Movie American Made
Introduction
Released in 2017, American Made is an exciting biographical crime film directed by Doug Liman.
The movie stars Tom Cruise, who portrays the real-life American pilot and drug smuggler, Barry Seal.
The film takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the life of Seal as he becomes involved in CIA operations and the infamous Medellín Cartel during the 1980s.
Key Takeaways
- Tom Cruise delivers a captivating performance as Barry Seal.
- American Made showcases the dangerous world of drug smuggling and government corruption.
- The film provides a unique perspective on the events surrounding the Iran-Contra affair.
- Viewers will be engrossed by the action-packed sequences and unexpected plot twists.
The Storyline
American Made follows the true story of Barry Seal, a commercial airline pilot who, after being recruited by the CIA, becomes involved in smuggling drugs and weapons.
*The film uncovers Seal’s journey from being a mere pilot to a key figure in one of the biggest drug operations in U.S. history.*
Real-Life Figures and Events
American Made intertwines with real historical characters and events.
*The film features appearances by Pablo Escobar, the notorious leader of the Medellín Cartel, and Oliver North, a key figure in the Iran-Contra scandal.*
These connections to actual people and incidents add authenticity to the storyline and make it even more intriguing for the audience.
Behind the Scenes
The movie was filmed in various locations, including the state of Georgia and Colombia. It showcases stunning aerial sequences and fast-paced chase scenes.
*One interesting fact about the production of American Made is that Tom Cruise himself performed some of the flying stunts in the movie.*
Interesting Trivia
- The real Barry Seal delivered pizzas for the CIA before his involvement in drug smuggling.
- During the peak of his criminal activities, Seal was earning an estimated $1 million per flight.
- The Medellín Cartel, led by Pablo Escobar, supplied around 80% of the cocaine smuggled into the United States during the 1980s.
Tables
| Rank | Country | Cocaine Seizures (in metric tons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombia | 434.5 |
| 2 | United States | 107.6 |
| 3 | Venezuela | 48.8 |
| 4 | Peru | 47.0 |
| 5 | Ecuador | 39.0 |
| # | Movie | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Top Gun | 1986 |
| 2 | Mission: Impossible | 1996 |
| 3 | Jerry Maguire | 1996 |
| 4 | Rain Man | 1988 |
| 5 | A Few Good Men | 1992 |
| Movie | Opening Weekend Revenue (in millions) | Total Worldwide Gross (in millions) |
|---|---|---|
| Top Gun | $8.2 | $356.8 |
| Mission: Impossible | $45.4 | $457.7 |
| Jerry Maguire | $17.1 | $273.6 |
| Rain Man | $7.6 | $412.8 |
| A Few Good Men | $15.5 | $243.2 |
The Impact
American Made received positive reviews from both audiences and critics.
It offers an entertaining experience with its thrilling story, impressive performances, and accurate portrayal of historical events.
The movie serves as a reminder of the dark side of American history and the consequences of government involvement in criminal activities.
*American Made provides an engaging watch for fans of action-packed crime films, with a mix of exhilarating sequences and intriguing plotlines.*
Whether you are interested in the true story behind Barry Seal, the 1980s drug trade, or simply a fan of Tom Cruise’s captivating performances, this movie is worth adding to your watchlist.
Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1: Movie American Made is a documentary
One common misconception is that the movie American Made, directed by Doug Liman and starring Tom Cruise, is a documentary. While the film is based on the true story of Barry Seal, a former TWA pilot turned drug smuggler for the Medellín Cartel, it is not a documentary. It is a fictionalized account of the events that took place during that time period.
- The movie American Made is a work of fiction.
- It portrays real events but through a narrative lens.
- Historical accuracy may be compromised for storytelling purposes.
Misconception 2: American Made glorifies illegal activities
Another misconception is that the movie American Made glorifies illegal activities such as drug smuggling and money laundering. While the film does depict these activities, it does not endorse or glorify them. Instead, it aims to tell a compelling story and shed light on a significant chapter in American history where corruption and illegal activities were prevalent.
- American Made portrays the dark side of the drug trade.
- It highlights the consequences of involvement in illegal activities.
- The movie does not promote or romanticize criminal behavior.
Misconception 3: Barry Seal was a heroic figure
One misconception is that Barry Seal, the main character in American Made, was a heroic figure. While Seal was undoubtedly a charismatic and skilled pilot, he was involved in criminal activities and worked as an informant for the DEA to reduce his own legal consequences. The movie portrays him as a complex character with both strengths and flaws.
- Barry Seal’s character is multidimensional.
- The film portrays his involvement in illegal activities along with his cooperation with law enforcement.
- He was motivated by personal gain rather than purely noble intentions.
Misconception 4: American Made provides a complete and accurate account of events
It is important to note that American Made, like many other historical dramas, takes creative liberties to enhance its storytelling. While the movie is based on real events, certain details may be fictionalized or altered for dramatic effect. Therefore, it should not be considered a definitive and comprehensive account of the events surrounding Barry Seal.
- American Made is a dramatized version of true events.
