#Dogfight (1991)

[goldenivygarden]

dogfight (1991), dir. nancy savoca

'dogfight', my beautiful underrated gem, my beloved anti-war, pro-love and kindness film. my sweet, tender balm for trying times. god i i miss river phoenix so much. what an incandescent talent. what a privilege that cinema has his performances immortalized in celluloid forever.

every scene in this film, every frame, pulsates with such pure, young emotion: first thrill then confusion and anger and then something warmer, something realer, something almost like love, the kind only possible on certain summer evenings. they never last forever the way we so desperately want them to. and then growing up, coming into terms with the inevitable cruelty of the world.

there's a scene about midway through the film when eddie and rose slow-dance around a music arcade, there are no words spoken, only the unraveling and revealing of something unnamed but so, so unmistakable.

but what also elevates this film from your standard forever-in-one-night romance fare is that it comes from a place of real hurt, it carves out its joy and grace and young love from a place of real cruelty. and that seeps through in every nuanced beat, even beyond language. that we need each other to survive—that our entire species depends on it in spite of all our protests—is such an embarrassing thing to come into terms with sometimes, but to be seen is a necessary precursor to being loved.

it's films like these that make me believe in everything again and thank god and the heavens that cinema is a capsule of time and memory and emotion.

[moncherelephant]

clingy

[femgazedreams]

[brixuth]

“You and me, against the pricks. Are you with me?”

Dogfight (1991)

[cristinaricci]

RIVER PHOENIX 1991 | Dogfight

[cinematicmasterpiece]

dogfight (1991)

[thecoparoom]

movie review of Dogfight

Boston Phoenix, October 1991

[sawthefaeriequeen]

I was tagged by @queenofattolia

List five of your favourite movies and let your followers decide which vibes fit you best.

I'm tagging @dreamingthroughthenoise, @macchiatosdumptruck, @pathless-wood, @disbear, @natural-blue-26, and anyone else who wants to do it.

[psikonauti]

Carlo D’Anselmi (American, b. 1991)

Dogfight, 2021

Oil on canvas

[pierreism]

Dogfight, 1991. dir. Nancy Savoca

Watching the Criterion restoration just confirms this isn't merely your favourite movie that you haven't seen in a while - it's one of the greatest ever made. Nancy Savoca is one of the best to ever do it.

[maaarine]

MBTI & Celebs

Brendan Fraser: INFP

“Brendan James Fraser (born December 3, 1968) is a Canadian-American actor.

Having graduated from the Cornish College of the Arts in 1990, he made his film debut in Dogfight (1991). Fraser had his breakthrough in 1992 with the comedy Encino Man and the drama School Ties.

He gained further prominence for his starring role in With Honors (1994) as a Harvard student and George of the Jungle (1997) and emerged a star playing Rick O'Connell in The Mummy trilogy (1999–2008). (…)

Fraser's film career was revitalized by roles in Steven Soderbergh's No Sudden Move (2021) and Darren Aronofsky's The Whale (2022).

His starring role as an obese gay man in the latter earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, becoming the first Canadian to win this category.”

Sources: video, wiki/Brendan_Fraser. Screencaps: transcript.

[femgazedreams]

I can't stop rewatching Dogfight (1991) lately... It's such a lovely film, I can't get enough of it. It has a lot of the themes and tropes I love ❤️

And it looks like The Criterion Collection is releasing a new version. Please don't miss it! You won't regret it.

[monarch-afterdark]

Titan History: Rodan

Welcome once again to Monarch: After Dark, the digital gateway between you and the organisation dedicated to navigating and understanding this troubled new world we live in.

Before we begin, we would like to take a moment to thank you all once again for your engagement with this platform. Just today, Monarch: After Dark has surpassed 50 followers, a great feat in our goal to help the public learn more about and understand the world of the Titans and beyond. We here on the After Dark team appreciate each and every person who interacts with the blog, and hope to see more of you join as we continue this journey together.

To mark the occasion, we will be making an earlier-than-scheduled return to our "Titan History" series with a Titan who has become something of a popular tourist attraction in recent years; the winged demon born of fire, Rodan.

