The never-ending saga of Tom Cruise: wacko!

[IrishEyes]

Check out this link: http://www.apnews.myway.com//article/20050625/D8AUC3V80.html

What a nutcase!!!

 

[Buena Girl]

What does it say? I am not sure why, but I can''t seem to get to the site with the article.

 

[ame]

OMG I read about that. He is a friggin nut.

 

[Buena Girl]

How did you get it? I even tried handtyping the link and all I get is "page cannot be displayed".

 

[AChiOAlumna]

I heard about this (don''t worry BG..I couldn''t read it either) from a friend...we''re talking about his interview this morning, right??

Personally, I think TC is going on a manic or hypomanic episode or something....hoenstly!!! I watched the rerun of Oprah (I missed it the first time) yesterday...I honestly believe he''s the one who needs the meds!! Anyone have some Abilify laying around??

 

[IrishEyes]

Sorry guys, try this: http://apnews.myway.com//article/20050625/D8AUC3V80.html

I think I have to take the www out!

 

[Demelza]

This guy is so unbelievably arrogant. First of all, I seriously doubt that he's read any research on depression or ADD that isn't Scientology propaganda. Second, he lacks any kind of ethos. He's an actor, not a scientist or academician. He never answers questions with any kind of eloquence or clarity. He should at least have some kind of mental script in his head to prepare him for such questions so he doesn't come off sounding like some uneducated blow-hard. Ugh. Before he started spouting off about serious issues about which he knows nothing, I had almost no opinion of him. Now I can't stand him.

 

[Demelza]

okay, I just read the transcript on msn.com and I''m even more angry than I was before. At least Matt Lauer pressed him on it. Too bad he didn''t challenge him even further. Can Tom Cruise even finish a sentence? He''s only intermittently coherent. This guy is really a nutcase. He sure could use a few years with a good psychotherapist. Wonder what they would find out is underneath his disdain for the profession.

 

[AGBF]

I do not follow the lives of most celebrities, in part because I do not even know who they are. I do not watch television and I rarely see a movie. (My daughter has brought rap music within my cultural orbit, but that I try to block out of consciousness!)

Often I learn about a celebrity's existence just because I read Pricescope. I do know who Tom Cruise is, however. I remember Dustin Hoffman praising his acting in "Rainman", saying that Tom carried the film although his part had been far less flamboyant than Hoffman's.

I guess my question about all this brouhaha is: why is it so difficult for the public to understand mental illness? Tom Cruise's mental illness. Famous people are mortal. We know they get sick and die. When one publicly displays symptoms of mental illness why does it anger us? If he had an observing ego and could see how he looks to others, it would embarass him, but (luckily for him) he does not. Crazy people act crazy. Why do we want to go over it all again and again?

Just my two cents. I'll keep reading if you all keep posting. I was just pondering why we all follow this so closely (me, too, now that I am aware of it).

Deb

 

[glaucomflecken]

Every time I turn on the TV, pick up a magazine, there is some story about some celebrity the media has chosen to immortalize. But usually its fluff, oooh Brad Pitt and Angelina's secret romance, check out britney's dog's new million dollar collar, stupid stuff. Celebrity culture has become an obsession to an extent, some people are fascinated with the money, fame, what life "on that side" is like. the media tends to shove them in our faces, so you cant help but form an opinion.

but I despise celebrities who get on their soapbox and start making comments about mental illness, the state of our country, obesity, etc., as if their word is gospel because they are famous and all the rest of us should bow down and heed their words. Everyone has the right to their opinion, and the famous have more exposure to get their opinions heard by the masses, but it doesnt always mean they are right like they think they are. Like after 9/11 when celebs said "It was our fault" or "Im leaving this country (mind you the country that made them millionaires!) and going to England" or whatever.

burns me.

