``Taps,'' a coming-of-age movie starring the unknown Tom Cruise as a teenager.

A boy who goes out of control more than anyone else, his passion and sadness.

Let's rewind the story. When Cruise was first cast in "Taps," he was not given the role of the hot-blooded David, but rather a very small one, his friend. However, the actor playing David was unable to understand the character's crazy behavior and left the role after the military training camp ended. So the role of David came to Cruise. However, feeling sorry for his "comrade" who had been through the training camp with him, Cruise firmly declined the offer.

Cruise, who was persuaded by the production team to play David, was well aware of the difficulties of the role. David is a man of deep friendship and devotion, but he is also hot-headed and belligerent. After being cornered, he goes crazy and opens fire at the climax of the film, seemingly with glee. Cruise, who was burdened with the heavy responsibility of making this madness convincing, became so absorbed in the role of David that his personality changed in private life as well, and he ended up breaking up with his girlfriend at the time.

Since becoming a superstar with " Top Gun ," Cruise has acquired a Mr. Hollywood image, and has played many likeable characters, immature but hardworking and heroic. The only times he played a villainous role were in " Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles " (1994) and " Collateral " (2004). Both roles were filled with madness and charisma, but one could also see the origin of this as the hawkish soldier in "Taps."

But then again, Cruise's character in this film is still in his teens, so the ending has the sadness that you expect from a coming-of-age film.

reference:"Tom Cruise Unauthorized Biography(Published by Seishisha)

Text: Manabu Soma

After working as an information magazine editor, became a freelance writer. He writes articles and reviews for magazines such as ``SCREEN,'' ``DVD & Video Distribution,'' and ``Cinema Square,'' as well as theater pamphlets and the movie site ``Cinema Today.'' Currently appearing on Star Channel "GO! Theater". I host club events as a hobby.

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