- Although not heavily, this film in my opinion did have the hybrid genre of action-romance - the action coming obviously from the amount of flying and shooting involved, and with the sideline between Maverick and Charlie adds the romance element.
- Tom Cruise's character, Maverick, could easily be pigeonholed as the 'hero' type. This is because he begins with a lot determination, is able to have a romantic interest, face an obstacle (the death of another pilot) and come out the other side as a hero again, with everyone happy for him.
Extended montages
- The song 'Danger Zone' by Kenny Loggins is repeated through moments in the film, mainly during the early flying scenes. It is often used to accompany these selected scenes.
- The soundtrack album to 'Top Gun' can be seen as a huge aide when marketing the film, reaching number 1 in the billlboard 200 in 1986.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1a_ikfUico - 'Danger Zone' music video. Notice how the video orientates between clips from the film and of singer Kenny Loggins.
Design reflects advertising style
- A promotional poster that I found for the film contain the tagline 'Up there with the best of the best' which is meant to summarise part the movie's plot - when flying in the top gun academy, you have to be up there with the best pilots.
- The poster is largely dependent on one image of Charlie and Maverick, with a few fighter planes in the background. This is supposed to signify the plot with a just a words and images.
Replicated in Publicity
- Trailers and TV spots involved, with the TV spots lasting for around 30 seconds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN8ze3S0Uj8&feature=related - 1986 trailer.
http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/top-gun/tv-spot-dangerous - various TV spots and trailers
Formal excess
- The camera work during the flying scenes is quite heavy, with many angles being shown and a lot of shots happening quickly. I felt that some of these were not neccesarly linked to the story, but just to show off.
- During the tennis scene at the beach, camera work became slower to capture the expressions on people's faces and the actions that they were doing. Again, I feel that the scene was majorly important, but just over-the-top.
Music interrupts narrative
- During many of the flying scenes, the track 'Danger Zone' is repeated and often accompanies the action of the pilots - by flying, they are entering the danger zone. However, this is also to make these particular shots 'look good' and draw the attention away from the narrative.
- Also, in many of the meeting between Maverick and Charlie, a slow ballad song can be hared each time. The outcome is that it creates its own narrative, accompanying the scene.
Self-conscious allusion to films and TV - During its first release onto VHS, the film had a feature that included a pilot-themed advert for diet Pepsi.
Detached appearance of stars
- Val Kilmer (Viper) can be seen doing one if his trademark actions, flipping a pen over his knuckles.
- Director Tony Scott is referenced during the film. One of the desk office characters goes by the name of Scott.
- A reference to Peter Pettigrew (Charlie's older man date) is in the film - Maverick's first name in the film is Pete, whereas in earlier versions of the script it was Even.
Hyperbolic Physiques and action
- Maverick (Tom Cruise) Stars as the centre of hyperbole, with good looks and a muscle-full body.
Ironic distanciation: walking-talking brand
- The line "I feel the need - the need for speed!" was listed as #94 movie quote by the American film industry (out of 100)
- the term 'going ballistic' is now used by pilots for describing any action of the aircraft being put in a vertical or a nearly-vertical climb.
- Sunglasses are worn so much in film that we come to think of them as part of the characters.
Brilliant work Greg, well done!
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