Tom Cruise angers me because his arrogance and rude treatment to others has gone beyond. Perhaps he is mentally ill, and cannot help it. But to take a public stab at Brooke Shields, tell Matt Lauer in so many words he is dumb, just because they dont agree with what HE says, thats wrong. He keeps saying he has read the studies and knows psychiatry and states we are drugging our kids, but can he quote these studies? give us proof? or is at all his garble from that religion he belongs to?

i have a family member who was extremely depressed as a teen and suicidal. antidepressants saved her life. Tom Cruise thinks these meds are bad? ask her parents what they think.

 

[Sunni79]

It sounds like he''s the one on drugs! He seems like a pompous butthole anyway

 

[Buena Girl]

Date: 6/25/2005 6:51:14 AM
Author: AGBF

I do not follow the lives of most celebrities, in part because I do not even know who they are. I do not watch television and I rarely see a movie. (My daughter has brought rap music within my cultural orbit, but that I try to block out of consciousness!)

Often I learn about a celebrity's existence just because I read Pricescope. I do know who Tom Cruise is, however. I remember Dustin Hoffman praising his acting in 'Rainman', saying that Tom carried the film although his part had been far less flamboyant than Hoffman's.

I guess my question about all this brouhaha is: why is it so difficult for the public to understand mental illness? Tom Cruise's mental illness. Famous people are mortal. We know they get sick and die. When one publicly displays symptoms of mental illness why does it anger us? If he had an observing ego and could see how he looks to others, it would embarass him, but (luckily for him) he does not. Crazy people act crazy. Why do we want to go over it all again and again?

Just my two cents. I'll keep reading if you all keep posting. I was just pondering why we all follow this so closely (me, too, now that I am aware of it).

Deb

In Tom Cruise's case, I think there are a lot of people out there who are afraid that others will believe his "crazy rants". I would not want a family member or friend of mine to stop taking a medicine they needed or not go to the doctor based on Tom Cruise (who is idolized and I am sure considered to be god-like by some people) saying all you need is vitamins. I think the more people that talk about Tom Cruise's "crazy" behavior, the better the chance that less of the easily influenced people will believe him.

 

[AGBF]

A couple of people in this thread have said that people might actually believe Tom Cruise about the ineffectiveness of psychotropic medication. That is, of course, possible. I still do not believe that altruism is behind the obsession with the way in which his illness is manifesting itself. We watch for each new piece of acting out. Lots of people hold opinions that, if followed by others at risk, would be dangerous. They do not fascinate us as Tom Cruise does. There appears to me to be far more voyeurism involved here.

I am not condemning voyeurism. I am trying to understand what is really so fascinating about a man who appears to be mentally ill and is spouting irrational ideas (which he firmly believes to be true) in what appears to be a state of florid psychosis. There is something fascinating about it, isn''t there? Aren''t we glued to this story while other dangerous things go on in the world?

Deb

 

[diamondsrock]

in a bizarre way, it was fascinating and at the same time infuriating to watch him on the Today show. It''s like you can''t believe someone could be that self-obsessed to actually think they know everything about a subject when in fact they are so off base it''s hard to comprehend. When he criticized Lauer and told him to be more responsible since he''s talking to a large number of people, it really got to me because someone should be saying that to him!! His information is misguided and dangerous to the public. I can only pray for anyone who actually listens to him and stops taking their meds without doctor''s permission.

 

[IrishEyes]

I agree with what diamondsrock is saying, we are watching only because we simply can''t believe that he is being so arrogant. It is true that we are possibly watching his mental illness manifest itself onscreen ( my vote is an extreme hypomanic episode!), this is perhaps true. But I suppose it''s even more infuriating to watch because he is a "star" and does hold a certain amount of influence over some people. I know it''s pathetic, but there are people out there who buy what celebs buy, do what they think celebs would do, and talk the way celebs talk. If your uncle Joe is going through a manic episode and starts spewing hoopla about antidepressants and medication being bad, talking about how you don''t know psychiatry, he does; you would most likely roll your eyes and say "ok, uncle Joe. Whatever. I think you need some meds!" and be on with your day. Because in reality, Uncle Joe doesn''t have much of an influence on anyone. But many people out there adore Tom Cruise and so they might start to believe this crap he''s putting out there, to their own demise. People are on medication for a reason. It would be real sad if someone listens to him and goes off it, with severe consequences...
I don''t mind if celebs have something to say. They are people too, and it is their right to speak their opinion. However, if you have a cause, you need to focus on that cause, not just being a celebrity who says "listen to me, I''m famous and attractive!! Donate money to __ charity! Oh yeah, and see my movie this weekend!" That is the worst! I like it when celebs are like "you don''t have to listen to what I say, you''re right, I''m just a celebrity. But here are the facts, and I''d like it if you could take some time and look at them, decide if maybe you''d like to participate in this cause" No pressure, just using their status to get a good message out and get the public to open their eyes a little more to a particular situation. BUT, it must be done in a logical and mature way!! Tom Cruise''s rantings have just made people think he is whacko, because he doesn''t sound articulate and intelligent when he''s calling his interviewer dumb and criticizing other actresses!!

