An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)

I wasn't sure what to expect of this film. You have probably heard the ending referenced on countless TV shows. It seems to be one of those films that has worked its way into the general consciousness, but I won't give it away just in case you don't know. I think it's enough to say that it is known as one of the classic romances, with Richard Gere as Zack Mayo in probably his second most famous role. Yet it is also sold as a new Naval recruit's attempt to get through a tough officer training academy. Could I expect soppy romance or gritty military drama?

Cue an over the top 80's soundtrack of power ballads and an opening few scenes featuring Zack's alcoholic, whore chasing father (Robert Loggia) and my expectations rose. Loggia is an actor with real character. A voice like whiskey and cigarettes distilled over nails. Yes I am a huge Scarface fan and therefore a big fan of Loggia! Sadly he is very underused and after stealing the show at the start the film quickly moves on without him.

Another good performance comes from Louis Gossett Jr as the ever angry drill sergeant in charge of turning Mayo from smug rebellious layabout into a leader of men. I got the feeling that I was watching a light version of Full Metal Jacket, then I found out that was made in 1987 so I have to concede it wasn't as much of a cliché as I thought.

The main theme of the film however seems to be an extension of the American Dream. It is chased down clearly by Gere in his attempts to become an officer, but also more confusingly by two local girls. Paula and Lynette get tarted up every weekend and prowl the bars hoping to bag themselves a future officer. I could go into a big rant at this point about how women have become more empowered these days, how they don't need men to become a success. Yet every time I turn on the TV or look at a magazine I'm faced with a wannabe WAG! Now don't get me wrong, I know that most women want success in their own right, and that most women cringe at the idea of being a trophy wife. But let’s face it ladies, there is a tiny minority of opportunistic, cosmetically augmented, way too tanned hunters on the prowl. To be fair it seems a good career if you can get it but I just don't want to hear about it every day!

This distortion on the pursuit of the American Dream does lead to an unexpected dark twist in the film, probably saving it from sinking in a shallow sex haze as Mayo and Paula embark on an obvious course.

With a few good performances (to be fair Richard Gere is good also, and actually has dark hair it’s so old school!) I was pleasantly surprised by this film.

6/10