SPOILER WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Top Gun: Maverick. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, continue at your own risk!
Some films seem made to be eternally analyzed and dissected by the public (Jordan Peele’s filmography immediately comes to mind), but the truth is that even the simplest films became the subject of intense speculation at the time. A fan can start focusing on a specific detail, and if they get enough attention on social media, it can become “one thing.”
Of course, this activity is even more fun when the filmmakers decide not to rule out this kind of speculation, and that’s exactly the circumstance we have here, because Top Gun: Maverick Director Joseph Kosinski chooses not to disprove the theory that the entire film is just a post-mortem dream lived by titular hero Tom Cruise.
The director recently gave an interview to the Hollywood reporter, and when Kosinski was asked if he wanted to challenge the fan theory, he decided to decline. Said the director,
No, movies have to be interpreted in different ways and I love when people read different meanings in them. So I like to hear that theory and there is definitely some sort of mythic element in the story that I think lends itself to that kind of interpretation, based on who Maverick is and what he represents and lets him go through this ritual. to enter another phase of his life.
The Top Gun: Maverick The sleep theory of death seems to date back to a piece of Vulture released in May. As those who have seen the film will remember, the story begins with Tom Cruise’s Maverick serving the Army as a test pilot for experimental aircraft. Against the wishes of his superiors, Maverick takes to the skies in a plane called “Darkstar” and pushes the aircraft to reach Mach 10.3 (also known as over 10 times the speed of sound).
Maverick is reassigned to the TOPGUN program as a result of his actions, but the theory is that that’s not quite what happens to the character. Instead, the idea proposes that the brilliant driver die during the test and whatever happens after that Top Gun: Maverick it is a fantasy created by his dying mind.
When viewing in macro Top Gun: Maverick, we understand why this perspective holds its way in many minds. There are many things that happen to Maverick that could be called idyllic for the character: he makes amends with Goose’s son (Miles Teller) after interfering with his career in the Navy, reunites with his lost love (Jennifer Connelly) and is capable of leading a successful mission that, on paper, was considered nearly impossible.
“It was just a dream” and “the character was dead all along” are pretty basic fan theories that viewers have applied to many films over the years, but Joseph Kosinski can be considered a fan of this one. take as applied to Top Gun: Maverickand appreciates that viewers create their own interpretations of his work:
So I like this theory. Movies are things that need to be interpreted your way and based on how you see the world and the experiences you’ve had. So I’m not going to throw cold water on it. It is a very good interpretation of the story.
If you’re not sure what you think of this fan theory and want to review the film with the idea in mind, the good news is that it’s still incredibly easy to find screenings of Top Gun: Maverick. Although the film was released in late May, it is still in the Top 5 at the box office and until last weekend was still showing in over 2,900 theaters nationwide.
For all the features coming out later this year, both in theaters and on streaming services, check out our 2022 movie release schedule.
Source: Cinemablend
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
