By Matt Millikan
Senior Writer & Editor
Welcome to the Danger Zone…
In Top Gun (1986), directed by Tony Scott, LT Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, portrayed by Tom Cruise, is known for his reckless flying style at the TOPGUN academy. His daring maneuvers often land him in trouble with his superiors and concern his peers, including his love interest, Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood (Kelly McGillis), an astrophysicist and TOPGUN instructor who fears his risk-taking could jeopardize his teammates’ safety.
Maverick’s audacious tactics are highlighted during training exercises, where he defies rules of engagement. In one instance, he defeats his instructor Jester (Michael Ironside) by performing a 400-knot flyby, which leads to a stern reprimand from his superiors, including Viper (Tom Skerritt), who questions Jester about Maverick’s reliability in battle. Jester’s uncertain response reflects the conflict between Maverick’s raw talent and his unpredictable nature.
Maverick’s closest friend and wingman, Goose (Anthony Edwards), shares these concerns, expressing his anxiety over Maverick’s behavior and emphasizing the need to graduate for the sake of his family. Maverick also faces intense rivalry from Iceman (Val Kilmer), the academy’s top pilot, who criticizes Maverick’s hazardous flying style while consistently outperforming him.
One of the film’s most iconic moments occurs after Goose’s family, including his wife played by a young Meg Ryan, is introduced. As Maverick and Goose prepare for another flight, a student informs Maverick that Iceman has won another contest. In response, Maverick turns to Goose and declares, “I feel the need…” prompting Goose to join in and complete the now-famous line, “…the need for speed!” The pair’s emphatic high-five underscores the significance of the line, encapsulating Maverick’s high-octane lifestyle and unyielding desire for speed.
Unfortunately, Maverick’s impulsive nature and ego lead to tragedy, underscoring the film’s tension between individual prowess and the necessity of teamwork.
Despite its narrative of recklessness, Top Gun was a massive success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1986 and drawing large audiences for months. The film’s innovative aerial photography, achieved with custom-mounted cameras on jets, provided viewers with an unprecedented cinematic experience, cementing its status as a blockbuster. The movie also catapulted Tom Cruise to superstardom, a status he maintains to this day, with a sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, released in 2020.
Top Gun is not only remembered for its thrilling action but also for its iconic soundtrack and memorable scenes. The “need for speed” line has been parodied and referenced in various media, including The Office, Creepshow 2, Inspector Gadget, and Pinky and the Brain. It even inspired the popular video game series Need for Speed.
The cultural impact of Top Gun is profound, with the famous phrase frequently cited in articles and media. The film’s enduring popularity, evidenced by the release of a sequel 34 years later, shows that audiences continue to feel the need for speed.
, directed by Tony Scott, LT Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, portrayed by Tom Cruise, is known for his reckless flying style.){kind=link}