Almost 30 years have passed since Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt infiltrated the CIA in Mission Impossible, launching what would evolve into the most successful action movie franchise in Hollywood. That legendary heist, regarded as the standout moment in the original Mission – Impossible film, may very well remain the finest set piece throughout the entire series.
The unexpected villain twist of Jim Phelps in Mission – Impossible stands out as one of the best in the series, which has consistently showcased outstanding villains. It remains a surprise unless you’re familiar with the twist, and it cleverly honors the original Mission – Impossible TV show with the memorable mask trick towards the film’s end.
The 1996 film Mission – Impossible not only remains relevant today, but it also demonstrates how it established the foundational template for spy films, which was subsequently adapted in later sequels to develop the action-packed blockbuster series we know now. Watching the movie again is an incredible experience as you return to it’s origins, yet many aspects are surprisingly fresh even today.
1) It’s Nostalgic Visuals & Style Transport Viewers Back To That Iconic Decade, Making It A Memorable Experience
The opening credit sequences in the Mission – Impossible series are grand compilations of scenes from the films, all set to the famous Mission – Impossible theme song. Each movie presents it’s own take on the theme, tailored to it’s specific tone, but among all the versions, Danny Elfman’s interpretation aligns most closely with Lalo Schifrin’s original score, and the montage that accompanies it is a perfect match.
In Mission – Impossible, the opening montage showcases inverse colors, quick cuts, and frenzied zooms, along with alternating glimpses of the movie’s title, all of which contribute to a distinctly ’90s aesthetic that stands in stark contrast to the franchise’s subsequent look.
This montage was crafted at a time when spy movies were at their peak in the ’90s, and the shots are deliberately chosen to evoke suspense rather than pure thrill or excitement.
2) There Is A Notable Difference In Tone When Compared To The Other Entries In The Franchise
Brian De Palma’s direction infuses Mission – Impossible with the essence of an espionage thriller, contrasting sharply with the action blockbuster label that fits it’s sequels more accurately. While the tension of a ticking clock is a recurring element in each installment, the original film’s approach to suspense as a key narrative tool has not been replicated in the franchise, despite escalating stakes in subsequent films.
Mission – Impossible stands out as one of the finest spy films of the 1990s, and it continues to excel in generating and maintaining dramatic tension through unexpected plot twists and carefully crafted sequences, all skillfully orchestrated by De Palma’s expert direction. While the film showcases impressive visuals, it maintains a grounded tone that sets it apart from it’s contemporaries.
3) The Langley Break-In Remains Relevant Even After Nearly 30 Years
It’s easy to assume that older setpieces in a franchise focused on surpassing it’s predecessors might lack appeal, yet this is precisely what cements De Palma’s Mission – Impossible as a classic.
Even with almost thirty years separating it from the wing walking stunt in the latest film, the Langley break-in remains one of the standout set pieces in the entire franchise. The wire stunt scene from Mission – Impossible, which Tom Cruise improvised, showcases just how fitting he was for the role of Ethan.
He not only executes his own stunts, which have grown increasingly daring over the years, but he also consistently conveys emotion even in these physically challenging moments. His acting elevates the tension of the scene.
4) If You Have No Prior Knowledge, The Demise of Ethan Hunt’s Team Is Incredibly Shocking
One of the standout features of the Mission – Impossible franchise as a blockbuster series is it’s approach to death. Unlike franchises such as Fast and Furious, which are often mocked for their frequent resurrection of deceased characters, Mission – Impossible refrains from illogical revivals.
Although this may result in some characters deserving more screen time, it ultimately enhances the significance of their deaths. In the newer films, the death scenes possess a refined quality that enhances the overall atmosphere without resorting to excessive gore.
In contrast, the first movie is marked by it’s intense violence; not only are the deaths graphic, but the unexpected demise of Ethan’s teammates at the film’s outset adds a shocking twist. This clever setup effectively builds narrative tension.
5) Watch Tom Cruise As He Captivates Audiences With His Skillful Manipulation & Charm
We are all aware of Tom Cruise’s incredible physical abilities, showcased through his astonishing stunt performances throughout the years, such as scaling the Burj Khalifa and dangling from a helicopter.
However, his dedication to avoiding post-production effects to captivate audiences extends far beyond merely putting his life on the line for authentic action sequences. The Mission – Impossible series highlights the most remarkable example of this approach.
In Mission – Impossible, Ethan Hunt employs sleight-of-hand magic to swap disks and keep his adversaries off balance, a skill that the actor mastered specifically for the film. While the last two installments of the franchise nod to Hunt’s talent for sleight-of-hand, this particular trick remains the most remarkable.
6) The Significant, Overlooked Age Gap Between Jim and Claire
Watching Mission – Impossible again brings to light a tough reality. The film is deeply rooted in 1990s trends that are rightly less common in today’s industry. However, in the subsequent films, female characters enjoy more agency, and the actresses are not merely objectified as eye candy, unlike Emmanuelle Béart.
Additionally, Claire, portrayed by her, is wed to Jim, played by Jon Voight. The 25-year age difference between the actors introduces an unsettling aspect to the film.
Ironically, this has not led to any improvement in standards, as it has sparked a trend within the Mission – Impossible series. With each installment, the age gap between Cruise and his female co-stars has continued to widen.
7) In The Exciting Conclusion of Mission Impossible, You’ll See David Schneider Driving The Train
The Mission – Impossible franchise wasted Jeremy Renner, relegating his character to a mere cameo in Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation.
However, there are some truly effective cameos in the series, like Anil Kapoor’s appearance in Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol, where he portrays an Indian telecom entrepreneur, bringing a delightful touch of humor to the movie’s climax.
In contrast to the later films in the Mission – Impossible series, which incorporate more deliberate humor, the original movie features a much drier comedic tone.
It’s quite surprising to discover that the train driver, who witnesses Ethan leaping from an exploding helicopter, is none other than British comedian David Schneider. His expressions of sheer astonishment are flawless, and this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo serves as a fantastic Easter egg!
8) The Scene In Which Ethan Learns of Claire’s Survival Is Filled With Discomfort
As soon as we are introduced to Claire, right after the interrogation scene, it is obvious that Emmanuelle Béart is being framed as eye candy, even in her unconscious state.
The camera angles are consistent with De Palma’s reputation for crafting sleazy thrillers, but the discomfort grows much more pronounced later, particularly when Ethan encounters Claire after the tragic deaths of his whole team.
Ethan is tasked with searching for Claire in this scene, but the intense chemistry between the actors, combined with creative framing of Béart, introduces a disquieting tone. The look on Béart’s face and her flailing body might provoke thoughts of assault rather than a simple search. The music playing in the background does little to alleviate this tension.