Just my opinion...

 

[Demelza]

AGBF,

I appreciate your inclination to question the subtext of our collective fascination with and anger towards Tom Cruise. I've wondered about it myself. For me, the anger I feel towards Cruise is the same anger I feel towards the religious right, for example, for imposing its views of right and wrong onto the rest of us. I think it comes from a place of feeling powerless in the face of something or someone very powerful who refuses to budge or listen. It's about not being heard or seen. My problem with an ideology that purports to know what is right and wrong (such as Cruise's) is the way in which it presumes to know what is best for everyone, regardless of personal experience, science, or other valid evidence. I would have no problem if Cruise said that he doesn't believe in psychotropic medication for himself or his family, but to go on a crusade to convince the world that no one should be on meds is quite another matter. This is the same anger I feel towards Bush -- a very powerful public figure who views the world in black and white and imposes those absolute views on all people and all cultures. Okay, off of my soapbox. I guess all of this is to say that my anger arises from feeling powerless to be heard in a "dialogue" which can only be one-sided.

 

[mightyred]

It seems so fascinating because it has all come at once from someone who seemed reserved and private ....his quick engagement, jumping off sofa''s, thrusting his scientology to the forefront in most interviews now and of course his recent pot shots at Brooke Shields & the psychiatric profession.

I don''t believe it is a question of him displaying mental illness ....it is more simply that his ramblings on psychiatry is a script he sticks to from his scientology beliefs. Certainly there were aspects of the interview with Lauer where he used scientology lingo such as "ideal scene" etc.

Crushing psychiatry is one of the prime motivations for scientologists. If you have any doubt on this consider the shocking tactics they used after Sept 11. Quite disturbing.
http://www.nmha.org/newsroom/system/news.vw.cfm?do=vw&rid=341


He is an actor not a doctor and he wouldn''t expect us to take movie expertise from a PCP or any other medical health expert.

 

[mightyred]

Date: 6/25/2005 2:41:14 PM
Author: Demelza
AGBF,

I appreciate your inclination to question the subtext of our collective fascination and anger towards Tom Cruise. I''ve wondered about it myself. For me, the anger I feel towards Cruise is the same anger I feel towards the religious right, for example, for imposing its views of right and wrong onto the rest of us. I think it comes from a place of feeling powerless in the face of something or someone very powerful who refuses to budge or listen. It''s about not being heard or seen. My problem with an ideology that purports to know what is right and wrong (such as Cruise''s) is the way in which it presumes to know what is best for everyone, regardless of personal experience, science, or other valid evidence. I would have no problem if Cruise said that he doesn''t believe in psychotropic medication for himself or his family, but to go on a crusade to convince the world that no one should be on meds is quite another matter. This is the same anger I feel towards Bush -- a very powerful public figure who views the world in black and white and imposes those absolute views on all people and all cultures. Okay, off of my soapbox. I guess all of this is to say that my anger arises from feeling powerless to be heard in a ''dialogue'' which can only be one-sided.

Demelza, I agree. I have no prolem with people such as Mr Cruise taking issue with medication etc but it is really hard to listen to what in effect becomes preaching. He is being just as irresponsible as the people he criticizes.

