There were times when one could have mistaken Charlie Chaplin for having a voice. There was a time when acting had not been a delivery based on verbal communication but on the depth of expression. Contexts have changed over the years, and now, rather than to base entire sequences upon miming, there are instances where creators use the words of the eyes and gesture, of silence, but visuals to speak instead of dialogues. Christopher McQuarrie, as if awaiting, speaks of a similar preference of his.
The eyes are the windows to the soul, the body a vessel of empathy. To let them lie in wait until the end of a sentence might be a waste.
The most Impossible of a Mission, to tell without a word
In a recent interview following the premiere of his most recent Tom Cruise starrer, Mission: Impossible
with Josh Horowitz on Happy Sad Confused
, Christopher McQuarrie reflects on how his approach to dialogue has completely transformed since he began writing. “The substance of the movie for me… does not rest in the dialogue
“, he expresses. Initially, dialogue was the essence of his craft, but over time, he would come to recognize that true storytelling often lies beyond words.
For Top Gun
, he viewed dialogue as strictly functional—necessary to convey information succinctly for a worldwide audience, especially those relying on subtitles. Ultimately, McQuarrie believes the real substance of a film emerges not from its dialogue, but from its underlying action, emotion, and visual storytelling.
Went to see “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” in IMAX.
It begins with Tom greeting the audience and ends with a glance he throws our way. This wasn’t a film about Ethan Hunt saving the world from the threat of digital domination — it was a film about Tom Cruise, putting… pic.twitter.com/SX0icSaGGT— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) May 25, 2025
McQuarrie shares insights on the creation of Top Gun 3,
emphasizing that while cracking the story was straightforward, the real challenge lies in execution and finding the right emotional balance between characters. The mixed reception to Mission: Impossible
has also compelled the filmmaker to listen to feedback with constructive critical sentiment, recalling how Tom Cruise and he would critically reassess the film’s structure and pacing to prioritize clarity and entertainment, at the end.
Silences or serenades, a Mission: Impossible
had been anticipated by the IMF fanatics for quite some time now. And now that it is here, the sentiment of departure is more prevalent than anything else.
Mission: Impossible, The Final Reckoning
A finality that honors nearly three decades of cinematic spectacle. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
delivers a thrilling conclusion to the iconic action franchise Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt faces his most sophisticated adversary yet
, with the film pushing physical and emotional boundaries through daring set-pieces and intense action. While there are instances that may not be everyone’s cup of tea, The Final Reckoning
delivers a thrilling conclusion to the iconic action franchise, blending breathtaking stunts with a sense of finality.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING is a love letter to fans who just rewatched the entire series.
It ties the entire series together as one story rather than 8 entries.
First time I’ve cried in the series.
Plane sequence is one of cinema’s greatest stunts.
I loved it. pic.twitter.com/3HxWtsY3HY
— Jake Hamilton (@JakesTakes) May 13, 2025
The evolution of cinematic storytelling, as discussed by Christopher McQuarrie and showcased in films like Mission: Impossible
, highlights the power of action and emotion over dialogue. The final chapter of Ethan Hunt’s saga exemplifies this approach, offering audiences a visually stunning, emotionally resonant experience. Ultimately, Hollywood’s most memorable moments often arise from what is left unsaid, proving that silence and spectacle can speak volumes and leave a lasting impact on viewers around the world.
What do you think has more weightage in cinema, silence or dialogue? Let us know in the comments below!