Magnolia

Cruise plays Frank Mackey, in this drama directed by Paul Thomas Anderson about the estranged son of Earl Partridge, a television producer who, stricken by cancer, lies on his deathbed. His young wife, Linda, is desolate with grief and guilt, and has trouble coping with her impending loss. His nurse, Phil Parma, seeks to fulfill his employer’s dying wish and reunite him with Frank. Co-starring Jason Robards, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman and John C. Reilly. Anderson:

Tom? He is God, man! He’s one of the most special people. He’s great; I swear he’s a director’s dream. So composed, so ready for work, so passionate and so creative. I can’t say enough good stuff about the guy.