ET, JURASSIC PARK, JAWS, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS...these are the films that Spielberg will be remembered for, not some bloated remake with Tom Cruise in the leading role.

No, for SAVING PRIVATE RYAN and SCHINDLER'S LIST. Let's hope MUNICH will rise to the same level of excellency.

[Lazy Boy]

To me, War of the Worlds is up to the excellency of those films, and marks a career highlight for Spielberg following the minor, forgettable films such as The Terminal and Catch Me If You Can.

[lunatic]

Originally posted by Lazy Boy
To me, War of the Worlds is up to the excellency of those films, and marks a career highlight for Spielberg following the minor, forgettable films such as The Terminal and Catch Me If You Can.

Forgettable? Only because they were dramedies?
I liked them a lot. Atmosphere of sixties and airport as a slice/metaphor of life were excellent.

[Lazy Boy]

Forgettable in that they were modestly entertaining in some ways, but not captivating enough for me to remember. I could barely remember a memorable moment in either one a week after I saw them in theaters.

The Terminal was the better movie since it hinted at the dark side of homeland security, so that gives it points, even though it had its share of silliness. And I never bought the romance.

[ak]

I used to quite like Tom Cruise, he came off as a nice guy in some interviews, and is genuinely enthused about the process of making films and it's obvious he puts a lot of effort into them, but that doesn't avoid the fact that he is a nut-job.

As for War Of The Worlds - I had little expectation for the film. All my expectation for the summer went to Batman Begins, which was a superb film. WOTW on the other-hand was completely uninspiring. The visuals were mediochre, the soundtrack was dull, and the ending was abismal.
I won't be renting it when it's released on DVD. My life is boring enough without having to sit through that shit again.

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by jeo4
I agree with Nacho on this one. ET, JURASSIC PARK, JAWS, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS...these are the films that Spielberg will be remembered for, not some bloated remake with Tom Cruise in the leading role.

Personally I don't think too highly of Jurassic Park. It's a good film, sure, but it just isn't a great film. It has wooden acting (from a very talented cast who do some of their worst work in the flick), boring characters (with the exception of Goldblum) a so-so story, a crappy ending (in fact the film doesn't even have an ending, neither does it have a 3rd act. It just stops).

Jurassic Park is an exercise in special effects and set pieces. Just like WOTW. It's a 7/10 film to me.

It always seem to me that people look fondly at Jurassic Park because of their childhood memories. For 30+ years old people the film doesn't have the added value of nostalgy, and it just comes off as what it is: A technically well made action film with a so-so script and so-so acting.

...Which on the other hand means that people who are kids now will probably look very fondly at WOTW when they grow older.

Personally, I was 17 when JP came out and while I liked it, I thought it was a rather empty exercise in special effects. Which is exactly what it is. The film has no heart, and no substance. The basic premise of modern day dinosaurs is good, but the the non-existant story is rather poor and the ending is just terrible.

The film works simply because it's well executed and because it's always fun to see dinosaurs eat people, despite the fact the entire story can be described in one sentence: "People run away from dinosaurs who try to eat them.".

In terms of script WOTW isn't really any better or worse than JP. And both have equally great direction, special effects and set pieces. When it comes to set pieces, nobody rivals Spielberg.

[TrippingBalls]

I guess Spielberg can't even direct a summer blockbuster anymore that won't be completely ripped on. I remember everybody blew their load over the overrated and dull Catch Me if You Can but shat on Minority Report and War of the Worlds. War of the Worlds brought back the excitement I haven't had at a theatre since Jurassic Park. And ak, what the hell do you mean by mediocre visuals? I'm not even sure if me and you saw the same movie. War of the Worlds was definitely one of the most visually awe inspiring films I've seen in years, beating out Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and every other film so far this decade.

[echo_bravo]

a so-so story

A so-so story?! DINOSAURS WERE BROUGHT TO LIFE!!!! Yeah, it wouldnt have won an Oscar for Best Screenplay Adaptation, but come on DINOSAURS!!!!

Jurrasic Park 9/10

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by echo_bravo
A so-so story?! DINOSAURS WERE BROUGHT TO LIFE!!!! Yeah, it wouldnt have won an Oscar for Best Screenplay Adaptation, but come on DINOSAURS!!!!

Jurrasic Park 9/10

I already said that the PREMISE was very good, but the STORY wasn't. These are not one and the same thing.

Premise is the concept, the 1st act. The story is what follows the premise. And in the case of JP the story is a bunch of people running away from dinosaurs until a helicopter comes down in the end and takes them off the island. After the 30-minute mark JP doesn't really even have a story, it's just a bunch of people running. It doesn't have 3rd act either, just a really long 2nd act. And it doesn't have an ending, it just stops.

Still a good film. It's just not a great film.

[JCR]

I read a funny rumour about this on popbitch.com;

The rumour goes that Cruise had a tent set up backstage on the WOTW filming where cast and crew could learn about The Church of Scientology with a view to getting them to convert. An unnamed crew member emailed Spielberg asking where the Jewish tent was. They did not recieve a reply!

[Badbird]

Rememebr a few years ago when everyone loved Tom Cruise? Remember when he was a hero? Remember that time when he and Nicole saved some family whose boat had sank out in the ocean? Or when he helped save a boy who was getting trampled by the throng of crazy fans at some premier? Rememebr when he was riding high from what many considered a career defining role in Magnolia?

Boy, are those days long gone.

But I do think that the media really perpetuated his "crazy-man" persona by baiting him with Scientology/psycho-therapy themed interviews. I'm not saying he should be let off the hook, god no. But I think the whole Scientology/Katie Holmes thing got really blown out of proportion and just fueled its own fire.

I'll bet this whole Cruise/Speilberg spat is just and after effect of all that. Probably no truth to it, or at least not much. Speilberg has been working in Hollywood a long time, he's delt with plenty of crazy guys.

[jeo4]

Lunatic and Tuuka - I agree. And for the record, I adore SCHINDLER'S LIST. Of course, I still think JURASSIC PARK kicks ass. I think we are on the same page regardless of ratings there.

Badbird - I think for the most part, you're right, but he's a total nut job now. Yeah, the press baits him when they can, but he really went out of his way to look this bad. His interviews with Oprah Winfrey and Matt Lauer are evidence that he lives up to his new reputation.