October 17, Saturday, marked the 40th release anniversary of Martin Scorsese's film The Color of Money, starring Paul Newman and Tom Cruise in the lead roles. On the special occasion, Cruise took to social media and shared his memories of making the film and his learnings from Newman and Scorsese, two doyens of Hollywood.
"40 years since making The Color of Money. I had the privilege as a young artist, to have a general meeting with Paul Newman and separately with Martin Scorsese years before making this film, where they shared some of their wisdom on cinema. Of course, I’d seen their films, but prior to meeting them for the first time, I set up a personal study course where I would watch their films in sequence from the beginning of their careers, up until that point in time," Tom Cruise shared.
Cruise also said that he studied every film starring Newman and directed by Scorsese after landing the role in the cinematic adaptation of the eponymous novel by Walter Tevis. The superstar added, "Having studied their work, then being able to see firsthand these incredible artists, the towering legends of our field, at work on set, I was able to observe their practical application in every aspect of acting and filmmaking from their point of view."
The actor then expressed his gratitude for being able to star in the film and to Scorsese and Newman for being generous to him. "To Marty, Paul, and the enormously talented cast and crew, it was a pleasure and an honor to be part of this film with you all! I have carried this experience and knowledge with me my entire career," he noted.
The Color of Money earned four nominations at the 59th Academy Award in 1987, including a Best Actor Oscar win for Newman.
