[yasr_overall_rating]
A pilot lands work for the CIA and as a drug runner in the south during the 1980s.
After the relative box office disappointment of “The Mummy,” Tom Cruise needed a bit of rejuvenation – and that certainly arrives with “American Made.” I say “relative” because expectations for Tom Cruise movies have become a high bar indeed. According to Box Office Mojo, “The Mummy” has, to-date, grossed $407 million worldwide against an estimated production budget of $125 million. To paraphrase Mark Twain, rumors of Tom Cruise’s demise would seem to be greatly exaggerated.
Doug Liman reunites with Tom Cruise after making the hugely underrated sci-fi adventure “Edge of Tomorrow.” Happily, a sequel appears to be in the works entitled “Live Die Repeat and Repeat.” This time around, Tom Cruise plays Barry Seal, a TWA airline pilot who became a drug smuggler and later a DEA informant. “American Made” is reminiscent of several recent films, including “War Dogs,” “Wolf of Wall Street,” and even the not-so-recent “Scarface” from Brian De Palma.
Director of photography, César Charlone opts for what I would describe as Kodachrome cinematography, which favors the red end of the spectrum, versus alternatively, Ektachrome, which favors the blue side. The technique essentially highlights the fact that this tale takes place in the 1970s and ’80s, and works very well visually. Aerial landscapes comprise much of the film and are a sensation to behold.
After doing some brief internet research on Barry Seal, it was not surprising to learn that the film has taken liberties with the historical record. However, the first responsibility of filmmaking is to present an engaging tale, and this “American Made” does quite effectively.
The movie contains generous portions of humor throughout, not least of which hints at events that seem like they could actually be true. For example, the DEA, FBI, ATF, and Arkansas State Police all descend to arrest Seal at the same time, apparently unaware of each other’s stakeouts and investigative efforts – typical of the pre-9/11 silos and fiefdoms that plagued government agencies. Even better, Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton later intervenes to rescue Seal via the state’s attorney general on behalf of a White House desperate to fight communists.
The global politics are painted in broad strokes for those in the audience not old enough to remember events from that era. In effect, the CIA’s obsession with a burgeoning communist threat in Central America at the time provides the backdrop for ubiquitous illicit shenanigans and smuggling. To reveal much more would spoil the many surprises embodied within the film. Suffice it to say that “American Made” is a delightful joyride into the world of small aircraft aviation, drug trafficking, and shady political dealings.
In theaters Friday, September 29th
