THE SOUNDTRACK
“Top Gun: Maverick” is an American drama film from 2022 directed by Joseph Kosinski and written by Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer, and Christopher McQuarrie. As a sequel to the classic 1986 film, ‘Maverick’ assumes the role of a flight instructor responsible for training elite pilots for a perilous mission they are about to undertake. Throughout his tenure, he reunites with the son of his late comrade, “Goose”, and confronts new challenges. The film delves into themes of friendship, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence within naval aviation.
The soundtrack was primarily composed by Lorne Balfe, Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga, and Hans Zimmer.
MAIN THEME
One of the questions we frequently ask ourselves is what the main theme of a movie is. In this case, the main theme is “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins, simply because it also appeared in the first movie (1986). Also, because it’s the most powerful, the one everyone relates to the movie and the events being narrated, and it encompasses the entire film. There is no doubt that this theme is the main one, as it can only be this one, spanning two generations and two films of the same ongoing story.
PREEXISTING MUSIC
At the same time, it is a very comprehensive soundtrack, featuring new themes, but three stand out which are preexisting music, either previously used or simply from other artists, and were not specifically created for the film:
The first one is “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins, which as mentioned earlier, appeared in the first movie (1986), and it’s no coincidence, as all the fans were eagerly awaiting it.
“Won’t Get Fooled Again” by The Who (1978): At minute 35.40, although not an original song, it adds credibility to the events as the protagonist and his aviators are training for war, a mission where the best have been chosen. The lyrics could easily be written for that situation, as they call for change and revolt, ultimately a revolution.
“Slow Ride” by Foghat (1975): At minute 26.30, I believe the song is well chosen because it adds swagger to one of the characters and helps you get to know each of them. It merely acts as a conduit between one situation and another, we’re talking about background music.
INTERESTING SCENE
If we were to talk about an interesting scene without any doubt, it would be the following, in which the song “Great Balls of Fire” (live) plays at minute 30.30. We can appreciate the competition/cooperation of sound, in the way that all sound levels intertwine, including dialogue, in this case, singing, music, artificial sound, and silence. When we talk about silence, we don’t mean absolute silence but rather the silence felt by the character. This happens when in the scene, the present moment is combined with memories because they are in a bar singing the song of a deceased aviator, Maverick’s best friend, intertwined with memories of when they both sang it together with the family and the fall leading to his death. Therefore, it is indeed an interesting scene. The criterion followed at all times is dramatic, enhancing anguish, sadness combined with happiness and madness.
FINAL MUSICAL THEME
“Hold My Hand“ by Lady Gaga is the final musical theme of the movie Top Gun Maverick. I have chosen to analyse this scene because if it weren’t for the musical theme (“Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins, which appeared in the first movie (1986), this would be the main theme. First, let’s analyse the sequence of the scene: Maverick goes to his sweetheart’s bar, and she is not there. Next, he is seen fixing the F14 plane from the first movie, accompanied by the son of his deceased best friend. This reconciliation is a significant event to note because throughout the entire movie, there is a struggle between love, hate, and resentment that is eventually resolved. Additionally, this boy is seen in Maverick’s garage looking at photographs from scenes of the first movie. It’s not a coincidence that most of these photos are of his best friend, and he also appears as a child and now as an adult. Not only that, but they create a “remember” of the beginning of the movie by showing the same space with the same shots. All this needs to be explained to understand why the melody begins when he reunites with his sweetheart, with whom he takes a flight in the F14 with a series of references to the first film. This theme perfectly summarizes all the sacrifice and pain that the protagonists have had to endure. However, it’s a love letter to the world, to the listeners, and to the characters for the tough moments they have had to live through. Additionally, images of the characters from the first movie, the new aviators, the people in control, appear, and their only bond is honour, passion, and love for what they fight for and want to achieve. It concludes with the final credits in the same sky tone as the beginning of the movie, enhancing the value of this theme and validating the sacrifice, loss, and love.
The soundtrack for “Top Gun: Maverick” is a harmonious blend of timeless classics and original compositions that enhance the visual narrative. Iconic songs like “Danger Zone” and “Great Balls of Fire,” as I mentioned earlier, evoke a nostalgic touch that resonates with the original film, while new compositions add emotional depth and rhythm to the story. The careful integration of music reflects a professional approach that enhances the viewer’s experience, establishing a strong emotional connection with the plot and characters. In short, the “Top Gun: Maverick” soundtrack is a vital component that enriches and enhances the movie experience with its expert blend of iconic and fresh sounds.
WEBGRAPHY
SincroGuía TV. (n.d.). Top Gun: Maverick. SincroGuía TV. Retrived from https://sincroguia-tv.expansion.com/peliculas/top-gun-maverick–gpKL-SPA
FilmAffinity. (n.d.). Top Gun: Maverick. Retrieved from https://www.filmaffinity.com/es/film395388.html
PRESENTATION FILE
Digital Audio 