Top Gun and The State of Hollywood

June 27, 2022 Erich Wenzel

What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

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In today's episode, We start with a discussion around Top Gun Maverick. And why this film, in particular, feels like a breath of fresh air compared to other sequels. Many sequels over the last decade, but a lack of the essence of what made the original films massive successes that have shaped our culture.

The criticism we have of other films, like Star Wars, may seem harsh, but for many people, the stories have been ingrained into them. So when you get a highly anticipated sequel that the viewer's imagination has built upon over time. The filmmakers almost have no hope of meeting those expectations, but it doesn't mean it can't be done.

To illustrate the essence capture idea. I'll turn to another foundational character Spider-Man. The most recent film Spider-Man away from home. It is an equal parts sequel but also taps into the nostalgia of past Spider-Man films, but what sets it apart is the nostalgia isn't only done in fan service but also serves the characters in the story. The story honored the past Spiderman and gave them a sense of closure from their original films.

Telling a story isn't about power dynamics or some fractal in time but hints at something universal to our human experience. So the story of Peter Parker resonates with us, not because we know what it's like to have spider powers, but because we can relate to the sense of overwhelming responsibility and stumbling through our lives.

Bring us back to Top Gun. The film works for many of the same reasons. Above, but it was not the sequel we wanted, but it was a sequel to the story Top Gun deserved. The bonus is that the filmmakers cared enough about the story to make it as immersive as possible, no matter how difficult it was to capture. Modern CGI is a great tool, but capturing real F-eighteens on camera will always be a more visceral experience.

To that end, I will pass this off to you, the Listener. What are your thoughts on the currency of Hollywood? We are under the impression that we're on the edge of a creative Renaissance. We are rediscovering how to add meaning to our stories and hopefully lead to a world that is less cynical and empathetic to our current state. And with that, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this conversation on Top Gun in the state of Hollywood.