Tom Cruise is in the UAE today for the world premiere of his eagerly awaited new movie Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol at the Dubai International Film Festival, and Ahlan! Live's Editor Sarah Hedley Hymers has his very first words, straight from the press conference at the world's tallest building Burj Khalifa, where Tom Cruise shot those amazing stunts for the fourth installment of the Mission: Impossible film franchise, which he also co-produced.
So, what was it like hanging out of the tallest building in the world? Over to Tom Cruise to take us through it: “It was difficult to work out how not to come at the building head first. The first couple of times I just kept slamming into the building,” Tom reveals.
“I am not afraid of heights - I'm afraid of falling! There was just one thing that I had in my mind: I hope I don’t fall,” laughs Tom.
Of course, a lot of preparation went into making sure that he didn't do just that. “I trained for months, and I had the team build sections [of Burj Khalifa], which I climbed up and down for hours. I had the temperature of the building tested to see if it was going to burn my skin at all. The real difficulty was how do I get the shot for Brad [Brad Bird, MI4 director]? His shots are so beautiful, so that was the really hard part, to keep it cinematic and elegant. If I turned too quickly I went headfirst into the building. I knew people were worried, but I know how good my team is and I knew was safe."
Tom may be able to handle his terrifying, death-defying stunts, but how does Tom's wife, actress Katie Holmes, and daughter Suri handle him hanging out of buildings?
“Katie knows I like climbing and hiking and riding motorcycles. She is so supportive and helpful. I couldn’t do what I do without her,” adsmits Tom, before Brad Bird interjects.
“Katie and Suri came in when we were filming Tom falling from the building. They were there for two takes and then Katie was like, ‘OK, we’re done - we’re going shopping now'," laughs Brad, adding, "It is too upsetting. It really is nerve-racking to watch.”
Nerve-wracking or not, the UAE is already in the edge of its seat with anticipation waiting to see this hotly anticipated blockbuster! Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol has its world premiere in Dubai tonight, and Tom Cruise - known for spending a long time on the red carpet with fans - will be there from 5pm, according to our moles!
INFO: Tonight's premiere screening of Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol will take place at 8pm at Madinat Jumeirah - it's invitation only, but fans are welcome to register for a place in the fan enclosures. Visit www.dubaifilmfest.com.
