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Released in 1990, “Air America” is an action-comedy film starring Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. The movie is based on the book “Air America” by Christopher Robbins, which chronicles the history of the CIA’s secret airline, Air America, and its operations during the Vietnam War. While the movie was a box office success, it received mixed reviews from critics, with some accusing it of whitewashing the CIA’s involvement in the Vietnam War. So, who were the real Air America movie consultants, and what was their role in the making of the film?
Who Were the Air America Movie Consultants?
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The Air America movie consultants were a group of former Air America pilots, mechanics, and support staff who were hired by the film’s producers to provide technical advice and historical accuracy. These consultants included Gene DeBruin, a former Air America pilot who flew missions in Laos and Vietnam; Tom Abbott, a former Air America mechanic who worked on the airline’s fleet of helicopters; and Jim Rhyne, a former Air America radio operator who provided communication support during covert operations.
What Was Their Role in the Making of the Film?
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The Air America movie consultants played a crucial role in ensuring that the film accurately portrayed the airline’s operations during the Vietnam War. They provided technical advice on everything from the types of aircraft used by Air America to the procedures for loading and unloading cargo. They also shared their personal experiences and insights with the film’s cast and crew, helping them to understand the realities of working for a secret airline in a warzone.
The consultants also helped the filmmakers to recreate the look and feel of Air America’s operations in Southeast Asia. They provided detailed information about the airline’s bases and facilities, as well as the local customs and cultures of the countries where Air America operated. This attention to detail helped to give the film a sense of authenticity and realism.
Did the Air America Movie Consultants Approve of the Film?
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While the Air America movie consultants were generally pleased with the film, some criticized its portrayal of the CIA’s involvement in the Vietnam War. They felt that the movie glossed over the agency’s role in the conflict, portraying it as a benevolent force rather than a shadowy organization with its own agenda. They also felt that the film downplayed the risks and challenges involved in working for a secret airline in a warzone.
What Impact Did the Air America Movie Have?
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Despite its mixed reviews and controversies, “Air America” had a significant impact on popular culture. It helped to popularize the idea of the CIA’s secret airline, and it inspired a wave of movies and TV shows about covert operations and espionage. It also helped to cement Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr.’s status as leading Hollywood actors.
However, the real legacy of the Air America movie consultants is their contribution to preserving the history of Air America and its role in the Vietnam War. By sharing their knowledge and experiences with the filmmakers, they helped to ensure that the airline’s story would be told accurately and respectfully.
Conclusion
The Air America movie consultants played a vital role in the making of the 1990 film “Air America.” They provided technical advice, personal experiences, and historical accuracy to help the filmmakers recreate the look and feel of Air America’s operations during the Vietnam War. While some consultants had criticisms about the portrayal of the CIA’s involvement in the conflict, the film had a significant impact on popular culture and helped to preserve the history of Air America.
