American Made behind the scenes
American Made is a 2017 action-comedy film that showcases Tom Cruise in one of his most dynamic and entertaining performances in recent years.
Directed by Doug Liman, the film is based on the true story of Barry Seal, a former TWA pilot who became entangled in a complex web of drug smuggling, arms dealing, and covert CIA operations during the 1980s.
The film stars Tom Cruise as Barry Seal, a charismatic and risk-taking pilot who finds himself recruited by the CIA for clandestine operations in Central America.
Seal's journey from a commercial airline pilot to a key player in international espionage and drug trafficking is portrayed with a mix of humour, tension, and high-stakes action that keeps audiences engaged throughout the film's 115-minute runtime.
Plot and Historical Context
American Made is set against the backdrop of the Cold War and the Reagan administration's covert operations in Latin America. The film follows Barry Seal as he transitions from a bored commercial pilot to a CIA asset, tasked with flying reconnaissance missions over communist insurgents in Central America.
However, Seal's adventures quickly escalate as he becomes involved with the Medellín Cartel, smuggling drugs into the United States while simultaneously working for the CIA. The film's narrative intertwines Seal's personal life with historical events, including the Iran-Contra affair and the rise of Pablo Escobar's drug empire.
Liman's direction keeps the pace brisk, often employing a documentary-style approach that adds to the film's sense of authenticity and urgency.
Tom Cruise's Performance
At the heart of American Made is Tom Cruise's portrayal of Barry Seal. Cruise brings his trademark charisma and energy to the role, infusing Seal with a roguish charm and an insatiable appetite for adventure.
This performance is a departure from Cruise's recent action-hero roles, allowing him to showcase his comedic timing and dramatic range. Cruise's Seal is a man caught between his own greed, the demands of his government handlers, and the dangerous world of drug cartels. The actor's ability to convey Seal's conflicting motivations and growing paranoia as the stakes escalate is a highlight of the film.
Supporting Cast and Characters
While Cruise dominates the screen, American Made also features strong performances from its supporting cast. Domhnall Gleeson plays Monty Schafer, Seal's CIA handler, with a mix of ambition and moral ambiguity.
Sarah Wright portrays Lucy Seal, Barry's wife, who becomes increasingly aware of and involved in her husband's illegal activities. Other notable performances include Caleb Landry Jones as Seal's troublesome brother-in-law JB, and Jesse Plemons as a local sheriff who grows suspicious of Seal's sudden wealth.
The film also features portrayals of historical figures such as Pablo Escobar and Jorge Ochoa, adding to the sense of historical context.
Direction and Cinematography
Doug Liman's direction gives American Made a kinetic energy that matches its protagonist's lifestyle. The film employs a variety of visual techniques, including handheld camera work and period-appropriate colour grading, to create a sense of time and place.
Cinematographer César Charlone captures the lush landscapes of Central America and the claustrophobic tension of covert meetings with equal skill. The film's pacing is relentless, mirroring Seal's increasingly chaotic life as he juggles multiple illegal operations. Liman balances this frenetic energy with moments of humour and domesticity, providing a well-rounded view of Seal's world.
Themes and Social Commentary
While American Made is primarily an entertainment-driven film, it doesn't shy away from exploring deeper themes. The movie offers a satirical look at American foreign policy during the Cold War era, highlighting the often contradictory and morally questionable actions taken in the name of national security.
The film also delves into the corrupting influence of power and money, as Seal's initial thrill-seeking gradually transforms into an insatiable greed. Through Seal's story, American Made provides a commentary on the American Dream and its potential for corruption when taken to extremes.
Reception and Box Office Performance
American Made received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising Cruise's performance and Liman's energetic direction.
The film holds an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics noting its fast-paced storytelling and Cruise's charismatic central performance.
At the box office, American Made performed moderately well, grossing $134.9 million worldwide against a budget of $50 million.
While not a blockbuster by Tom Cruise standards, the film's performance was solid considering its R rating and more adult-oriented subject matter.
Conclusion
American Made stands out in Tom Cruise's filmography as a project that allows the actor to blend his star power with a more nuanced and morally ambiguous character. The film's blend of historical fact and Hollywood fiction creates an entertaining and thought-provoking experience that sheds light on a complex period of American history. Doug Liman's direction and Gary Spinelli's screenplay strike a delicate balance between humour and tension, creating a film that is both entertaining and informative. While it takes liberties with historical accuracy for the sake of storytelling, American Made succeeds in capturing the spirit of its era and the larger-than-life personality of its protagonist. As a cinematic exploration of the blurred lines between government operations and criminal enterprises, American Made offers audiences a thrilling ride through one of the most controversial chapters in recent American history. Tom Cruise's magnetic performance anchors the film, reminding viewers of his versatility as an actor and his enduring appeal as a leading man.
