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Top Gun Memos : The Making and Legacy of an Iconic Movie
Citation Press is proud to announce
Top Gun Memos
is a 2023 BIBA® Movie History Winner!
Top Gun Memos is the definitive book on the making and legacy of the movie, Top Gun , released in 1986.
Top Gun Memos is the definitive book on the making and legacy of the movie, Top Gun , released in 1986.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 24, 2022
Magnificent! Top Gun Memos is an exceptional historical document. The text presents more than the craft of producing an icon. The writing describes a process of producing a movie legacy in partnership with the US Navy. Jordan brings the reader to the table where an inspiration occurs, through the rooms where relationships are formed, into the air with innovative photography, and through the editing and creation of a classic. Top Gun Memos is a well researched compilation on producing a movie masterpiece.
October 19, 2022
Caveat one: I worked with Meredith Jordan many years ago. She was an editor at the Savannah Morning News where I was the researcher/archivist.
Caveat two: Meredith was kind enough to provide me with copy of the book so that I could review it.
Caveat three: I've never seen Top Gun. This put me at a bit of a disadvantage, but I was familiar with the basic plot and most of the actors. This book may be the motivation I need to view it. Nor have I seen many of the movies mentioned. No matter.
I'm also a sucker for background stories on a film, movie, or TV. I love learning about the parts that come together to make the whole. I buy DVDs and Blu-rays because of the bonus materials.
Jordan bases her storyline on the evolution of the movie. The plot follows the story of Top Gun’s birth, life, and continuing narrative. It follows how the idea blossomed and how the full crew of producers, editors, actors, and other people came together.
Tom Cruise was in from the beginning. The most interesting casting story was the casting of Charlie and how her character evolved and changed. While Kelly McGillis (loved her in Witness) eventually got the part, other top actors like Demi Moore were considered. Meg Ryan, who played Carole Bradshaw wife of Anthony Edwards Goose, was also up for the part.
While the casting stories are an early part of this story, the real meat of the early process was getting the Navy involved and collaborating with them. Remarkably interesting. The service stayed on through the entire process: vetting, approving, disapproving, and not always giving director Tony Scott what he wanted. Many bits follow Scott's attempts to get certain shots and scenes that required the military to give permission.
All of the plot is based on extensive research. If you read a Kindle version, as I did, there are hyperlinks throughout to footnotes citing sources. Jordan also interviewed people several times.
There is a section devoted to Tony Scott and his death. If you are a bit of a movie nerd, this part may be of particular interest. Especially if you are Top Gun fan.
The final chapters are devoted to the ongoing fandom of the movie. It includes the aftereffects of the filming on various locations. With the release of Top Gun: Maverick, it should be interesting to anyone that has watched the film repeatedly.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of the movie and/or Tony Scott. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was some parts were a little tech heavy and a bit difficult to follow. That is only me, someone with knowledge of those items will love it.
Caveat two: Meredith was kind enough to provide me with copy of the book so that I could review it.
Caveat three: I've never seen Top Gun. This put me at a bit of a disadvantage, but I was familiar with the basic plot and most of the actors. This book may be the motivation I need to view it. Nor have I seen many of the movies mentioned. No matter.
I'm also a sucker for background stories on a film, movie, or TV. I love learning about the parts that come together to make the whole. I buy DVDs and Blu-rays because of the bonus materials.
Jordan bases her storyline on the evolution of the movie. The plot follows the story of Top Gun’s birth, life, and continuing narrative. It follows how the idea blossomed and how the full crew of producers, editors, actors, and other people came together.
Tom Cruise was in from the beginning. The most interesting casting story was the casting of Charlie and how her character evolved and changed. While Kelly McGillis (loved her in Witness) eventually got the part, other top actors like Demi Moore were considered. Meg Ryan, who played Carole Bradshaw wife of Anthony Edwards Goose, was also up for the part.
While the casting stories are an early part of this story, the real meat of the early process was getting the Navy involved and collaborating with them. Remarkably interesting. The service stayed on through the entire process: vetting, approving, disapproving, and not always giving director Tony Scott what he wanted. Many bits follow Scott's attempts to get certain shots and scenes that required the military to give permission.
All of the plot is based on extensive research. If you read a Kindle version, as I did, there are hyperlinks throughout to footnotes citing sources. Jordan also interviewed people several times.
There is a section devoted to Tony Scott and his death. If you are a bit of a movie nerd, this part may be of particular interest. Especially if you are Top Gun fan.
The final chapters are devoted to the ongoing fandom of the movie. It includes the aftereffects of the filming on various locations. With the release of Top Gun: Maverick, it should be interesting to anyone that has watched the film repeatedly.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of the movie and/or Tony Scott. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was some parts were a little tech heavy and a bit difficult to follow. That is only me, someone with knowledge of those items will love it.
September 16, 2022
Five Stars for Top Gun Memos -
Wow! I will start off with the fact that I am personally acquainted with the author, Meredith Jordan; who graciously provided a copy of her latest book in exchange for an honest review.
I was raised and lived in San Diego for the majority of my life; and have been privy to many films and tv shows having been shot there throughout my life. However, as a casual observer; I was never truly aware of the complexity it takes to create, produce, and film a movie such as Top Gun. To be honest, most of us were rather “over” the hub-bub about halfway through the filming. The Top Gun school/base was still at Mira Mar at the time of filming; and the various spots all over the San Diego area became quite popular in hopes of spotting a star!
I was unaware or never stopped to think about the collaboration of the Navy and the film industry to get this movie right! I am appreciative of Meredith’s extensive research in producing this book. It has reignited my desire to both rewatch Top Gun and to finally watch Maverick!
Thank you, Meredith, for the copy of your book; I thoroughly enjoyed it and have suggested it to several friends!
Wow! I will start off with the fact that I am personally acquainted with the author, Meredith Jordan; who graciously provided a copy of her latest book in exchange for an honest review.
I was raised and lived in San Diego for the majority of my life; and have been privy to many films and tv shows having been shot there throughout my life. However, as a casual observer; I was never truly aware of the complexity it takes to create, produce, and film a movie such as Top Gun. To be honest, most of us were rather “over” the hub-bub about halfway through the filming. The Top Gun school/base was still at Mira Mar at the time of filming; and the various spots all over the San Diego area became quite popular in hopes of spotting a star!
I was unaware or never stopped to think about the collaboration of the Navy and the film industry to get this movie right! I am appreciative of Meredith’s extensive research in producing this book. It has reignited my desire to both rewatch Top Gun and to finally watch Maverick!
Thank you, Meredith, for the copy of your book; I thoroughly enjoyed it and have suggested it to several friends!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews