Top Gun: The Secret Propaganda Mission You Never Saw Coming

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Among all the decades, none surpassed the 1980s in terms of action movies. Out of all the action films from this era, Top Gun stood out by establishing a benchmark for air combat and cementing Tom Cruise‘s position as a heartthrob. In 1986, during the final stages of the Cold War, Top Gun served not only to captivate audiences with its action scenes but also functioned as a propaganda tool to boost the U.S Navy’s recruitment efforts. Top Gun was an unparalleled media blitz – a movie that attracted massive viewership, a soundtrack that has since become timeless, and a means of inspiring dreams about becoming a fighter pilot.

A Precedent for Propaganda

Even casual moviegoers or skeptics might balk at the idea that “Top Gun” could be classified as a propaganda film. The term “propaganda” carries negative connotations, frequently linked with movies like “Triumph of the Will” and “American Sniper.” At first glance, “Top Gun” doesn’t seem to harbor any political agenda, instead falling under the genres of melodrama and action. However, a propaganda film excels by being discreet in its intent but overt with its visuals that stir emotions. It’s worth noting that “Top Gun” isn’t the first movie to succeed in this manner.

To grasp the rise of propaganda films, one needs to journey back a century to the old Soviet Union and director Sergei Eisenstein. Eisenstein significantly influenced the genre of propaganda films with Battleship Potemkin by developing innovative techniques in montage and editing. Eisenstein’s portrayals of oppression and uprising were prevalent throughout Battleship Potemkin, reaching their peak in his 1927 dramatic reenactment of the Bolshevik revolution, titled October: Ten Days that Shook the World.

Eisenstein’s propaganda films served as a prophetic form of storytelling, as evident in his 1938 production, “Alexander Nevsky“. In this film, Eisenstein portrayed the attempted conquest of Russia by the Teutonic Knights, which brimmed with exhilarating action scenes that emphasized national pride and valor. The purpose of the movie was to provoke feelings about a future invasion by Nazi Germany, which would transpire in 1941.

As a movie enthusiast, I found that the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun shares some striking similarities with Eisenstein’s Alexander Nevsky, particularly in their portrayal of conflict and heroism. Although the Cold War was beginning to simmer down by then, the looming threat of nuclear confrontation between the two superpowers still hung heavy in the air. In a sense, Top Gun paints the American fighter pilot as a contemporary cowboy, galloping skyward with unyielding courage and engaging in high-speed dogfights with his foes, emphasizing America’s military dominance in an exhilarating display of aerial combat. The swashbuckling spirit of characters like Maverick (Tom Cruise) and Iceman (Val Kilmer) bears more than a passing resemblance to the audacious personalities one might encounter in classic Western tales, such as The Magnificent Seven.

Separating Intent from Presentation

It’s undeniable that Top Gun left a lasting impact as one of the most thrilling action movies from the 1980s. Whether you consider the exhilaration it provided or the underlying message it conveyed, it’s largely dependent on individual perception. Without a doubt, the film succeeded in achieving its recruitment aim. As reported by Military.com, Captain Brian Fergusson, who served as a technical advisor for Top Gun: Maverick, openly discussed with The New York Post about the impact Top Gun had on him. “I must admit that it indeed influenced me – if only one person, which is myself. I watched the movie, found it to be the most exhilarating job in the world, and it truly is.

Top Gun wasn’t the first film produced with U.S. military assistance to stir up interest in its aviation forces; that title might go to Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, which showcased the planning and execution of the Doolittle Raid during World War II, or Strategic Air Command, made in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force to highlight its expanding bomber fleet. In many ways, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo paved the way for Top Gun, blending thrilling aerial combat, compelling character interactions, and standout performances from stars like Spencer Tracy and Robert Mitchum. Regardless of any political motivations that may have been at play during its creation, Top Gun has undeniably become a cultural icon. The film’s adrenaline-pumping scenes continue to captivate audiences even after nearly four decades. When it comes to satisfying our craving for excitement and speed, Top Gun remains unmatched in the realm of entertainment.

Where Can I Watch Top Gun?

The classic film Top Gun, known for its lasting impact and distinctive style, can be streamed on platforms like Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video.

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2025-04-20 05:32