Tom Cruise Silences Critics of Controversial New Film

Tom Cruise is finally responding to criticism over his controversial role as a German colonel in the movie "Valkyrie."

Tom told a German magazine, "All I can say is, save your comments until you see the movie."

Tom has come under fire from German politicians and fans who disapprove of Tom playing one of their country's greatest heroes. There has been speculation that part of the controversy stemmed from Tom's belief in Scientology, which is reportedly considered a cult in Germany.

But Tom insists that the focus should not be on him.

"I want to think positive and concentrate on the film," he said. "I carry a great responsibility to the Germans, for whom a man like Stauffenberg means so much."

Tom plays German Col. Claus Graf Schenk von Stauffenberg, the man who led a failed attempt to assassinate Hitler during WWII. He was later executed for the plot.

He added, "And I feel this responsibility to the man himself. The more I learn about him, the greater my respect and my admiration of him."

Cruise also told the magazine that he took the role partly because of his physical similarities to Stauffenberg.