Top Secret!

Top Secret! is a wildly entertaining American action-comedy from 1984, directed by the comedic triage of Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker who are popularly known for their iconic contribution to the genre with the movie “Airplane!” No less distinctive or amusing is Top Secret!, an engaging parody that cross-pollinates the spy-themed movies of the Cold War era and the World War II drama with a twist of Elvis films.

This unusual comedy is defined by its wildly unpredictable and humorously bizarre scenarios. It is relentlessly packed with gags, with much of its comedy arising from the absurdity of the situations, the deliberately ridiculous dialogues and actions of the characters, slapstick humour, sight gags, and extensive use of puns and wordplay.

The storyline follows Val Kilmer, who stars as the all-American rock and roll singer, Nick Rivers. In his first lead role, Kilmer displays a swarthy blend of comedic timing and musical talent. He portrays the role perfectly, with his character seeming like a parody of the cultural phenomenon Elvis Presley, complete with a popular cultural following and chart-topping tunes.

Nick finds himself unexpectedly involved in an intricate plot when he is invited to perform at a cultural festival in East Germany. His presence coincides with the unveiling of a secretive encryption device. Upon arrival, Nick finds himself entangled in international espionage. The plot thickens when he falls for the lovely Hillary Flammond (played excellently by Lucy Gutteridge), a member of the French Resistance. Her father, the brilliant scientist Dr. Paul Flammond, is being held captive by the Germans, who intend for him to build a deadly weapon.

Throughout the movie, there are also memorable performances delivered by Omar Sharif as Agent Cedric, the enigmatic British intelligence officer and Jeremy Kemp as General Streck, the ruthless German military officer. They both indulge in the film's madcap reality with their intriguing characters, showcasing the ludicrousness of the exigencies of the moment with side-splitting humour.

In this eclectic narrative, the directors have managed to employ an unabashed, yet enjoyable, absurdity. The narrative snakes through an unusual combination of motifs from war films and spy thrillers, peppered throughout with elements from popular youth culture of the 1950s. The result is a comedic extravaganza like no other.

Just as much as its storytelling, Top Secret! is a visual ride as well. A particular highlight of the film is its arresting cinematography. Scenes are set with a surreal and pseudo-reality look, which works perfectly to usher in the jokes. The visuals go hand in hand with the bizarre unfolding of events and help deliver the gags in the most unexpected ways.

With this film, viewers are taken on an entertaining roller-coaster ride full of amusing confusion and hilarious chaos. Top Secret! does not stop short at merely spoofing genres; it seizes on every possible opportunity to generate laughs, whether it be from the distorted plot, bizarre scenarios, or absurdist humour.

The background score of the film is refreshingly eclectic, ranging from rock 'n' roll classics to R&B and even some pop. It perfectly complements the film's hilarity and often serves to emphasize the chaotic yet comedic situations. Val Kilmer’s performances of the film's musical numbers are also among the film's highlights, showcasing his skill at balancing farce with musical talent.

A special note must also be made of the whip-smart script, the result of the combined effort of the film’s Directors (Abrahams and the Zucker brothers) who penned the story and screenplay. The script is an intrinsic puzzle of hilarious dialogues that add to the film’s craziness and engage viewers with its quick-witted sense of humour.

Top Secret! is a nonstop comic juggernaut, a cascade of gags, puns, witty jokes, and farcical situations. Its unique blend of slapstick and satirical comedy, threaded into a parody of classical war stories and Cold War spy films, makes it an unusually entertaining watch. Val Kilmer's impressive comedic debut, coupled with the other fine performances and the innovative storyline, upholster the film's premise, making Top Secret! a remarkable comedy classic that has earned its place on the list of must-see comedies from the 1980s.