Tom Cruise Recalls Adjusting the Ending to “Risky Business” and Spending Half a Day Shooting the Iconic Underwear Dance Scene

**Tom Cruise Reflects on Landmark Role in ‘Risky Business’ as Film Celebrates 43rd Anniversary**

As ‘Risky Business’ marks its 43rd anniversary on August 5, 2023, Tom Cruise has shared insights into the film that became a pivotal point in his acting career. In a candid discussion with Cameron Crowe for Interview Magazine, the 64-year-old actor recalled the transformative experience he had while filming this iconic 1983 comedy.

Cruise, who had recently collaborated with legendary director Francis Ford Coppola on ‘The Outsiders,’ was initially torn between furthering his career with a potential role in ‘Rumble Fish’ or taking a chance on ‘Risky Business.’ He remarked on Brickman’s vision for the film, stating, “Francis offered everybody a chance to go on and do Rumble Fish the same week I was offered Risky Business. I thought Paul Brickman was a very bright man with great taste. He knew exactly what the movie was going to be.”

The audition process for ‘Risky Business’ was quite unconventional for Cruise. In an unexpected turn of events, his agent arranged for him to meet director Paul Brickman at the office without giving him prior notice. “I went in wearing a jean jacket, my tooth was chipped, my hair was greasy,” he reminisced, describing his initial appearance. Despite his unpolished look and an Oklahoma accent, Cruise was invited to read for Brickman, marking the beginning of an unexpected yet exhilarating journey.

During this audition, Cruise found himself unsure of his performance, prompting him to try a different approach when given a second chance. Unbeknownst to him, he was auditioning alongside Rebecca De Mornay, who was already cast in the role of Lana. “They wanted to see the two of us together. I tested, and to make a short story long, we didn’t test that well. Paul just believed in me,” he said, acknowledging Brickman’s trust in his abilities.

The memorable scene where Cruise’s character, Joel Goodsen, dances in his underwear to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock & Roll” is perhaps the film’s most famous moment. Cruise credited Brickman with the concept for this iconic sequence and noted he had the song in mind from the outset. “What he did was set up the frame of the shot. He showed it to me and said, ‘Let’s really play it and use the whole house.’ We had talked earlier… if you can come up with something else, great. In the end, nothing beat Bob Seger,” he explained.

The light-hearted yet exuberant nature of the scene drew the audience in as Cruise used a candlestick as a pretend guitar while jumping on furniture. Elaborating on the spontaneous nature of the performance, he revealed, “I just started ad-libbing, using it as a guitar, jumping on the table… we shot it in half a day.” This spirited moment has since been parodied and recreated countless times, solidifying its place in cinematic history.

While the film’s celebratory moments captured audiences, it wasn’t without challenges, particularly concerning its ending. Originally, the conclusion featured a more emotional encounter at a restaurant, rather than a brighter closure outside, prompting executives to call for changes. “They felt it was too sardonic. So we made it more specific and upbeat,” Cruise explained.

Reflecting on the pressure to alter the film’s final moments, Cruise shared that Brickman initially resisted directing the new ending, expressing a desire to remain true to the original vision. “At one point, Paul said he wouldn’t direct the new ending. They were going to hire another director to direct it. Paul really fought it. We all did. We all loved the piece so much,” he said.

Ultimately, the changes reflect a compromise between the filmmakers’ creative visions and the executives’ demands. “I think we got across the same point, though. Joel knows in his heart that this woman is more important than money,” Cruise concluded. “It’s a subtle film and you walk out with what you want to walk out with. It has so many different levels.”

As fans of ‘Risky Business’ continue to celebrate its impact on both Cruise’s career and its cultural significance, the behind-the-scenes stories offer a fascinating glimpse into the making of a film that has endured the test of time. With the film’s anniversary, the reflections of Cruise serve as a reminder of how formative experiences in an actor’s career can significantly shape their artistic journey. The lasting legacy of ‘Risky Business,’ with its blend of humour, charm, and star-making moments, remains a highlight within Cruise’s impressive filmography.