Introduction
Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most iconic action movie stars of all time. He has starred in numerous films that have become classics in the genre. One of his most memorable movies is the 1994 film True Lies, in which he plays the character of Harry Tasker, a secret agent who uses a Harrier jet to save the day. In this article, we will take a closer look at this movie and the role that the Harrier jet plays in it.
The Harrier Jet
The Harrier jet is a type of fighter aircraft that is capable of vertical and short takeoff and landing (V/STOL). It was first developed in the 1960s by British aerospace company Hawker Siddeley, and has since been used by various military forces around the world. The Harrier is known for its unique ability to take off and land vertically, which allows it to operate in areas where traditional runways are not available.
The Plot of True Lies
True Lies is a movie about a secret agent named Harry Tasker who works for a covert branch of the United States government. Harry’s wife, Helen, is not aware of his secret life and believes that he is a boring computer salesman. When Helen starts to suspect that Harry is having an affair, she decides to have an adventure of her own. She ends up getting caught up in Harry’s dangerous world, and together they must stop a terrorist plot to detonate a nuclear bomb in the United States.
The Role of the Harrier Jet in True Lies
One of the most memorable scenes in True Lies is when Harry uses a Harrier jet to rescue his daughter, Dana, from a band of terrorists who have taken over a skyscraper. The Harrier jet is able to hover in place, which allows Harry to use its thrusters to maneuver through the building and take out the terrorists one by one. The scene is a thrilling display of the Harrier’s unique capabilities and showcases Arnold Schwarzenegger’s action hero skills.
The Making of the Harrier Jet Scene
The Harrier jet scene in True Lies was one of the most complex and expensive scenes ever filmed at the time. The filmmakers had to rent a Harrier jet from the United States Marine Corps and spend months planning and rehearsing the scene. The actual filming took place on location in Florida, and involved the use of a specially-built set that was designed to look like the inside of a skyscraper. The scene was a major technical achievement and helped to cement the Harrier jet’s place in movie history.
The Legacy of True Lies
True Lies was a critical and commercial success when it was released in 1994. It was praised for its action sequences, humor, and the performances of its cast, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Tom Arnold. The movie is still remembered today as one of the best action movies of the 1990s, and the Harrier jet scene is often cited as one of the most iconic moments in movie history.
Conclusion
The Harrier jet has become an iconic symbol of action movie heroics, thanks in part to its memorable role in the movie True Lies. The film’s complex and expensive Harrier jet scene was a major technical achievement that helped to showcase the jet’s unique capabilities. Today, True Lies is remembered as one of the best action movies of the 1990s, and the Harrier jet scene stands as one of the most thrilling moments in movie history.