Top Gun

To many it is understood that the military is built off of a set of rules and ideals that must be followed. If these rules are not followed, they can lead to the failure of the unit and ultimately its downfall. In the hit 1986 movie Top Gun directed by Tony Scott, Tom Cruise would argue that “Rules are meant to be broken”. The film is based around Cruise’s character who is an up and coming Navy pilot who is faced with numerous struggles and the day to day tasks of an elite Navy fighter pilot program. This program is where the film gets its name. Cruise is forced to not only out gun, but out fly his fellow classmates to become the greatest pilot. He is willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve these goals. This is where he is faced with
Their personalities perfectly balance each other. Where Maverick is cocky, Goose is relaxed and reserved with his emotions. Because of this drastic difference in personalities, Goose acts as a guide or supervisor over Maverick. When Goose notices that Maverick is going to do something drastic and poorly thought out, Goose is there to talk Maverick off the ledge, and rethink his decisions before they get him in trouble. Goose is like the cliché angel that stands on the shoulders of a cartoon character. This is why his death takes such a drastic toll on Maverick’s competitive edge and general morale. Maverick loses his guide and literal eyes in the sky. Goose’s death, however, creates a means for Maverick to get over his past and move on in life. The death of goose is a wakeup call for Maverick, and he understands that he is partially responsible for his death. His superiors at the flight school express that he will “never be able to get back in the saddle,” and that his is more than likely done with the program. His emotions have driven majority of his actions, but they have been holding him back as well. Maverick understands that in order for him to become the Top Gun, he must put his emotions to the side and continue on the journey that he started with Goose. Although Maverick does not graduate from the Top Gun program he does decide to attend the graduation to see his former classmates, competition, and instructors. Upon his arrival to the graduation he is called to fly with Iceman, Slider, Hollywood, and Wolfman even though he has not done it since the death of Goose. Maverick’s old instructor from Top Gun school, Commander Mike "Viper" Metcalf, approaches him and explains to Maverick that if he needs a partner, he would be more than happy to fly with him in the absence of Goose. This is a big