Originally written over a decade ago and contained deep within a career appreciation and opus article on the films of director Tony Scott, my spoiler free take on this classic film of my childhood is now paired with my Youtube channel reading of my review recorded late last Summer.
I hope you enjoy.
For those unfamiliar with this eponymous mid 1980’s blockbuster, a very brief premise: Top Gun is a flight school for the USA Navy, the “best of the best”, “the elite”, a tough training school for ACM (Air Combat Manoeuvres) or air combat dog fighting. The front line of attack and defence for the USA Navy.
A stereotypical 1980’s film production from Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson, this second film from Tony Scott remains a personal favourite from my teenage childhood. A film I still love and a film that never fails to make me smile 26 years since it’s original release, it has dated a little but to associate a film of this age as dating a little is barely a criticism. It’s not perfect by any means, with the main criticism residing in a stale, sometimes lame screenplay which, when viewed now retrospectively, stunts some of the performances. A film definitely of it’s time, but one that still holds it’s own and a benchmark of the 1980’s blockbuster genre.
Backed by the excellent musical score from Harold Faltermeyer, the soundtrack is highly recommended for those of a 40 years old plus vintage! Spawning numerous hits, the two most famous of which litter the film in varying guises. The film opens with “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins and this is splintered throughout the film, as is both an instrumental version and full version of Berlin’s eponymous hit “Take my Breath Away”. The soundtrack as a whole is superb, with two further world famous songs noted below. In addition to the soundtrack is a stellar cast, the majority of whom have become household acting names since release. But none more so than Tom Cruise, who plays “Maverick”. His duel and indeed dual scenes with Val Kilmer’s “Ice Man” is the centre of the film, two ace pilots determined to outdo the other, to prove they’re the “best of the best”, and one of the film’s many taglines. Anthony Edwards is on star form as “Goose” Maverick’s co-pilot, similarly Rick Rossovich as “Slider” co-pilot to Ice Man. Michael Ironside plays “Jester” brilliantly, as does Tom Skerritt, in a stand out performance as the older, more experienced and looked up to leader “Viper”. I could mention many more performances but will end by confirming a small cameo role for Tim Robbins as “Merlin”.
With a typical three act structure, we follow Maverick’s life, his troubles, his duality and the lovable core to his being. Fiercely defensive of his Partner Goose and of his own abilities, this leads to the other key central strand of the film and his developing friendship and love interest with “Charlie” (Kelly McGillis).
Two short scenes develop this perfectly.
Late for their “classified” date, Maverick, his motorcycle and Berlin’s instrumental “Take my Breath Away” leads to the sweetest scene of the film. Playful banter leads Maverick to reminisce about his parents, as “Sitting on the dock of the Bay” plays in the apartment.
“Maverick” — “You are direct, aren’t you?”
“Charlie” — “This is gonna be complicated”
Following a high speed chase, Berlin’s instrumental version of “Take my Breath Away” still playing, an angry confrontation leads Charlie to confess:
“But I held something back. I see some real genius in your flying Maverick, but I can’t say that in there”
There are many more notable scenes in this benchmark 1980’s blockbuster, the highlights being Viper reassuring Maverick of his Father’s brilliance during a beach side walk and the continual butting of heads between Maverick and Ice Man. But the gem scenes are reserved for the laughter and smiles that will break out every time you see this film:
The beach volleyball game for the utter 1980’s “feel” (and the accompanying song!), the Tower Flyby’s or “buzzing the Tower”, Goose’s young son sitting atop a piano as his Dad plays “Great Balls of Fire!” which leads to Meg Ryan’s minor cameo as “Carole” and her fantastic “Hey Goose, you big STUD! Take me to bed or lose me forever!” line. Which is my personal favourite of the entire film. Or indeed Maverick and Goose with their “You’ve lost that loving feeling” bar routine.
Yes the film has aged a little and I’m probably a little biased, but it’s still a wonderful film and brilliantly directed by Tony Scott.
Thanks for reading. I hope this message in a bottle in The Matrix finds you well, prospering, and the right way up in an upside down world.