Eugene Kittridge, played by Henry Czerny, is a pivotal character in the Mission: Impossible franchise, first introduced in the 1996 film directed by Brian De Palma. As the Director of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) in the inaugural movie, Kittridge’s character sets the stage for the intricate web of espionage and betrayal that defines the series. Created by screenwriters David Koepp and Robert Towne, Kittridge’s backstory and defining traits are deeply intertwined with the central plot of the first film and have significant implications for the franchise’s narrative arc.
Kittridge’s role is rooted in his position as the head of the IMF, where he is tasked with overseeing high-stakes missions and ensuring the security of sensitive information. However, his character is also marked by a deep-seated mistrust and a tendency to make rash judgments, which ultimately leads to his wrongful accusation of Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) as a mole within the IMF[1][5].
In the original Mission: Impossible film, Eugene Kittridge plays a central role in the storyline. The plot revolves around the IMF’s attempt to secure the Non-Official Covers (NOC) List, a document that could compromise the identities of all deep-cover agents if it falls into the wrong hands. Kittridge is convinced that Ethan Hunt is the mole responsible for the murder of his team and the theft of the NOC List. This conviction leads to Ethan being excommunicated from the IMF and forced to go on the run to clear his name.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Kittridge is not the mastermind behind the plot but rather a pawn in a larger scheme orchestrated by Jim Phelps (Jon Voight), the actual mole. Despite this, Kittridge’s actions and decisions drive much of the conflict in the film, creating a complex dynamic between him and Ethan Hunt[1][5].
Following the events of the first film, Kittridge leaves the IMF and is replaced as Director. He reemerges 27 years later in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One as the Director of the CIA, where he is involved in retrieving a crucial key related to a supercomputer. This return highlights his continued involvement in the elite levels of American intelligence and his ongoing adversarial relationship with Ethan Hunt[1][5].
Eugene Kittridge is a multifaceted character whose personality and motivations are crucial to the narrative of the Mission: Impossible series. His character is defined by a mix of ruthlessness, intelligence, and a deep-seated need for control. Kittridge’s mistrust of his agents, particularly Ethan Hunt, stems from his own insecurities and the high stakes of his job. This mistrust often leads him to make decisions that are as much driven by personal vendettas as by professional obligations[1][5].
In an interview, Henry Czerny revealed that he envisioned Kittridge’s journey over the past 25 years as one of self-improvement and learning from past mistakes. After being "schooled" by Ethan Hunt in the first film, Kittridge spent years navigating different intelligence agencies to better understand the game and avoid being outmaneuvered again[2][3].
Kittridge’s strengths lie in his strategic thinking and his ability to navigate the complex world of espionage. However, his flaws, such as his tendency to jump to conclusions and his rigid adherence to protocol, often put him at odds with Ethan Hunt and other characters who operate more fluidly in the gray areas of espionage.
Eugene Kittridge embodies several key themes in the Mission: Impossible series. One of the most significant is the theme of trust and betrayal. Kittridge’s wrongful accusation of Ethan Hunt highlights the dangers of mistrust and the consequences of jumping to conclusions in high-pressure situations. This theme is further complicated by Kittridge’s own role as a victim of deception in the first film, where he is manipulated by Jim Phelps[1][5].
Another theme associated with Kittridge is the concept of redemption and personal growth. His return in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One shows a character who has learned from his past mistakes and is now more cautious and strategic in his approach. This evolution adds depth to his character and underscores the idea that even in the world of espionage, characters can grow and change[1][3].
Eugene Kittridge’s return to the Mission: Impossible franchise after a 27-year absence has significant cultural implications. His character represents a bridge between the original film and the contemporary series, helping to establish a more cohesive narrative arc for the franchise. This move towards continuity is part of a broader trend in modern filmmaking, where franchises seek to connect their past and present storylines to create a richer, more engaging universe for audiences[1][5].
Kittridge’s character has also been well-received by fans, who appreciate the complexity and depth he brings to the series. His adversarial relationship with Ethan Hunt adds a layer of tension and history to the films, making their interactions more meaningful and engaging[2][3].
Critics and audiences have generally praised Eugene Kittridge’s character for his complexity and the depth he adds to the Mission: Impossible series. His return in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One was seen as a welcome addition, bringing a sense of continuity and history to the franchise.
However, some critics have noted that Kittridge’s character can sometimes come across as overly rigid or one-dimensional, particularly in his earlier appearances. This criticism is mitigated by his development over the years, as seen in his return, where he is portrayed as a more nuanced and experienced character[1][5].
Eugene Kittridge’s enduring appeal lies in his ability to embody both the flaws and the strengths of a high-stakes intelligence operative. His character serves as a reminder that even in the world of espionage, where trust is a luxury and betrayal is a constant threat, characters can evolve and grow.
Kittridge’s influence can be seen in other characters within the franchise and beyond, where the theme of mistrust and redemption is often explored. His return in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One sets the stage for a more interconnected narrative, suggesting that the Mission: Impossible series is moving towards a more cohesive and serialized storytelling approach[1][5].