Highbrow: Tom Cruise's Straight-to-Video Hit

Cruise in an image from what celeb-tracking Web site Gawker calls his 'Indoctrination Video.' (YouTube)
In one of the feverishly earnest videos that surfaced last week in which Tom Cruise extols the virtues of Scientology, he says something to the about the duty of that group's members to stop at car crashes because, see, only a Scientologist is capable of truly understanding the situation and providing help. In that spirit, today's Highbrow attempts to shed a little light on Cruise and his recent ramblings.
Proving the old saw that there's no such thing as bad publicity, Cruise's IMDB Star Rating (I'd link, but it's behind a pay-for-play wall) has spiked since the release of the videos last week. He's nowhere near list toppers Ellen Page ("Juno") and Johnny Depp ("Sweeney Todd"), but Cruise's Scientology vids have given the actor the kind of profile bump he sorely needed when "Lions for Lambs" was dying a slow box office death late last year. Over at HuffingtonPost.com, Rachel Sklar writes about the Cruise video's upstaging of wife Katie Holmes's first theatrical release since becoming Mrs. Tom.
Where does the buzz come down on Cruise the proselytizer? In Germany (a notoriously anti-Scientology state), one historian says Cruise's calls to action are reminiscent of Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels:
"... for Germans with an interest in history, that scene where he asks whether the Scientologists should clean up the world and everyone shouts 'yes' is inevitably reminiscent of Goebbels' notorious speech."
An animated cartoon from editorial cartoonist Ann Telnaes may be getting at the same idea. For those not inclined to watch at work, Telnaes applies the audio track of Cruise's call for world domination to a likeness of vice president Dick Cheney.
Slate's Troy Patterson -- perhaps recalling the couch-jumping, psychology slamming Cruise of yesteryear -- isn't all that surprised by the content or tone of the video. He writes:
"... the narrative line of Cruise's celebrity has been tending in this direction for a while, as has the shared arc of celebrity rubbernecking and media technology. Everyone was due for a blockbuster."
Mission accomplished.
By Liz |
January 22, 2008; 10:42 AM ET
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Posted by: Anonymous | January 22, 2008 11:11 AM
telnaes' cartoon is inspired.
Posted by: methinks | January 22, 2008 11:54 AM
by the way, kudos to the washington post for not acquiescing to the 'demands' of the cruise/holmes camp in order to get a sit down with mrs. cruise. we don't need no stinkin' press release about katie. i love it when journalists act like journalists and just say "thanks, but no thanks."
Posted by: methinks | January 22, 2008 11:58 AM
At least we know where he got his inspiration for "Magnolia". Respect the E-meter!
Posted by: yellojkt | January 22, 2008 11:58 AM
That picture scares me. He's got such a maniacal look, like any moment he'll 'litrally' (Tom's pronunciation) jump out of his skin.
Of course maniacal is a psychiatric term isn't it? And psychiatry is a pseudo science...
Posted by: jes | January 22, 2008 12:01 PM
You know, I was in a car accident last month, and Tom Cruise didn't bother stopping by....so I'm quickly loosing faith in Scientology.
His video seems comical - like a Sat. night live skit. I don't know of another religion out to get kid of it's critics the way he describes- oh, I do...but surely he's not thinking of using terroism?
Maybe that's why he reminds the Germans of Hitler? Because he wants to somehow elimiate all critics of his "religion?"
Posted by: Amelia | January 22, 2008 12:18 PM
He actually sounds a lot like Dr. Evil's descriptions of his father in the first Austin Powers movie.
How long until Suri is old enough to shave her head and hold the world hostage with her "laser."
...you know, the one stashed inside a volcano by the intergalactic emperor.
WOW!
I think Tom Cruise might really BE Dr. Evil's father!
Posted by: Pompous Magnus | January 22, 2008 12:29 PM
I was wondering, is it me or has Tom lost the ability to speak in coherent sentences?
