Award-Worthy Performance from Tom Cruise in a True Story Film

Rating: 10/10 (24 October 2017)

"American Made" is the best American movie I have seen this year. There are a number of factors / reasons that I am saying so. The first reason is that Tom Cruise has given an outstanding performance in this masterpiece movie. Cruise plays real-life pilot Barry Seal, who is hired by the CIA in a covert operation against smugglers (and other "enemies" of the state), from the year 1978 up till 1986. The hero / anti-hero nature of Barry Seal is portrayed with perfection on screen by Tom Cruise. Tom plays the character with such style, skill, panache ,wit and dare-devilry that you will never want this movie to end. He has given a rare blend of intensity and fun to his character in this movie.
The second reason why I loved this movie so much is because the director Doug Liman, has made a very well crafted film that shines and is definitely superior than the other flicks of its time. Mr Liman has managed to fully capture the atmosphere and style of the period during which this true story transpired - 1978 to 1986. The color palette of every scene in "American Made" has been given the 70s-80s look and feel. All the buildings shown, the cars used, the technology, and the clothes worn by actors have been utilized correctly to represent the style and trends of that time. Mr Doug Liman has garnished this movie with a "sweet amount" of fun and wit, which further increases its attraction factor / quotient.
The entire star-cast have given good performances. Apart from Cruise's acting, the other two actors who have shined brightly in "American Made" are D. Gleeson (who plays Barry's CIA handler) , and Sarah Wright Olsen (who plays Barry's wife). Although Sarah did not get a lot of scenes, she is a real scene-stealer. She can make you laugh or cry by just using her facial expressions, as she did in a few scenes with Tom Cruise.
I have to stop here, otherwise my review will become too long, and might not be accepted. I would love to become a story-screenplay writer for movies because intriguing stories keep developing in my mind all the time (Yes - I really mean it, literally !!!!). Employers / Movie Studios can contact me at svhot34@gmail.com