Mission: Impossible (1996), directed by Brian De Palma, is the first installment in what would become one of the most successful action film franchises in cinema history. Starring Tom Cruise as the iconic secret agent Ethan Hunt, the film offers a thrilling blend of espionage, betrayal, and high-octane stunts, establishing a foundation for a series that has continued to evolve over the decades. As a reboot of the 1960s television show of the same name, the film pays homage to its source material while also charting a new course, defined by its intense action sequences, intricate plotting, and Cruise’s charismatic performance.
The film opens with a covert operation led by Jim Phelps (Jon Voight), who is the head of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF). The mission is to retrieve a list of CIA operatives, but things quickly go awry. Members of Phelps’ team are killed, and it appears that someone within the IMF has betrayed the mission. Ethan Hunt, one of the only survivors, is soon framed for the botched operation and for being a mole within the agency. From here, the film becomes a race against time as Hunt attempts to clear his name while uncovering the true culprit behind the conspiracy.
One of the standout features of Mission: Impossible is its intricate plot. The film’s story is woven with multiple twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing throughout. It blends the classic elements of a spy thriller—deception, covert operations, and double-crosses—with a modern, fast-paced sensibility. Some viewers might find the plot overly complex or difficult to follow at times, but this is in line with the genre’s tradition of layered storytelling. Espionage films are known for demanding attention to detail, and Mission: Impossible is no exception. For those willing to keep up, the payoff is rewarding, particularly as the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place.
Brian De Palma’s direction is another significant aspect that distinguishes this film from its successors. Known for his work in psychological thrillers like Carrie (1976) and Scarface (1983), De Palma brings a palpable sense of tension and paranoia to Mission: Impossible. The director plays with perspective, often using tight framing and off-kilter camera angles to emphasize the feeling that nothing is as it seems. De Palma’s signature style, including the use of split diopter shots and slow, deliberate camera movements, injects a sense of unease into the film, complementing the intricate plotting with a visual language that suggests danger lurking around every corner.
The film’s set pieces, particularly the now-iconic heist scene in which Hunt infiltrates CIA headquarters, are masterfully executed. This sequence, where Hunt must avoid even the slightest sound, heat, or pressure while suspended from the ceiling, has become one of the most memorable moments in action cinema. It encapsulates the tension and precision that Mission: Impossible thrives on—one misstep and everything could come crashing down. This scene showcases the film’s commitment to practical effects and real stunts, with Tom Cruise performing many of his own, a hallmark that has continued throughout the franchise.
Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Ethan Hunt is central to the film’s success. Cruise’s physicality and intensity as an actor make him a natural fit for the role of Hunt, a character defined by his quick thinking, resourcefulness, and relentless drive. Unlike other action heroes of the time, Hunt is not a one-man army; he relies on his wits as much as his physical prowess. Cruise brings a vulnerability to the role that makes Hunt more relatable than the typical action protagonist. While he is capable of extraordinary feats, he is also fallible, making mistakes and experiencing real fear and doubt. This combination of strength and vulnerability makes Ethan Hunt a compelling character and set the standard for future action heroes.
The supporting cast is equally strong, though some characters are underutilized. Jon Voight as Jim Phelps provides a gravitas that anchors the film, though fans of the original television series were surprised by the character’s turn. His eventual betrayal is a significant departure from the series, where Phelps was a heroic figure, and this twist was controversial among long-time fans. However, from a cinematic perspective, Voight delivers a compelling performance as the duplicitous mentor figure, and his scenes with Cruise crackle with tension. Emmanuelle Béart, who plays Claire Phelps, Jim’s wife, is enigmatic and captivating, though her character is somewhat underdeveloped. Ving Rhames, as the skilled hacker Luther Stickell, is a standout in the supporting cast, providing both technical expertise and a grounded presence in the midst of the high-stakes chaos.
The film’s pacing is brisk, with the tension never letting up for long. The narrative hurtles forward from one location to another, taking the audience from Prague to London to Langley, Virginia, and finally to the climactic sequence aboard a high-speed train in the Channel Tunnel. This sequence, involving a helicopter chasing the train through the tunnel, is a testament to the film’s ambitious action design. Though some of the special effects in this scene haven’t aged particularly well, especially compared to the practical stunts seen earlier in the film, it still delivers a pulse-pounding conclusion to the story.
One aspect of Mission: Impossible that stands out, especially when viewed through the lens of its sequels, is its relative restraint in terms of action. While later entries in the franchise would lean heavily into over-the-top, large-scale set pieces, the first film is more focused on suspense and intrigue. The action scenes, while thrilling, are smaller in scope and more grounded. This gives the film a distinct identity within the franchise, and it feels more like a tense espionage thriller than the pure action-adventure spectacle the series would later become. This more restrained approach allows for greater character development and narrative complexity, even if it occasionally comes at the cost of sheer spectacle.
The film’s score, composed by Danny Elfman, is another highlight. Elfman’s music perfectly complements the film’s tone, enhancing the tension and excitement of the action sequences. The iconic Mission: Impossible theme, originally composed by Lalo Schifrin for the television series, is skillfully incorporated into the score, giving the film a connection to its roots while also updating it for a modern audience. The pulsating rhythm of the theme has become synonymous with the franchise, and Elfman’s arrangement is one of the best uses of it in the series.
Despite its many strengths, Mission: Impossible is not without its flaws. The film’s emphasis on plot twists and deception can sometimes make it feel overly convoluted, especially on a first viewing. Certain aspects of the plot, particularly the motivations of some characters, remain unclear or underexplored. Claire’s character, for example, is not given enough depth, and her relationship with both Jim and Ethan is left somewhat ambiguous. Additionally, while the film’s climax aboard the train is undeniably exciting, it does stretch the bounds of plausibility, particularly with the helicopter flying inside the tunnel—a sequence that feels more at home in a James Bond film than in the more grounded world of espionage that Mission: Impossible initially sets up.
In hindsight, it’s clear that Mission: Impossible laid the groundwork for one of the most successful action franchises of all time. While it is stylistically distinct from its sequels, especially with Brian De Palma’s unique directorial approach, it establishes key elements that would define the series: the emphasis on practical stunts, the recurring theme of betrayal within the IMF, and the central character of Ethan Hunt as a resourceful, morally-driven agent willing to go to any lengths to complete his mission. The film also set the tone for the franchise’s willingness to reinvent itself with each new entry, bringing in different directors and allowing for a variety of stylistic approaches while maintaining a cohesive narrative thread.
Ultimately, Mission: Impossible (1996) remains a highly entertaining and influential film within the action genre. It combines the cerebral plotting of a spy thriller with the adrenaline-pumping excitement of an action blockbuster, striking a balance that few films manage to achieve. Though some elements of the story and special effects feel dated today, the film’s central heist sequence, Tom Cruise’s star-making turn as Ethan Hunt, and Brian De Palma’s deft direction ensure that it remains a classic of 1990s cinema. More than 25 years after its release, the film still holds up as a taut, engaging thriller that set the stage for a franchise that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