- Certain characters and scenes may be fictionalized.
- Viewers should approach the film as an entertaining interpretation rather than a factual documentary.
Misconception 5: The movie accurately portrays the entire Medellín Cartel
Finally, it is a common misconception that American Made provides an accurate portrayal of the entire Medellín Cartel. While the movie briefly touches on the cartel’s involvement in drug trafficking, it primarily focuses on the experiences of Barry Seal. It is essential to remember that the Medellín Cartel was a large and complex criminal organization that operated on a much broader scale than what is depicted in the film.
- American Made provides a limited perspective on the Medellín Cartel.
- It focuses on a specific individual’s involvement rather than giving a comprehensive overview of the organization.
- Additional research is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of the Medellín Cartel’s activities.
Cast
The movie “American Made” features a talented cast of actors who bring the story to life. Here is a list of the main cast members and their respective roles:
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Tom Cruise | Barry Seal |
| Sarah Wright | Lucy Seal |
| Domhnall Gleeson | Monty Schafer |
| Jesse Plemons | Sheriff Downing |
| Caleb Landry Jones | J.B. |
Plot Summary
“American Made” is based on the true story of Barry Seal, a TWA pilot turned drug smuggler turned DEA informant. The movie follows Seal’s journey as he becomes a key player in the notorious Medellín Cartel during the 1980s.
| Year | Awards |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Golden Trailer Awards – Best Thriller Poster |
| 2018 | Satellite Awards – Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) (Tom Cruise) |
| 2018 | Teen Choice Awards – Choice Movie Actor: Drama (Tom Cruise) |
Box Office Performance
Upon its release, “American Made” was a box office success. Here are some figures that demonstrate its popularity:
| Opening Weekend (US) | Total Domestic Gross | Total Worldwide Gross |
|---|---|---|
| $16,776,390 | $51,342,000 | $134,129,996 |
Production Budget
The production of “American Made” required a significant budget, and the figures below provide an insight into the scale of the movie:
| Production Cost | Marketing & Distribution Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000,000 | $45,000,000 | $95,000,000 |
Critical Reception
The movie received generally positive reviews from critics. Here are some excerpts from notable publications:
| Critic | Publication | Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Peter Travers | Rolling Stone | “Tom Cruise gives a career-high performance. Pure dynamite!” |
| Owen Gleiberman | Variety | “A thrilling, edge-of-your-seat joyride. Cruise is superb.” |
| Richard Roeper | Chicago Sun-Times | “An insanely fun movie. Cruise is electric!” |
Soundtrack
“American Made” features a soundtrack that captures the atmosphere of the era. Here are some songs included in the movie:
| Song | Artist |
|---|---|
| Fortunate Son | Creedence Clearwater Revival |
| White Rabbit | Jefferson Airplane |
| Caught in the Crossfire | J.B. Pickers |
Film Locations
The movie was shot in various locations to recreate the story authentically. Here are some of the filming locations:
| Location | Type |
|---|---|
| Atlanta, Georgia, USA | Studio |
| Bishop, Georgia, USA | Town |
| Santa Clarita, California, USA | Ranch |
Director & Writer
The movie was directed by Doug Liman and written by Gary Spinelli. Their collaboration brought the story of “American Made” to the screen.
Trivia
“American Made” has some interesting trivia associated with its production. Here are a few notable details:
| Fact |
|---|
| Tom Cruise performed some of his own flying stunts, as he obtained a private pilot’s license. |
| The real Barry Seal appears in archival news footage playing on a TV in one scene. |
| The movie had the alternate title “Mena” during its production stage. |
Conclusion
“American Made” is a thrilling biographical crime film that captivates audiences with its incredible cast, engaging plot, and true-to-life depiction of Barry Seal’s involvement in drug smuggling and law enforcement cooperation. From its box office success to positive critical reception, the movie showcases the talent and dedication of the filmmakers involved. With an authentic soundtrack and attention to detail in film locations, “American Made” immerses viewers in the gripping world of corruption, intrigue, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of the movie American Made?
American Made is a biographical crime film that follows the story of Barry Seal, a former TWA pilot who becomes involved in smuggling drugs for the Medellín Cartel.
Who directed American Made?
Doug Liman directed the movie American Made.
When was American Made released?
American Made was released on September 29, 2017.
Who plays the lead role in American Made?
Tom Cruise portrays the character of Barry Seal in American Made.
Is American Made based on a true story?
Yes, American Made is based on the true story of Barry Seal, a pilot involved in drug smuggling operations in the 1980s.
Where was American Made filmed?
The movie American Made was primarily filmed in various locations in the states of Georgia and Louisiana, as well as parts of Colombia.
What is the runtime of American Made?
The runtime of American Made is approximately 115 minutes.
Did American Made receive any awards?
American Made was not nominated for any major awards, but it received positive reviews from critics and audiences.
What is the rating of American Made?
American Made is rated R for language throughout and some sexuality/nudity.
How did American Made perform at the box office?
American Made grossed over $134 million worldwide, surpassing its budget of $50 million.
