Tom Cruise’s Controversial 1999 Drama: The Glaring Problem That Haunts Magnolia’s Cast and Crew

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Audiences are quick to change their minds about movies and actors, often favoring those who’ve recently impressed them, as any performer can attest. This is something Tom Cruise has learned well, having regained public trust through his thrilling stunts and action films, but he hasn’t always been a star in Hollywood. From his connections to the Church of Scientology to his personal life matters, Cruise has faced plenty of controversy throughout his career. However, one of the earliest scandals surrounding him started only on the big screen back in 1999.

Before he became largely associated with action roles in more recent times, Tom Cruise boasted a remarkably varied filmography that earned him numerous awards and nominations. For many devoted fans, the pinnacle of his dramatic phase is the 1999 film “Magnolia,” a complex drama where Cruise takes on a relatively uncommon supporting part. Despite “Magnolia” being widely recognized as one of the top films of the 1990s, it carries a significant, contentious issue that has continued to cast a shadow over its director (and Tom Cruise) till now.

What Is Magnolia About?

Magnolia, with its duration of 189 minutes, stands out as an extraordinary epic drama unmatched by current films. Unlike many productions based in the San Fernando Valley, it breaks away from the norm.

In the vein of PTA’s past productions, Magnolia showcases an array of distinctive characters from various backgrounds. Unlike Boogie Nights, these characters seldom intersect, each leading a life separate from the others. The narrative of Magnolia intricately connects more than a dozen lives in the San Fernando Valley. Throughout one dramatic and emotionally tumultuous day, destinies shift, conclude, shatter, and reboot. Although the risks may seem small when viewed from a broader perspective, each character navigates this idyllic world with an intensity that suggests life-or-death stakes. They struggle with love, pain, remorse, and the desire for redemption, and every one of them emerges forever transformed by these experiences.

In this storyline, you’ll encounter a man in palliative care seeking peace, a self-help mentor with deep-rooted misogyny, a trophy wife grappling with emotional turmoil, a young individual struggling with drug addiction and past familial wounds, a compassionate yet isolated police officer, a fallen ex-game show host, and a young game show competitor who mirrors several characters. Together, these diverse personalities lead to an intense climax that is both dreamlike and biblical in nature while connecting them all. The movie Magnolia delves into themes of strained family bonds, child abuse, remorse, and places a strong emphasis on the concept and occurrence of coincidence.

A Glaring Problem Haunts Magnolia’s Cast and Crew

they’ve demanded greater director autonomy. However, what these supporters may not know is that there was a period when creators, rather than executives, were in charge, and “Magnolia” beautifully illustrates why this scenario is now uncommon.

During the mid-1960s to the early 1980s, film directors assumed the primary creative role instead of studios. Significant works from this era include Arthur Penn’s “Bonnie and Clyde,” Dennis Hopper’s “Easy Rider,” and William Friedkin’s acclaimed 1973 movie, “The Exorcist.” This period emphasizing artists took a backseat by the time Paul Thomas Anderson emerged. However, his previous achievements (notably “Boogie Nights”) inspired New Line Cinema to grant him complete creative freedom.

Paul Thomas Anderson faced numerous obstacles during the early stages of making Boogie Nights. He clashed creatively with his actors, and producers had issues with his demands regarding the movie’s length and MPAA rating. However, once New Line Cinema gave him the go-ahead, he was ready to proceed. What started as a modest project intended for quick production turned into something much larger in scope. As Anderson refined his script and storyline, it evolved into the 189-minute epic drama that audiences now cherish.

It’s hard to argue against the fact that Magnolia, exceeding its original runtime, had overall beneficial effects. Had it been shorter, it might not have showcased the extraordinary, award-winning performances and memorable scenes. However, there’s a possibility that Anderson and his team pushed the boundaries too far. This extensive creative exploration had some drawbacks, and Paul Thomas Anderson himself acknowledges this. During the promotional tour for Phantom Thread, Anderson shared some insights about his most ambitious project. When asked what advice he would give himself during the making of Magnolia, Anderson replied:

“If I could go back, what’s one thing I’d tell myself while making Magnolia?”, Anderson answered:

“Chill The F*ck Out and Cut Twenty Minutes”

Anderson’s criticism, though blunt and maybe harsh for his younger self, is valid. The movie, despite having brilliant parts like the subplots of Stanley and Claudia, appears repetitive and overly long. The best aspects of Magnolia are found in its most personal and quiet scenes. If about 20 minutes were removed, the film’s original, intended small-scale feel might be restored.

Magnolia Is a Critical Darling Nonetheless

Paul Thomas Anderson is often praised by film critics. Even his works that received lower ratings, such as “Inherent Vice” from 2014 and his first directorial venture, “Hard Eight,” still have favorable reviews according to Rotten Tomatoes.

In a similar vein, it’s worth noting that Magnolia, much like his other works, has garnered significant acclaim. In fact, it ranks as his second most successful film based on ratings from a reputable movie-reviewing platform as of July 2025. On Rotten Tomatoes, Magnolia boasts a certified fresh score of 82% from critics, and an impressive 89% approval rating from fans, tying with Boogie Nights for the highest audience score he’s ever received. Critics have consistently lauded Anderson for his meticulous plot weaving, particularly in handling the numerous storylines, as well as the emotionally resonant performances, and of course, Tom Cruise’s contribution to the film.

IMDB Score Tomatometer Popcornmeter Letterboxd Score
8.0/10 82% 89% 4.2/5

Speaking about its box office performance, Magnolia surpassed expectations, even when considered alongside its prequel Boogie Nights. The movie was screened in 1,034 theaters, and New Line Cinema held tremendous hopes for it. With a production budget of $37 million, Magnolia grossed an impressive $48.5 million, earning a profit of $11.5 million. Although it didn’t achieve the massive triumph New Line Cinema anticipated, given its positive reviews, complex plot, and lengthy runtime, it’s challenging to label Magnolia anything but a triumph.

The movie, spanning an impressive 170 minutes, is often labeled as Paul Thomas Anderson’s most marketable and costly production thus far. Given where Anderson stands in his career, doubting him would be unwise. However, considering its extended running time, let’s hope that Anderson followed his advice to “relax” and removed any unnecessary elements to create the finest version of the film possible.

Anyone eagerly anticipating the film “One Battle After Another,” fans of Paul Thomas Anderson, and admirers of Tom Cruise should not miss the opportunity to rewatch this 1999 cinematic gem.

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2025-07-05 05:10