Film analysis: Top Gun - The emotional catharsis of those bonded through adrenaline and camaraderie
Top Gun is a timeless classic that resonates beyond generations.
An action, romance, and adventure film released in 1986 directed by Tony Scott under Paramount Pictures, Top Gun featured prominent figures such as Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer, and situated itself amongst the most iconic films of its genre, whilst living in the minds of film heads all around the world, past and present.
Film News Blitz analyses the narrative themes that make Top Gun a success.
Top Gun: The story of Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell
Top Gun follows Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell (Cruise), a flashy and enthusiastic fighter pilot in training.
Maverick, along with his co-pilot and friend, Nick ‘Goose’ Bradshaw joins Top Gun, the Naval Fighter and Weapons School where aspiring, young fighter pilots go to ply their trade and sharpen their skills to represent their nation in the toughest, most life-threatening conditions.
Maverick’s general disposition and approach to flying draw a line between himself and his fellow pilots.
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He sees himself as a free-spirited and instinctive flyer, whilst his comrades view him as unpredictable and dangerous.
None more so than his direct rival and naysayer, Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky (Kilmer), a cool, calm, and collected flyer who is seemingly viewed as the most respected among all the young pilots and the frontrunner to finish at the top of his class.
Maverick, however, is not only attempting to prove his worth to his contemporaries but also to his superiors.
One in particular: astrophysicist and Top Gun instructor, Charlotte Blackwood.
Top Gun themes: Love, loss and masculinity
Throughout the story, the intertwining of love, loss, passion, friendship and triumph are common themes and emotive elements that Top Gun explores.
Naturally, the dialogue in the film is suited to its time, where common masculine and traditional tropes surrounding competition and self-belief are delved into.
With quotes such as, “You don’t have time to think up there, you think, you’re dead”, or “Son, your ego is writing checks your body can’t cash,” Top Gun illustrates the use of idiomatic-like expressions to represent motivation, discipline, and freedom to outlay the jeopardy and lives of the pilots that are at risk.
As instructor Jester humorously tells Maverick, “That was some of the best flying I’ve seen to date, right up to the part where you got yourself killed.”
Exploring Maverick’s character development
Many other important themes are explored in the film, through the characters’ experiences.
Danger and altruism are strong drivers in creating the bridge between Maverick and his comrades.
Those two conflicting, emotive factors are elements within Maverick’s psychology that he juggles with to become the best fighter pilot in the Navy.
His dangerous side will do anything to gain the desired outcome when he’s flying, but at what cost?
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Is it one that will cost him his life and those of his comrades in the most desperate and vulnerable circumstances?
This is where the position of altruism exists in the film.
The journey of how Maverick uses his risk-taking and brave demeanour to help others and embrace teamwork and camaraderie draws out his internal, emotional struggles to become the fighter pilot that he feels he is destined to be.
Romance serves as a secondary plot device in Top Gun
Top Gun draws on the heartstrings of those who enjoy romance, loyalty, leadership, trauma, redemption and any other emotive value and moral that makes for the development of self, spiritually and emotionally.
Romance acts as a secondary plot point in the film, but exists to aid Maverick’s growth and connection to being a pilot, where Charlotte positions herself as emotional support when he goes through traumatic experiences.
Goose’s loyalty to Maverick holds an intangible impact in the film.
This is shown when Maverick makes mistakes or doesn’t take things seriously enough, Goose is there to push him and steer him in the right direction. Just as a co-pilot does best.
Themes of Maverick’s internal damnation are at play when his past is revealed and the struggle of self-acceptance is shown to depict further his determination to go to lengths that other pilots wouldn’t go to as the risks outweigh the reward.
Towards the latter stages of the film, Maverick is challenged to show leadership when not being the frontline pilot for a particular situation, and this growth and self-lessness resonates with the other pilots.
Maverick’s ability to be a team player and not fly for any selfish or glory-orientated reasons is part of his redemption arc and the fuel he uses to overcome his present and past struggles.
Top Gun is a generational classic
Top Gun was successful in combining its emotive depth and character relationships with the aforementioned overarching themes.
It can ground intangible characteristics that many face a lifetime not overcoming or achieving.
It is a film that aids a deeper understanding and embracing of self-belief, bravery, and courage to do what you’re most passionate about in life and to not falter on that passion regardless of the turbulence you may face.
Anything is possible. And if that is something that piques your interest, there’s none more enthralling, riveting, and heartwarming than this inspirational and generational classic.
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