Top Gun (1986) - Freedom Has Rules - DOTR #133

Maverick doesn't need anybody. At least, that's what he thinks. Does this movie teach us that being a "maverick" means to FOLLOW THE RULES? This week on Desert of the Reel, we enter the Danger Zone with Top Gun. We talk Tom Cruise (and why Jason HATES Mr. Movies), the incredible visual style of the film, and why Maverick's relationships with basically everyone feels fake. We try to uncover deeper meaning and ask if there is a story about a man who thinks skill and individuality are enough, We get into whether rules actually limit freedom or make freedom possible, why Maverick "others" everyone around him, and even the movie's fascinating queer-theory legacy. We ask the big question if Maverick might actually be a metaphor for 1980s America and if we even LIKE this movie BECAUSE of the 80s. It's time to go to the Danger Zone. And yes, we talk about the volleyball scene. Email us at [email protected]