“Barry Seal – Una storia americana” and the fascinating life of Barry Seal
In “Barry Seal – Una storia americana,” the talented Tom Cruise brings to the big screen the incredible true story, albeit with some fictional elements, of the life of Barry Seal, a skilled pilot who was equally adept at getting himself into trouble, eventually falling victim to situations completely out of his control.
The 2017 film directed by Doug Liman features the right mix of action, adventure, drama, and special effects, captivating the viewer from start to finish. “Barry Seal – Una storia americana” is set to air on the evening of Sunday, February 4th on Italia Uno. Below, we delve into who the real protagonist of the film was.
BARRY SEAL – UNA STORIA AMERICANA: A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PLOT AND CAST
Barry Seal is a resourceful airline pilot who is recruited by the CIA to conduct undercover operations of great importance. While on a reconnaissance mission in Colombia, he is hired by dangerous drug traffickers and comes into contact with the infamous Pablo Escobar.
In addition to Tom Cruise, the cast includes Domhnall Gleeson, Jesse Plemons, Lola Kirke, Sarah Wright, Jayma Mays, Connor Trinneer, Caleb Landry Jones, Benito Martinez, April Billingsley, and Jed Rees, among others.
THE TRUE STORY BEHIND THE FILM: WHO WAS BARRY SEAL
In the film, as previously mentioned, Tom Cruise portrays a real person. Here is a brief overview of his story.
Born in Louisiana in 1939, Barry Seal demonstrated an innate and uncommon talent as a pilot from a young age. As a teenager, he already had an incredible mastery of flying aircraft. Upon reaching the age of majority, he joined the Louisiana Army National Guard and later moved to Trans World Airlines as a flight engineer. In a very short time, he became a rising star as a commercial pilot.
However, Seal had a natural and diabolical predisposition for getting into trouble. In 1972, he was fired for being involved in the dangerous trafficking of explosives in Mexico. Not only that, he had begun smuggling drugs, starting with lighter ones and then moving on to the heavier and more lucrative cocaine. In the late 1970s, he was arrested again, this time in Honduras. After his release from prison, despite the previous experiences, Barry continued with his criminal activities and joined the Medellin cartel, using planes to transport drug shipments from Colombia to Panama.
THE TRAGIC (AND PREDICTABLE) OUTCOME
When he was arrested again, this time for money laundering and sentenced to 10 years, Barry requested to speak with DEA agents. He proposed a deal that would soon lead to his downfall. He agreed to act as an informant, testifying to the involvement of the CIA in smuggling operations in South America. The turning point and the point of no return came in 1984.
It was then that an article was published that blew Barry Seal’s cover. Once exposed, he would certainly be a target for the vengeance of the notorious Escobar. In 1986, as predicted, Seal was gunned down by two hitmen hired by the Colombian criminal.
CURIOSITIES ABOUT THE FILM “BARRY SEAL – UNA STORIA AMERICANA”
This film, based on real events, explores Seal’s incredibly complicated and dangerous life during the 1980s, offering a unique perspective on one of the most turbulent eras in American history. Here are some interesting facts about “Barry Seal – Una storia americana”:
PROFESSIONAL MEETING: “Barry Seal – Una storia americana” marks the second collaboration between Tom Cruise and director Doug Liman. They had previously worked together on “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014), a highly acclaimed action and science fiction film.
PREPARATION FOR THE ROLE: To prepare for the role of Barry Seal, Tom Cruise actually piloted the planes featured in the film, including takeoffs and landings. Known for personally performing many of his own stunts, Cruise wanted to ensure that the flying scenes were as authentic as possible.
AUTHENTIC SHOOTING: Much of the film was shot in Colombia to capture the authentic atmosphere and landscape that would have surrounded Seal during his operations in South America. This choice contributed to increasing the authenticity of the historical and geographical context of the film.
RISKS ON SET: During the filming of the movie in Colombia, a tragic plane accident occurred, resulting in the death of two pilots and serious injury to a third. This incident shed light on the dangerous conditions and challenges encountered during the production of such a complex film.
CRITIQUES AND RECEPTION: Upon its release, “Barry Seal – Una storia americana” received generally positive reviews, with particular praise for Cruise’s performance and Liman’s direction. However, some critics raised issues regarding the accurate portrayal of historical events and real figures.
DEBATES ON VERACITY: Although the film is based on real events, Barry Seal’s family has criticized some representations in the film, claiming that certain parts were inaccurate or oversimplified. This raises interesting questions about the balance between entertainment and historical accuracy in cinema based on true stories.
CULTURAL IMPACT: “Barry Seal – Una storia americana” has fueled debate on issues such as drug trafficking, U.S. intervention in Latin America in the 1980s, and the role of the CIA in international covert operations, demonstrating how stories of this kind continue to generate interest and discussion.
These curiosities highlight not only the unique aspects of the production of “Barry Seal – Una storia americana” but also the complex historical and moral issues surrounding the true story of Barry Seal.