(Pictured above: The USS Argo approaching Rodan as he rises from the Isla de Mara volcano, circa. 2019)

Monarch Database File: Rodan

Monarch Designation: Titanus Rodan

Height: 154 feet

Weight: 39,043 tons

Wingspan: 871 feet

Nature: Bio-Volcanic

Behavioural Classification: Destroyer

-----

The largest currently known case of "magmafauna" (a term coined by Monarch for superspecies biologically adapted to volcanic environments), Rodan is an impressively intimidating pterosaur-like Titan perfectly adapted to his resting place within the volcano of Isla de Mara. It is speculated by some within Monarch that Rodan's parents had nested within the volcano long ago, Rodan himself seems biologically molded for his home.

Rodan appears to almost be made of volcanic rock, cooled magma coating his wings. Red cracks glow through his wings during flight, giving the impression that the Titan oozes lava as he soars through the air. Due to his volcanic nature, Rodan does not "bleed" as organisms traditionally, as an injury sustained from Mothra's stinger in 2019 only resulted in magma coming out. Truly, Rodan seems to be a living volcano.

His range of abilities similarly match the destructive potential of volcanoes. Capable of flying at supersonic speeds, Rodan need only fly over a city to destroy it, or he can create a powerful sonic thunderclap capable of dispatching several fighter jets with a single strike. His razor-sharp talons and beak aid in dealing with other Titans up-close, and his internal tempearatures can reach such heights that they can burn his opponents if he gets close enough. According to one account, Rodan can cause volcanoes to erupt simply by flying past them.

(Pictured above: Rodan battling Monster Zero within the latter's storm beyond Isla de Mara, circa. 2019)

While Rodan's existence was known to Monarch as early as 1973, the Titan itself would not be discovered by the organisation until 1991. Under the guise of "environmental research" (a tried-and-tested excuse), Monarch quarantined the volcano of Isla de Mara. As the years went on, the quarantine zone became a fully-fledged Monarch facility, forced to operate with aerial satellites as the volcano's temperatures rendered standard Monarch equipment impossible to use.

In 2019, following the awakening of Monster Zero in Antarctica, former Monarch member-turned eco-terrorist Emma Russell used the ORCA sonar device to awaken Rodan, despite Monarch forces still attempting to evacuate the population of Isla de Mara below. The civilians watched with silent horror as Rodan rose from the volcano, before running screaming as the Titan took notice.

In an effort to divert Rodan's attention, Monarch's command ship USS Argo and its fighter escort Gold Squadron fired on Rodan to draw his ire and lead him to a massive storm generated by Monster Zero, who was headed to the volcano itself in response to Rodan's calls. Rodan took flight, still causing massive damage to the city, before engaging Gold Squadron in a dogfight as the Argo led him toward the larger Titan.

(Pictured above: Rodan emerging from the clouds to engage Monarch forces in the sky, circa. 2019)

As Rodan made short work of the Gold Squadron, including one documented instance of the Titan "smirking" before using a barrel roll to finish off the remaining jets, both he and the Argo arrived within Monster Zero's storm. The two Titans clashed almost immediately, Rodan holding his own for a while until Monster Zero shot him out of the sky.

Rodan recovered from the attack quickly enough to evade the Oxygen Destroyer's deployment on Godzilla and Monster Zero, and quickly returned to his volcanic home in order to bow before Monster Zero, which recently staked its claim as the Alpha Titan following Godzilla's supposed demise. During the multiple Titan attacks provoked by Monster Zero, Rodan was reportedly responsible for setting off the Ring of Fire around the Pacific Ocean.

Working directly alongside Monster Zero, almost like its personal guard, Rodan fought off military and Monarch forces in Washington, DC. He later turned toward Boston when the ORCA was activated, arriving just in time to intercept Mothra when both she and Godzilla were gaining an advantage over Monster Zero.

Rodan kept Mothra oocupied, ramming her into buildings and using his lethal temperatures to burn her wings to weaken her. Going in for a final attack, Rodan was met by Mothra's stinger, impaling him through his shoulder and incapacitating him for the remainder of the battle.

Due to his volcanic nature, Rodan was able to survive through the thermonuclear pulses given off by Godzilla when he entered a superheated state, and managed to recover to fly off presumably before a thermonuclear explosion consumed Boston and destroyed Monster Zero's body.

