When the see the Jerry Bruckenheimer amongst the producers, you know within a millisecond what you will be getting. He produces movies for the mass audience, which are more indicative of the perception of coolness within the era the movie is produced. Top Gun' is a prime example of this. It is Eighties personified. The only thing missing is the big hair. We were saved this due to the fact that the movie is set within the Air Force. I am not criticising what the producers have done. It will take a lot of guts to put the elements together to create a big bucks bonanza. I just feel that movies such as these do not do full justice to the big stage that they occupy. It did not have enough story to fill the gap between action sequences. The story is inconsequential and the main focus was on the exaggerated dogfight scenes and the less than subtle courtship of Cruise and McGillis. As it turned out it was enough to achieve the big box office draw, with a little help from a mammoth soundtrack. Considering that this was the prime objective, they got the targeted success.
A pulsating soundtrack supplemented the testosterone inspired action sequences. This was a prime additive and each track was used to augment the emotion of the scene. Kenny Loggins' Danger Zone' epitomised the action adventure lifestyle of the fighter pilot, which the producers wished to emulate Hollywood style. It screamed out the personality of the main character. The man who lived for the adrenaline rush, scant respect for the rules and of very few words none being too sublime. Just listening to the track alone and you can visualise the jet fighter streaking through the air, barely noticeable to the naked eye, and the opponent's aircraft exploding. I am unclear as to the sales figures of the soundtrack, but I am sure it must have been one of the best of its era.
In addition, Berlins' Take My Breathe Away' song was used to accentuate the secondary storyline, that is, the courtship of Cruise and McGillis. Any blockbuster action movie must have an electric female interest for the main character. The song did the work that could not be enacted on screen. The reason being is that Kelly McGillis could not generate the mixed emotions and seemed to stick with the same routine, that of the sophisticated, no nonsense ambitious girl. Notwithstanding the fact that Cruise's character was more adrenaline charged and would have naturally exuded the raw emotions, Kelly McGillis failed to progress beyond an emotional monotone which was adequate for the start, but fell short as the relationship grew with intensity. Considering the success the movie generated, this story element can have its success attributed to the song and Cruise's acting.
Sharing centre stage with Cruise were the Tomcats. Creative camera shots and angles were used to capture the speed and finesse of flight. When they are set against the majestic backgrounds of the natural surroundings, it creates a memorable scene. That is, the grandness of nature set together with the powerful machines of man. The use of two seater aircraft enabled dialogue between the characters in the cockpit. This also facilitated greater rivalry on the ground between competing teams.
The acting was solid for a popcorn movie. Even the boisterous, pale lines were done with good acting. The top performer, which is not always necessary for a blockbuster production, goes to the leading man, Tom Cruise. Some of his lines were mediocre, much in line with the superficial nature of the Eighties, but he still managed to attach some credibility to them. There is no doubt that Cruise has a massive ego and he enjoys the opportunity to showcase it. A natural and necessary trait for a Hollywood leading man. The powerful aircraft, the loud jackets and the monster motorbike, all personified his delight in being the centre of attention. The role therefore suits him. But given the fact that certain aspects of the role would have come naturally to him, his emotional turmoil concerning his father's disgraced history and that of the tragic passing of his flight buddy, show how Cruise can play a flawed character and make it believable.
The attention to story, as previously mentioned, was minimal. To criticise this would be an exercise in futility it was never their intention to crate a multi layered plot or to deliver a message. This was pure entertainment engineered for short term massive cash flow. The story was spoon fed and there was absolutely nothing to give serious thought to. The filmmakers know the task at hand, and the mass audience were generally not disappointed. Of credit was the fact that the main character was given an overwhelming obstacle in the form of the disgraced history of his father. It was a burden for him and bought out the extremeness within. His flying was circus like death defying antics and he was in the face of superiors by negotiating illegal fly byes.
Although more than stretching believability, these antics appealed to the cavalier side of the audience always wanted to unleash. Within the Eighties where this was cool, it is well understandable why the success was achieved. The obstacle also accentuated the relationship between himself and the commanding officer of Top Gun, who had flown with his father. Despite Tom Skerritt being his usual laid back self, it did not underscore the emotional turmoil the producers wished to project. Skerritt is one of the few actors who could pull that off. It is probably due to it being a natural part of him.
