There are not too many movies with such an iconic soundtrack. “Take My Breath Away” IS Top Gun. The song was written by Tom Whitlock and Giorgio Moroder and was initially offered to the band “Motels” who didn’t find any interest in it.
Eventually, Terri Nunn’s “Berlin” (the band, not the city) was chosen to do the act. She contributed her tragic and rough tone of voice and sang the song with such grieving characteristics. “Take my Breath Away” is Berlin’s best-performing song until today.
An Improvised Kiss
You know that scene where Charlie chases Maverick's motorcycle with her convertible and drives like a crazy person because he wouldn't let her finish her sentence? That same scene that ends in her telling him she is falling for him? That same scene in which they have their first kiss? That one.
Well, as it turns out, that kiss was totally off-script. In fact, Cruise had a line to say at this point but he simply forgot what it was and just kissed McGillis instead. The director loved it and decided to keep the scene that way.
Staying Alive
How is John Travolta related to Top Gun? Well, you know many names were in line for grasping the role of Maverick. Apparently, the "Saturday Night Fever" star was in line too. Could you imagine Travolta playing the role? Neither can we.
This idea of Travolta playing Maverick crumbled down as soon as the production team realized that hiring him would cost them much more than initially anticipated.
15 Minutes of Fame
Not too many know who John Semcken is. To most of us, the name means absolutely nothing. Semcken was a technical adviser working for the US Navy and joined the production team of the movie. He had more than a behind-the-scenes role and can be seen in the movie itself.
In the well-known "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" scene, sung by Maverick in the O's club, Semcken is seen singing alongside him, relishing in his 15 minutes of fame.
Dancers of the Sky
Movies like "Top Gun" must have choreographers, and in this case, flight choreographers, to make the fight scenes as authentic as possible. The pilots have to rehearse and adapt physical behaviors, used only by the heroes up in the air.
Admiral Robert Willard was the flight choreographer in "Top Gun" and he is also the pilot that Maverick and Goose flip off in the movie. Later on in life, he became the Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet and then the Commander of the United States Pacific Command. Respect.