What clinched it for me is watching him argue and get really angry but as soon as someone else (in this case Lauer) started to bite back he stopped the discussion and started to make a joke and goes back to fun,movie star Cruise.

Off my soapbox too! I just hate being preached to!

 

[tanuki]

When I see Tom Cruise's antics the words "bipolar disorder" come to mind. Or the phrase "Manic Depressive". Also "major league denial"

You can't just dismiss the entire profession of Psychiatry as some sort of charlatan plot. Conventional medicine has a few skeletons in its closet as well but that doesn't mean antibiotics don't work for pneumonia or that people with cancer can't have a better prognosis with treatment than doing nothing at all.

And people feel sorry for Brooke Shields. I can relate. I had the slightest, mildest, bout with postpartum depression - nothing compared with what she went through. I know Post Partum Depression is completely real and it's very disturbing when you are having strange thoughts pop into your head which are nothing like what you could imagine yourself ever thinking. She was very brave to come forward with what she experienced.

He's got to know better than to keep putting fuel on the fire like this - I have heard people saying they are purposely staying away from seeing his movie because of his comments.

 

[AGBF]

Date: 6/25/2005 2:41:14 PM
Author: Demelza
For me, the anger I feel towards Cruise is the same anger I feel towards the religious right, for example, for imposing its views of right and wrong onto the rest of us. I think it comes from a place of feeling powerless in the face of something or someone very powerful who refuses to budge or listen. It''s about not being heard or seen.
...
I guess all of this is to say that my anger arises from feeling powerless to be heard in a ''dialogue'' which can only be one-sided.

Thank you for the thoughtful reply, Demelza. I identify with the feeling of hopelessness in the face of hearing a powerful group cause others to believe they are right and to set the parameters for dialogue. (For example, for the Republican right to have liberals on the run for fear of being labelled anti-American.)

Perhaps I just do not see Tom Cruise as powerful. I do not see evidence that any public dialogue has been shaped by him.

I still find the topic fascinating. It reminds me of the passion displayed by people rooting for a specific sports team. Clearly an entire group of people have all displaced their anger towards others onto the team opposing their team. If their team loses, they may riot. (I started thinking about this when I had a client whose attitude at home changed depending on whether his hockey team won or lost.)

Deb

 

[Jennifer5973]

Date: 6/25/2005 7:44:33 AM
Author: PunchNPie75
Every time I turn on the TV, pick up a magazine, there is some story about some celebrity the media has chosen to immortalize. But usually its fluff, oooh Brad Pitt and Angelina''s secret romance, check out britney''s dog''s new million dollar collar, stupid stuff. Celebrity culture has become an obsession to an extent, some people are fascinated with the money, fame, what life ''on that side'' is like. the media tends to shove them in our faces, so you cant help but form an opinion.

but I despise celebrities who get on their soapbox and start making comments about mental illness, the state of our country, obesity, etc., as if their word is gospel because they are famous and all the rest of us should bow down and heed their words. Everyone has the right to their opinion, and the famous have more exposure to get their opinions heard by the masses, but it doesnt always mean they are right like they think they are. Like after 9/11 when celebs said ''It was our fault'' or ''Im leaving this country (mind you the country that made them millionaires!) and going to England'' or whatever.

burns me.

Tom Cruise angers me because his arrogance and rude treatment to others has gone beyond. Perhaps he is mentally ill, and cannot help it. But to take a public stab at Brooke Shields, tell Matt Lauer in so many words he is dumb, just because they dont agree with what HE says, thats wrong. He keeps saying he has read the studies and knows psychiatry and states we are drugging our kids, but can he quote these studies? give us proof? or is at all his garble from that religion he belongs to?

i have a family member who was extremely depressed as a teen and suicidal. antidepressants saved her life. Tom Cruise thinks these meds are bad? ask her parents what they think.

I completely agree with P&P. Well said.

 

[Demelza]

AGBF,

If you don''t mind me asking, what is your profession?

