Mission Impossible (1996)

When Mission: Impossible exploded into cinemas in 1996, it marked the reinvention of a classic television series into a slick, high-octane espionage thriller for a new generation. Directed by the ever-stylish Brian De Palma and starring Tom Cruise in a career-defining role, the film delivered cerebral intrigue, double-crosses, and one of the most iconic action sequences in modern cinema history. Nearly three decades later, Mission: Impossible remains a landmark spy thriller—both as the ambitious launchpad of a long-running franchise and as a sharply executed genre film on its own.

Plot Summary

The story opens in Prague, where IMF (Impossible Missions Force) agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is part of a covert team led by veteran agent Jim Phelps (Jon Voight). The mission to recover a stolen NOC list (a document containing the identities of all covert agents) quickly spirals into chaos, with Hunt’s entire team apparently killed in a botched operation.

Soon after, Hunt finds himself accused of being a mole. On the run, he goes rogue to prove his innocence, uncover the real traitor, and retrieve the NOC list before it falls into enemy hands. To do so, he assembles a small crew of disavowed agents—including computer hacker Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and pilot Franz Krieger (Jean Reno)—to pull off a daring heist from deep within CIA headquarters.

Direction and Style

Brian De Palma brings his signature visual flair to Mission: Impossible, elevating what could have been a conventional action thriller into a stylish and cerebral spectacle. His use of canted angles, split diopter shots, and long silences—hallmarks of his work in films like Blow Out and Dressed to Kill—give the film a Hitchcockian tone that distinguishes it from other summer blockbusters of the era.

The pacing is taut, with an emphasis on tension over explosions. While the film does include a high-speed train chase and some pyrotechnics, its most memorable set piece remains the CIA vault break-in, where Hunt dangles inches above the floor in complete silence—a masterclass in suspense, choreography, and precision editing.

Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt

In his first outing as Ethan Hunt, Tom Cruise delivers a performance that blends intensity, vulnerability, and star charisma. Unlike the suave, unflappable spies of Bond films, Hunt is more of a thinking man's agent—resourceful, morally conflicted, and constantly outnumbered. Cruise also performed most of his own stunts, which added a palpable sense of danger to his performance and set the tone for the character’s evolution in later films.

Supporting Cast

The supporting cast offers a mix of intrigue and betrayal. Jon Voight, in a twisty role as Jim Phelps (a character familiar to fans of the original TV series), plays with audience expectations and delivers a slyly manipulative performance. Emmanuelle Béart is enigmatic as Claire, Phelps' wife, whose loyalties remain uncertain throughout.

Ving Rhames’ introduction as Luther Stickell is understated but memorable; his calm demeanor and dry wit became a beloved fixture of the series. Jean Reno adds a layer of menace as Krieger, a mercenary whose ethics are as murky as the shadows he works in.

Themes and Complexity

At its core, Mission: Impossible is a film about deception, illusion, and trust—or the lack thereof. It’s a world of masks (literal and metaphorical), where information is currency and alliances can shift without notice. De Palma weaves these themes expertly through the narrative, asking the viewer to constantly question what they’re seeing. The plot is notoriously convoluted on first viewing, and for some critics, this was a flaw; for others, it was part of the film’s appeal—a brainy thriller that demanded attention and rewarded repeat viewings.

Score and Atmosphere

Danny Elfman’s score is moody and suspenseful, taking Lalo Schifrin’s iconic television theme and updating it with orchestral flair. The film maintains a cold, almost sterile tone that serves its world of spies and betrayals. From the rain-slicked streets of Prague to the ultra-secure CIA headquarters, the atmosphere is consistently sharp and immersive.

Reception and Legacy

Mission: Impossible was a box office success, grossing over $450 million worldwide, and it launched what would become one of the most successful action franchises in cinema history. Critics were divided on its plot complexity, but most agreed on its technical prowess and stylish execution. It proved that a reboot could both honour its source and reimagine it for a contemporary audience.

The film also marked a turning point for Tom Cruise—not just as an actor, but as a producer. His hands-on role in shaping the franchise would become a blueprint for other stars seeking creative control over their careers.

Conclusion

The 1996 Mission: Impossible is a sleek, intelligent thriller that set the stage for one of the most enduring action franchises in modern cinema. With Brian De Palma’s suspenseful direction, Tom Cruise’s breakout performance as a modern spy, and one of the most iconic heist scenes in film history, it remains a taut and visually inventive entry in the genre.

While later Mission: Impossible films would grow more action-heavy and spectacular, this first installment stands out for its intrigue, tension, and cerebral elegance—a throwback to Cold War-era espionage with a modern twist.