Synopsis

IMF agent Ethan Hunt is assigned to recover Chimera, a genetically engineered virus, and prevent rogue operative Sean Ambrose from releasing it. Hunt recruits skilled thief Nyah Hall to infiltrate Ambrose's operation, but their personal history complicates the mission. As the crisis spreads across Australia and Spain, Hunt must balance global security, loyalty, and the life of the woman he loves.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film opened in the United States on May 24, 2000. It became the highest-grossing entry in the series until the release of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol in 2011.

• The opening rock-climbing sequence was filmed at Dead Horse Point in Utah. Tom Cruise performed much of the climbing while attached to safety cables, which were digitally removed. Ron Kauk served as the climbing double, while Keith Campbell performed the most dangerous overhang stunt.

• Several major action sequences had been conceived before the story was fully developed. Screenwriter Robert Towne later described the production as a complicated process in which the set pieces helped shape the narrative.

• Production was delayed by screenplay and budget problems. Cruise also briefly stepped away from the project to handle publicity for Eyes Wide Shut.

• The climactic knife fight used a real blade rather than a rubber or computer-generated prop. The knife was carefully controlled so that it stopped extremely close to Cruise's eye.

• Limp Bizkit's "Take a Look Around" reworked Lalo Schifrin's familiar Mission: Impossible theme for the soundtrack. The album also featured Hans Zimmer's orchestral score and songs by Metallica, Foo Fighters, Rob Zombie, Tori Amos, and Chris Cornell.

• The film's elaborate slow motion, snap zooms, doves, motorcycle stunts, and operatic action staging made it one of the most recognizable examples of early-2000s blockbuster style.