Top Gun: Maverick Receives Praise for Realism and Accuracy in Flying Sequences
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Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers. Proceed with caution if you have not watched the show/movie.
The 2022 film, Top Gun: Maverick, starring Tom Cruise, has been a massive hit, impressing both audiences and critics alike. Retired astronaut and engineer Chris Hadfield has recently highlighted a hidden aspect of Tom Cruise's performance that showcases his dedication to portraying a real pilot accurately.
Top Gun: Maverick, the long-awaited sequel to the 1986 classic, has taken the world by storm, earning over $1.493 billion at the box office. This film not only thrilled audiences with its action-packed sequences but also impressed experts in the field of aeronautics.
In a recent video for Vanity Fair, Chris Hadfield, a retired astronaut, expressed his admiration for the movie, stating, "I love this movie. I do not know of a better pilot flying movie that has ever been made." He specifically commended Tom Cruise for a small yet significant detail in the film.
Hadfield pointed out that during the movie's opening Darkstar sequence, Tom Cruise's character, Maverick, says, "I have information Alpha" while taxiing for takeoff. Hadfield explained, "What that means is he’s listened to the recording that tells what the weather is and what runway is active so that the tower doesn’t have to repeat it to him. It didn’t need to be in the movie, but it’s real, and I just love that scene."
This attention to detail reflects the film's commitment to accuracy and authenticity in depicting the life of a pilot. Chris Hadfield's praise for Top Gun: Maverick goes beyond just the flying sequences. He also discussed the odds of Maverick surviving a crash, dispelling rumors that the character might have perished.
While some fans speculated that Maverick died in the crash scene, Hadfield clarified that he must have had an escape pod in the plane to survive such a deadly incident.
Hadfield's insights into the film's realism resonate with aviation enthusiasts and moviegoers alike. His enthusiasm for the movie is shared by many who were captivated by the thrilling aerial action on the big screen.
For those eager to relive the legacy sequel and appreciate the moments Chris Hadfield highlighted, Top Gun: Maverick is available for streaming with a Paramount+ subscription.
A Realistic Approach to Aerial Sequences
Top Gun: Maverick achieved its stunning realism not only through visual effects but also by emphasizing practical action. The film's popularity with audiences can be attributed, in part, to its commitment to showcasing real flying fighter jets with real actors.
While discussions about a sequel to Top Gun had been ongoing for years, it wasn't until technology advanced enough to put audiences inside the cockpit of actual fighter jets that the project gained momentum. Tom Cruise, known for his dedication to his craft, insisted on pushing the boundaries of filmmaking technology.
To achieve the realism seen in the movie, the Top Gun: Maverick cast underwent intense training, famously dubbed "Tom Cruise Boot Camp." This training not only helped them bond as a unit but also prepared them mentally and physically for the grueling hours spent in fighter jets.
Although the cast didn't fly the military aircraft themselves, they were present inside the planes while real Navy pilots performed daring maneuvers. This hands-on approach translated to the screen, providing audiences with exhilarating real flying sequences, far more captivating than scenes filmed in front of a green screen.
The film's dedication to authenticity has not only thrilled moviegoers but also earned the admiration of experts like Chris Hadfield, further solidifying Top Gun: Maverick's reputation as a groundbreaking aviation film.
About the Movie
Top Gun: Maverick premiered at CinemaCon on April 28, 2022, and hit theaters in the United States on May 27, 2022. Critics lauded the film as a significant improvement over the original, with many considering it one of the top films of 2022. The movie received recognition from prestigious organizations, including winning Best Sound at the 95th Academy Awards.
Top Gun: Maverick has not only soared at the box office but has also won the hearts of critics and aviation experts alike. Tom Cruise's dedication to authenticity and realism in portraying a pilot has garnered praise from retired astronaut Chris Hadfield and audiences worldwide. The film's commitment to practical action and its attention to detail have set a new standard for aviation movies.