Oh and Amelia, I agree with you. I was in a bad car accident about ten years ago and no Scientologists stopped to help me. In fact the person that did stop to help me was an off duty EMT and was a Christian!
Thats two for two so far Tom!
Posted by: VAtoLA | January 22, 2008 12:50 PM
I often stop to help at car accidents because I know first aid. I have yet to see a scientologist show up. How do I know no scientologists show up? Because I am the only freaking one stopping to help. So, you are seriously falling down on the job there Cruise boy.
Honestly, he does scare me. The eliminate all critics of his religion is pretty much the same thing Osama Bin Laden says.
Posted by: ep | January 22, 2008 1:06 PM
"I was wondering, is it me or has Tom lost the ability to speak in coherent sentences?"
Well, Scientology is based on the writings of a fairly bad pulp science fiction writer. Tom's probably speaking the hackneyed words of L. Ron Hubbard himself.
If it had been founded by Asimov or Bradbury or Clarke, he might have had some better material to work with.
Posted by: byoolin | January 22, 2008 1:14 PM
Oh that cartoon was priceless!!
I was the first on the scene of an accident once & gave help...wait...does that make ME a $cientologist?!?!
**checksforthetans**
Good, no thetans....wait....does that mean I'm clear then?!?!?
AAAUUUUGGGHHHH!!!!GIMME A PROZAC & DR. DREW STAT!!!
Posted by: Bored @home | January 22, 2008 1:26 PM
I am a Scientologist and I bring the truth, because we are the only ones who know the truth, to everything I do each day. I am OST 6 and on my way to being clear.
Amelia Wrote:
"You know, I was in a car accident last month...."
Outpoint. Lie.
VAtoLA Wrote:
"I was in a bad car accident about ten years ago. "
You're lying. I know you're lying and I'm not going to ask permission to help car accident victims, because, as a Scientologist, we are the authorities on all things.
Posted by: Scientology Sam | January 22, 2008 1:33 PM
last time I checked, "freedom of religion" is 'still' in the constitution. back off the Cruiser, just back off!
Posted by: new watcher | January 22, 2008 1:44 PM
I want a "SP" ironic t-shirt.
Posted by: RiverCityRoller | January 22, 2008 1:52 PM
Look, no one is saying he can't practice his religion, we're just making fun of it. Very different.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 22, 2008 1:53 PM
Anon Wrote:
"Look, no one is saying he can't practice his religion, we're just making fun of it. Very different."
Perhaps you are ready for your first cognition. It appears you are letting you engrams get in the way of achieving the next level. Let Scientology show you the way.
Posted by: Scientology Sam | January 22, 2008 1:57 PM
"Look, no one is saying he can't practice his religion, we're just making fun of it. Very different."
Exaclty. If scientology wants to be taken seriously, get a spokesman who isn't fond of jumping on couches and laughing hysterically at nothing.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 22, 2008 2:06 PM
"last time I checked, "freedom of religion" is 'still' in the constitution. back off the Cruiser, just back off!"
Last time I checked, freedom of speech was still in the Constitution, too. Ergo, I am free to state that Tom Cruise is nuttier than a PB&J sandwich.
Posted by: ASinMoCo | January 22, 2008 2:14 PM
Nuttier'n a PB&J made with CHUNKY. And the all-natural kind, too, no additives diluting the nuttiness.
Posted by: h3 | January 22, 2008 2:28 PM
John Travolta is pretty high-up in the Scientology-sphere, and we don't see him making a complete jackass of himself. I suppose Scientology doesn't help with common sense.
Posted by: jelo | January 22, 2008 2:32 PM
Laugh all you want. Tom Cruise is the only one among us who has master tech enough to get beyond his engrams.
Tom Cruise sheds body thetans with the pedal to the metal to the finish line.
When he officially reached OT VIII aboard the Freewinder, man, that must have been a beautiful ceremony.
