The film's success also marked a turning point in the careers of its leads, Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx. Cruise's performance as a ruthless hitman cemented his status as a versatile actor capable of playing complex, nuanced characters. Foxx's portrayal of a determined taxi driver earned him widespread critical acclaim, paving the way for his future success in films like Ray (2004) and Django Unchained (2012).
The film's score, composed by Michael Mann and Hans Zimmer, also received critical acclaim. The use of electronic and jazz elements created a tense, atmospheric soundtrack that complemented the on-screen action. The score's influence can be seen in many subsequent films, with composers incorporating similar elements into their work.
The film's portrayal of a taxi driver (Jamie Foxx) and a hitman (Tom Cruise) locked in a desperate game of cat and mouse also subverted traditional genre expectations. The movie's use of an African American lead character in a major Hollywood film marked a significant step forward in terms of representation and diversity.