I agree that Tom Cruise is not powerful in the way that the Republican party or the president is. But his celebrity and his access to the media does grant him a certain amount of power. His rantings will probably have little to no effect on the psychiatric community or its patients (I am not particularly concerned that people will go off their meds after listening to him), but he has a forum to speak and a fan base who will listen to him. Hence my frustration watching him spout off about issues that, in many cases, are deeply personal. And I have no way to respond other than to express my frustration on a public forum such as this one. I actually had the thought that it would be great if Tom Cruise stumbled across this forum and was actually able to hear and take in people''s feelings. Wishful and delusional thinking, of course.

 

[didiamond]

I agree with everything said here about Tom Cruise spouting off at the mouth. The person I feel sorry for is Steven Spielberg. Tom is supposed to be out there promoting his movie (and Katie hers) and instead he turned it into his "out in the open" relationship with Katie Holmes. I guess with all of the attention he''s been getting from the media that he feels like he can say whatever he wants. How about discussing the movie?! That''s what all of these interviews are supposed to be for. Poor Steven Spielberg. It''s either going to help the movie or it''s going to hurt it. Lucky for Mr. Spielberg I enjoy his films and not necessarily the person with the "starring role".

 

[fire&ice]

Nicole Kidman is ADORABLE in Bewitched.

 

[AGBF]

Date: 6/26/2005 2:35:25 PM
Author: Demelza
If you don''t mind me asking, what is your profession?

I am not working "outside the home" now as I opted to be (and was lucky enough to be able to be) a stay-at-home-mom. Although not employed, I am a social worker and was once a high school history teacher. And you?

Deb

 

[AChiOAlumna]

Date: 6/25/2005 6:10:55 PM
Author: tanuki
When I see Tom Cruise''s antics the words ''bipolar disorder'' come to mind. Or the phrase ''Manic Depressive''. Also ''major league denial''

This is exactly what I referring to in my first posting in this thread when I stated it appears he''s dealing with a manic or hypomanic episode....

BTW...bipolar is the equivalent to "manic depressive" which was replaced in the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual - Version IV....

 

[Demelza]

Date: 6/26/2005 5:53:22 PM
Author: AGBF

Date: 6/26/2005 2:35:25 PM
Author: Demelza
If you don''t mind me asking, what is your profession?

I am not working ''outside the home'' now as I opted to be (and was lucky enough to be able to be) a stay-at-home-mom. Although not employed, I am a social worker and was once a high school history teacher. And you?

Deb

Just as I suspected! I got my MSW back in 2003! I''m hoping to do individual and group psychodynamic therapy in the future. I haven''t been doing anything with my degree since graduation, but hope to be able to do so when we move to Vancouver BC next week! Anyway, I just had a sneaking suspicion that you were a social worker or something similar and thought I''d ask.

 

[dazedland]

Yeah he is a complete weirdo! I don''t know what was on the tv in the background, but I heard a few minutes ago some interview or news report saying that "after he finishes filming Mission Impossible 3 in July he wants to find projects that Katie Holms can co-star in." First of all there was a Mission Impossible 2? Secondly Eyes Wide Shut was terrible and he was in it with Nicole Kidman who I think is a notch or so above Katie Holmes on the acting scale.

 

[AsscherGirl]

Wow...this morning Howard Stern played some of the interview between Tom Cruise & Matt Lauer. I cannot believe how arrogant Tom Cruise acted towards Matt Lauer. I also couldn''t believe how Matt Lauer just let Tom Cruise completely belittle him & then told him "he respects his opinion." Regardless of Tom Cruise''s thoughts on medication, ADD, depression, etc...I was most appalled at his lack of tact. He is so pompous & I hope that reporters stop interviewing him soon.

 

[AGBF]

Date: 6/26/2005 6:38:30 PM
Author: Demelza
Just as I suspected! I got my MSW back in 2003! I'm hoping to do individual and group psychodynamic therapy in the future.

I got mine in 1983...and it was already my second career! I hope you get to do everything you wish with your profession. I thoroughly enjoyed working as a social worker and hope to return to it when my daughter is a bit older. Let us know when you get a job!!!

Best,
Deb