Top Gun - The High Concept Model

A Style of Post-generic Filmmaking (simplification of characters and narrative):
Top Gun, directed by Tony Scott (1986) is a good example of a High Concept film. It is a hybrid genre as it has more than one traditional genre, these are; Action, Romance and Drama. It is believed that the action appeals to the men in the audience, whereas the romance and even drama elements appeal more to the women. By including these different genres in the films narrative, it gives a wider target audience of both males and females. The characters in the film are all quite simple, so is the narrative. The film is based on Maverick (played by Tom Cruise) and his tough journey through Top Gun. It is kept simple by only concentrating on his character and none of the others, as all the other fighter pilots have their own history. This is what has brought them all together at Top Gun. At the start of the film, Maverick only wants to win the Top Gun trophy with his best friend Goose, but when he sadly dies in an accident during training, Maverick's confidence is knocked and he re-evaluates his future as a fighter pilot. During all this, Maverick falls in love with on of the instructors at Top Gun, Charlie. This all keeps the narrative simple too as he is not involved with too many other people.

Use of Extended Montages:
The film opens with a montage of the fighter planes being prepared to take off, whilst the song "Highway to the Dangerzone" (by Kenny Loggins) is playing over it (non-diegetic sound). The title of the song links in with its narrative, because when they are up in the air they are in a dangerzone. It also shows the audience what the film is going to be about. There is also montages on the flying chase scenes, these show the progress of the pilots training sessions. Another great montage is the very last scene with the closing credits. The montage shows short clips of all the actors that were in the film, the first one being Goose. This clip shows him smiling and being happy with Maverick, just how the audience remember him, then it moves on to the next character. Non-diegetic music also plays over this scene. Montages are essentially pop videos as they are built up with short clips which tell a story, and have music playing over the action.

Design reflects advertising styles:
Production design frequently reflects the graphics, glossy look and layout of contemporary advertising styles. The DVD cover with Tom Cruise and Kelly Mcgillis sitting on the motorbike shows the film is heroic and patriotic, because of the American flag behind them. This is true as Tom Cruise's character Maverick is portrayed as the typical hero; after he takes down enemy fighter planes, loses his best friend during a training battle, and falls in love with a beautiful woman. It has a typical American film narrative. Top Gun was made in the 80's therefore the posters will not have a 'glossy' look, however they are appealing and are layed out in a simple way. I found a promotional poster for the film which had the tagline 'Up there with the best of the best', this is meant to summarise the movie's plot. When you're flying in the top gun academy, you have to be up there with the best pilots, "there are no points for second place". All of the posters are dependant on one picture in particular; the one of Tom and Kelly on the motorbike with fighter planes in the background. This signifies the narrative and plot of the film through just photos.

Easily replicated in publicity:
Scenes from the film are easily replicated in trailers.

Formal excess:
Some camera angles and shots are not really neccesary in the flying scenes, I think they are used mostly just to show off, as the angles are quite heavy and the movement is very fast. Also, during the volleyball scene between Maverick, Goose and Iceman, Slider, The camera shots are slowed down to capture the facial expressions of the players. I don't think this scene was particularly important but they went over the top on the shots and angles.

Music track interrupts narrative:
In most of the scenes with Maverick and Charlie, a slow ballad type song is played. The outcome is that it creates its own narrative to go with the scene. During the earlier 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 also makes the flying shots 'look good' and draw the attention away from the narrative.

Self conscious allusion to films and television:
During Top Gun's release onto VHS, the film had a pilot themed advert for Diet Pepsi.

Detached appearance of stars:
Val Kilmer (who plays Viper) can be seen flipping a pen through his knuckles, whic is one of his trademark actions. Also, Peter Pettigrew, who plays Charlies older date near the beginning of the film, is referenced during the film as Mavericks real name is Pete (but in earlier scripts his name was Evan).

Hyperbolic physiques and action:
Tom Cruise (Maverick) is the centre of Hyperbole in Top Gun as he has a muscular body, charm and good looks. He's eye candy for the female viewers.

Ironic distanciation: walking-talking brand:
The term "going ballistic" is now used by pilots describing any action of the aircraft being put in a vertical (or nearly vertical) climb. Also, the famous line "I feel the need - the need for speed" was voted number 94 (out of 100) for best movie quote by the American Film Industry.