The Scientology Interview [John from WuzzaDem]

From AP:

Tom Cruise says girlfriend Katie Holmes "digs" the Church of Scientology. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Cruise says the 26-year-old "Batman Begins" actress is curious about Scientology, founded by L. Ron Hubbard.

He also confirmed there was a Scientology massage tent on the set of his upcoming film, "War of the Worlds."

"I also had a cappuccino tent on that set. And I made sure the crews were fed well, too. And if someone wanted an assist from a (Scientology) volunteer, it was there for them," he says. "People are curious about it - they're always asking me about it, they want to know what Scientology is."

I've heard the comparisons of Scientology to "cults," complete with lurid tales of kidnapping and brainwashing, but I'm sure a lot of this is part exaggeration, and part sensationalism.

I wanted to find out what kind of impression the crew members on the set of Cruise's film got when they spoke to these Scientology "volunteers." I managed to find one who would talk to me. Of course, he insisted on anonymity, so his name has been changed. I spoke with "Glen" in his home yesterday.

John
So what was it like working with Tom Cruise?

Glen
It was great. He's a very cool guy. No airs, he treats everybody the same. Definitely not your typical "big star," if you know what I mean.

John
Now, I understand you spoke to one of the Scientology volunteers who was on the set. How did they explain the basic philosophy behind the religion? Glen? Are you OK?

Glen
Yes. I am fine.

John
You just look a little...dazed, and your eyes are all glassy.

Glen
Scientology has changed my life. I have never been more happy or aware of myself and my surroundings. Here is a pamphlet. It will change your life.

John
Thanks. I want to ask you about...

Glen
Why don't we read from Dianetics together - it will change your life.

John
Not right now, I really...

Glen
Here, you can have my copy. You must come to the meeting Saturday night. It will change your life.

John
I appreciate the offer, but I'm busy Saturday night...

Glen
Then we will have the meeting on Sunday. You really must come.

John
Thanks, but I really don't want a copy. Listen, are you sure you're all right? You're acting a little, I don't know...weird.

Glen
No, no, I am fine. I am just really excited about Scientology. Look how excited I am.

[Starts jumping up and down on the couch, pumping his fist in the air]

John
Hey, be careful, man!

Glen
WHOOO! I am psyched! I have never felt like this before in my life! I can't wait to achieve Clear!

John
Look out!

[Glen falls off the couch, hits his head on the coffee table and falls to the floor, unconcious]

John
Hey, are you OK? Glen?

Glen [Slowly opens his eyes]
What happened?

John
You don't remember?

Glen [Gets up and sits back on the couch]
No, the last thing I remember is you asking me about Tom Cruise. I must have blacked out or something.

John
Do you want me to call a doctor?

Glen
No, I'm OK now, but I really don't feel up to answering any more questions. I've got a pounding headache.

John
That's perfectly understandable. Maybe we can talk about Scientology some other time.

[Glen's body stiffens, his eyes glaze over as he stares straigh ahead]

Glen
No, I would like to talk to you about Scientology. Here is a copy of Dianetics. It will change your life.

John
You're kidding. What about your headache?

Glen
It is psychosomatic. I much achieve Clear, then I will not experience headaches.

John
Yeah...well, I, uh, I'm actually late for an appointment, so I have to go.

Glen
You should come to the meeting Saturday. It will change your life.

John [Walking out the door]
Yeah, whatever, see you later.

Glen
Wait! Take this pamphlet! It will change your life!!

[Posted by John from WuzzaDem.com]

Update: Sobek lands an interview with Cruise himself, and gets into a bit of a sculffle with a few other interesting characters. Funny stuff, man.

[On his personal computer]

[As opposed to his Cray supercomputer]

posted by Ace at 03:40 PM

| Access Comments