Truly, he deserved to win his award for Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Excellence!
Posted by: Scientology Sam | January 22, 2008 3:00 PM
I guess I'm sort of old fashioned. Religions, to me, are supposed to generate great architecture, art, literature and stirring music.
If so, I guess Scientology's Mozart is Chick Corea. It's Bhagavad Gita is Battlefield Earth. If I were marching through the streets protesting some human rights violation of some sort, as a Scientologist, would I be left to sing a Beck tune while others around me sing "We Shall Overcome"?
Even their holidays are lacking. Feb 22 is celebrated as 'Celebrity Day'? That is just not comparable to either All Saints or All Sinners Day.
Somehow, the Islamic feast of Laylat al-Qadr, which celebrates the revelation of the Qu'ran to the Prophet, seems a bit more sublime than May 9, the Anniversary of the day "Dianetics" hit the bookstore shelves.
But then again, really, I'm a bit old fashioned about these sorts of things...
Posted by: MoCoSnarky | January 22, 2008 3:07 PM
I guess we've found the proponent of "psychology." ...which, by the way, is a falsehood.
Scientology cures more drug addicts than "psychology" and is the true path to happiness and self awareness.
Posted by: Scientology Sam | January 22, 2008 3:22 PM
Someone here needs a proponent of Psychology...
Posted by: sunnydaze | January 22, 2008 3:57 PM
Yes, I'm still bitter about no Scientologists showing up at my car accident...and I'm also bitter that Scientology Sam said I was lying about the car accident (as proven by no scientologist showing up). I
Thus, if the Scientologists win in their attempt to banish all critics, (therefore meaning that I was in fact not in an accident)does that mean I don't have to pay the ticket? Does Tom Cruise pay the ticket??
Posted by: Amelia | January 22, 2008 4:05 PM
'Truly, he deserved to win his award for Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Excellence!'
Can someone please tell me what the h*ll this is? I've heard of people receiving awards for Excellence in the Field of _____. But what exactly is the field of excellence? Is that the field of wildflowers planted for Tom & Nicole? Who determines what is excellent and what is merely ordinary?
Posted by: jes | January 22, 2008 4:13 PM
LRH, jes, LRH.
Amelia: We do not wish to banish critics. Do you often sing or whistle just for fun? Did you answer? Congratulations! That's the first step towards your first cognition. Soon you will be an authority.
Posted by: Scientology Sam | January 22, 2008 4:18 PM
Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Excellence is from the Simpsons
Posted by: a nondescript bystander | January 22, 2008 4:22 PM
Scientology Sam-
So you've laid off all your lawyers who hound any journalist or entertainer who dares write something bad about your religion/cult/pyramid scheme? Knew their must have been a reason for the sudden climb in unemployment that wasn't obvious.
Posted by: bluemeanies | January 22, 2008 4:31 PM
Why would I be lying about a car accident? Scientology Sam, you are one silly person! (sarcastic tone)
Posted by: VAtoLA | January 22, 2008 4:39 PM
Whoa there Tommy... slow down, bro. Sounds like you've been talking a bit too much with yourself there... either that or those folks around you are too afraid of, uh... well, giving it to you straight.
What I'm tryin' to tell you son is, well, you're sounding a little whacky. Been kind of loosing it there for awhile... Matter of fact, you're starting to behave in a manner not unlike some of those snake handling, flat-earth, tent revivalist(albeit with a cosmic twist), The Huck is counting on to help him change the constitution... kind of intense.
Seems like maybe you're world has become a bit too unreal for you and you're attempting to fill it up with some substance. Might ought to be doing this a little bit less public. Allows you to keep your credibility. You know?
Posted by: Bill | January 22, 2008 4:41 PM
I can't tell if all of this I'm hearing is the Wall of Fire, 1.9 on the tone scale or even -4 on the tone scale.