Top Gun' is pure popcorn entertainment. It exemplified the Eighties for which It was created. It may therefore seem a little dated for today's audiences. Notwithstanding this fact and also that the fighter aircraft are long outdated, the racy soundtrack and beautiful cinematography do enough to provide entertainment. But do not brood over the lack of story, this will only lead to disappointment. View it for what it is.
A pulsating soundtrack supplemented the testosterone inspired action sequences. This was a prime additive and each track was used to augment the emotion of the scene. Kenny Loggins' Danger Zone' epitomised the action adventure lifestyle of the fighter pilot, which the producers wished to emulate Hollywood style. It screamed out the personality of the main character. The man who lived for the adrenaline rush, scant respect for the rules and of very few words none being too sublime. Just listening to the track alone and you can visualise the jet fighter streaking through the air, barely noticeable to the naked eye, and the opponent's aircraft exploding. I am unclear as to the sales figures of the soundtrack, but I am sure it must have been one of the best of its era.
In addition, Berlins' Take My Breathe Away' song was used to accentuate the secondary storyline, that is, the courtship of Cruise and McGillis. Any blockbuster action movie must have an electric female interest for the main character. The song did the work that could not be enacted on screen. The reason being is that Kelly McGillis could not generate the mixed emotions and seemed to stick with the same routine, that of the sophisticated, no nonsense ambitious girl. Notwithstanding the fact that Cruise's character was more adrenaline charged and would have naturally exuded the raw emotions, Kelly McGillis failed to progress beyond an emotional monotone which was adequate for the start, but fell short as the relationship grew with intensity. Considering the success the movie generated, this story element can have its success attributed to the song and Cruise's acting.
Sharing centre stage with Cruise were the Tomcats. Creative camera shots and angles were used to capture the speed and finesse of flight. When they are set against the majestic backgrounds of the natural surroundings, it creates a memorable scene. That is, the grandness of nature set together with the powerful machines of man. The use of two seater aircraft enabled dialogue between the characters in the cockpit. This also facilitated greater rivalry on the ground between competing teams.
The acting was solid for a popcorn movie. Even the boisterous, pale lines were done with good acting. The top performer, which is not always necessary for a blockbuster production, goes to the leading man, Tom Cruise. Some of his lines were mediocre, much in line with the superficial nature of the Eighties, but he still managed to attach some credibility to them. There is no doubt that Cruise has a massive ego and he enjoys the opportunity to showcase it. A natural and necessary trait for a Hollywood leading man. The powerful aircraft, the loud jackets and the monster motorbike, all personified his delight in being the centre of attention. The role therefore suits him. But given the fact that certain aspects of the role would have come naturally to him, his emotional turmoil concerning his father's disgraced history and that of the tragic passing of his flight buddy, show how Cruise can play a flawed character and make it believable.
The attention to story, as previously mentioned, was minimal. To criticise this would be an exercise in futility it was never their intention to crate a multi layered plot or to deliver a message. This was pure entertainment engineered for short term massive cash flow. The story was spoon fed and there was absolutely nothing to give serious thought to. The filmmakers know the task at hand, and the mass audience were generally not disappointed. Of credit was the fact that the main character was given an overwhelming obstacle in the form of the disgraced history of his father. It was a burden for him and bought out the extremeness within. His flying was circus like death defying antics and he was in the face of superiors by negotiating illegal fly byes.
Although more than stretching believability, these antics appealed to the cavalier side of the audience always wanted to unleash. Within the Eighties where this was cool, it is well understandable why the success was achieved. The obstacle also accentuated the relationship between himself and the commanding officer of Top Gun, who had flown with his father. Despite Tom Skerritt being his usual laid back self, it did not underscore the emotional turmoil the producers wished to project. Skerritt is one of the few actors who could pull that off. It is probably due to it being a natural part of him.
Top Gun' is pure popcorn entertainment. It exemplified the Eighties for which It was created. It may therefore seem a little dated for today's audiences. Notwithstanding this fact and also that the fighter aircraft are long outdated, the racy soundtrack and beautiful cinematography do enough to provide entertainment. But do not brood over the lack of story, this will only lead to disappointment. View it for what it is.