Summarized from an article in CinemaBlend
Paramount Pictures
Tom Cruise, a cinema lover, a theatrical experience champion, and a master at giving his fans memorable moments. He recently made a surprise appearance at London’s Royal Hall for a screening of Top Gun: Maverick. The screening included a live orchestra, and it became obvious why Cruise attended the screening.
Very few of his peers match Cruise’s commitment to the movie industry and the art of filmmaking. It's honestly inspiring that he wants audiences to enjoy feature films and understand the artistry that goes into making them. One would hope that other stars take a cue from him in that regard. This wasn’t just a typical movie promo moment, his comments showed his sincere appreciation for every element of the filmmaking process, specifically regarding the sound and score that helped shape Top Gun: Maverick.
Tom Cruise went on to trace the origins of synchronized orchestras with film, explaining how this tradition began around 1914 and became essential in enhancing the grandeur of movie palaces during the silent film era. His passion for cinema was palpable as he explained how leitmotifs—musical themes associated with characters or ideas—revolutionized movie storytelling:
“And the use of leitmotifs redefined cinematic storytelling, and large symphony orchestras became a necessity at fancy movie palaces. So it set the standard for the ultimate at that time in theatrical grandeur. The silent movie era lasted about 30 years until 1927, when the talkies came in, and orchestras now perform the score, and it's coupled to the actual picture. Now, this evolution set a new standard for the ultimate theatrical experience at that time.”
“The power of music and its use in cinema to deepen our experience of the story and our connection to the characters is absolutely magical… And the music you're about to hear live tonight, I want to personally thank the extraordinary talents of Harold Faltermeyer, Hans Zimmer, Lady Gaga, OneRepublic, and the gentleman who's here this evening who also produced the score, Lorne Balfe. I also want to thank tonight's orchestra and all of your exceptional talents.”
The artistry of movies and the wonders of the cinematic experience, a message we need to continue to remind movie-goers.
