Lights, camera, industrial action: Hollywood's on strike but the blockbusters are back

In turbulent times for the industry, this summer's slew of blockbusters will make waves that could benefit smaller films including Irish-made movies, writes Esther McCarthy

Cork actor Cillian Murphy embodies the dichotomy that is the hallmark of cinema this summer: Starring in 'Oppenheimer' but also stating his support for the biggest screen actors' and writers' strike since the 1960s. Picture: UniversalPictures.com

IN THE new Mission: Impossible movie, Tom Cruise features in stunts that are audacious even by the movie star’s daredevil standards. From an epic train crash to a scene where he rides a motorbike off a cliff, the actor has left collective audiences mesmerised at the sheer scale of what is unfolding on the big screen.

Ever since Cruise’s Ethan Hunt came perilously close to setting off an alarm system while dangling from a ceiling in an iconic scene from the first Mission: Impossible movie, he has upped the ante when it comes to making us believe our eyes.