You all sound abberated, but fear not! The Bridge to Total Freedom shall lead you away from engrams induced by a noisy, unnatural birth.
Posted by: Scientology Sam | January 22, 2008 4:48 PM
Stop the presses! Heath Ledger found dead in NYC!
Posted by: KBL | January 22, 2008 4:55 PM
Yeah I just saw the headline on MSNBC about Heath Ledger! I can't believe it!!!
Posted by: PGM | January 22, 2008 4:58 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22788914/?GT1=10755
Posted by: RIP Heath Ledger | January 22, 2008 4:59 PM
Yeah, the NY Times just moved a story indicating that Heath Ledger, 28, was found dead today in his Manhattan apartment. The body was discovered by his housekeeper, and foul play is not suspected.
Posted by: niceFLguy | January 22, 2008 5:00 PM
Foul play is not suspected? 28-year olds don't usually die of "natural causes" I wonder what happened. And he left his 2-year old daughter. I am sad :(
Posted by: PGM | January 22, 2008 5:04 PM
Scientology Sam,
You're a clever one now aren't you?! OK, I'm wit'cha now...
The tone scale has been retuned and the half-steps for the magnetic spazoranctum (AKA "Wall of Fire")have been moved. Venus and the planet formerly known as "Pluto", have not aligned properly thus creating a void. This "void" is what has produced false engrams and the appearance of noisy, unatural births (which in fact was the digestion of last nights taco bell enchiladas).
NOT TO FEAR! The body thetans aboard the good ship Freewinder (formerly known as "lollipop"),have set you free! No longer will you have to strive to acheive OT VIII. So before you go to bed tonight Scientology Sam, make sure and put that tooth under your pillow and see what the fairy leaves you in the morning!
Posted by: Bill | January 22, 2008 5:05 PM
OMG I just saw that too!!! What in the heck is going on here? I don't want to wish death on anyone but why did it have to be a celebrity with actual talent?!
Posted by: DJ | January 22, 2008 5:06 PM
No foul play, but not natural causes leaves another cause of death -- the usual one for celebrities is currently suspected.
This feels like River Phoenix. No idea he had a problem, until it was too late. Prayers for the family.
P.S. Every news site has it now.
Posted by: ep | January 22, 2008 5:08 PM
Heath Ledger died! OMG.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 22, 2008 5:15 PM
It was drug related... no foul play.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 22, 2008 5:16 PM
Is Scientology Sam any relation to my curmudgeonly neighbor, Yosemite Sam?
Can cortisone ointment stop that nagging itch brought on by renegade theta waves?
Posted by: Sasquatch | January 22, 2008 5:27 PM
New watcher, I hate to sound like a lawyer, but the "freedom of religion" recognized by the Constitution has nothing to do with people making fun of propaganda-filled, crazy talk videos on a celebrity gossip blog. In contrast, it would prevent the state of California from telling Tom Cruise that he can no longer practice Scientology. I think that part of the reason that this video is so fascinating to so many people is that Scientologists have historically moved Heaven (no pun intended) and Earth to keep the church's teachings secret. But, hey, keep trying. You did somehow manage to convince the IRS that Scientology deserved tax-exempt status after years of battling it out.
Posted by: constitutional law | January 22, 2008 5:59 PM
Check out funnyordie.com for Jerry O'Connell's take on Tommy's recruitment video.
(I've mentioned before I'm too lame to link)
Posted by: jes | January 22, 2008 6:15 PM
You should rethink the implicit comparison drawn in your article between Cheney and Goebbels...the differences should be readily apparent.
Posted by: yodog | January 22, 2008 6:21 PM
That funnyordie.com video is absolutely freaking hilarious
Posted by: j | January 22, 2008 10:18 PM
SP stands for Severely Psychotic and Tom's got it bad....
Posted by: Sandra | January 23, 2008 6:20 PM
good work, keep it up
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wow!! It must be tough for him to carry the weight of the world's problems on his shoulders....