(Pictured above: Rodan roaring at Godzilla, moments before accepting him as the new Alpha, circa. 2019)

Rodan was the final Titan to surround Godzilla in Boston following Monster Zero's demise, still bearing the injury sustained from Mothra. He roared up at Godzilla but was met with a glare, moments after which he bowed down before Godzilla, the first Titan to do so, accepting Godzilla as the true king of the Titans.

Following the Monster Zero crisis, Rodan took refuge in Fiji, where he established a new nest for himself. His presence led to a spike in tourism from people wanting to glimpse the Titan.

To date, Rodan remains dormant in Fiji, and has had no involvement in any of the Titan crises since the Monster Zero crisis.

-----

And that's all she wrote for Rodan! The Titan's re-emergence has been both hotly anticipated and dreaded by the public since his return to dormancy, with many wanting to see the Titan in action once more...presumably because they are far away from wherever he is and thus unlikely to be blown into another country by his supersonic winds. We here on the After Dark team, would indeed want to gleam more data from Rodan, though preferrably from a safe and comfortable distance.

Until next time,

Monarch: After Dark

[kao-tika]

hi again! ✨ here’s another fic rec, this time about fics that are based off movies or books let me know what you think 🎞️📚🩷

☆ Who Painted the Moon Black by throughthedark

“People died,” Harry whispers so quietly Louis strains to hear. “People died, and I killed some of them. How does life just go on after something like that?”

Louis shakes his head. “I don't know. It just does.”

Hunger Games AU where Louis Tomlinson is district six's victor from the 69th Hunger Games and Harry Styles is district seven's victor from the 72nd Hunger Games.

notes: this is one of my favorite fics of all time, you don’t have to be a big HG fan to enjoy this story ( but if you are i think it’s very accurate to the saga) so beautifully written and so gut wrenching in equal parts, amazing ending, cannot recommend it enough <3

☆ Take My Breath Away by RealityBetterThanFiction

There is a prestigious school in the British Royal Navy classified as Premier Delta - or as it is known by its flyers, 1D. These select pilots are an elite set of Naval lieutenants who are trained in the skill of aggressive aerial combat. They are instruments of war, trained in times of peace. They are dogfighters, relentless and fearless in their mission to protect their beloved country. From their lofty vantage, they are always watching, waiting, and ready to lay it all on the line.

Lt. Harry Styles, call sign Sparrow, is a prodigy when it comes to flying. The owner of an unrivaled Naval pedigree, being a pilot was always written in the stars for Harry. With his trusty RIO, Lt. Niall Horan, Harry has made an unprecedented ascension in the ranks of the Naval aerial combat elite, and has been recruited to the esteemed Premier Delta flight school, carrying on his family’s legacy. What he finds there are unexpected friendships, perilous challenges, and something beyond what he ever thought possible. Because as his father had always told him, before the great Captain Styles went tragically missing in combat, you don’t fall in love with the sky, you fall in love with what keeps you on the ground.

notes: checking the fic again for this rec I can’t find if it said it explicitly BUT this one gives mayor top gun vibes throughout the whole story, a really fun and cute fic

☆ The Afterlife Fic (The Best I Ever Had in My Entire Life... Or Death) by LovingCup

AU- After dying in an accident, Louis Tomlinson arrives in the Afterlife. Not Heaven and not Hell, Louis finds himself in Judgment City UK: a pristine city where the food and entertainment are divine and the newly departed must undergo a Review of their life on Earth to determine if they have lived a life worthy of advancement in the universe, or if they must be returned to Earth to be born again in a new body.

On his first full day in the Afterlife, Louis meets Harry Styles, and the two have an instant connection. Over the course of their Reviews, they fall in love and begin to find that even though they didn't know each other on Earth, they are nonetheless linked to one another in perfect ways. Both are hoping to move ahead in the universe together, but they are challenged with the threat of separation if one or both of them is sent back to Earth to be born again.

Loosely based on the Albert Brooks' film "Defending Your Life" starring Brooks and Meryl Streep. One scene in particular is drawn from the movie, but other than that scene and the general concept, this story veers far away from the film. There were no blowies in the 1991 movie, I swear!

notes: another one of my favorites! for what I remember, a long read, but so worth it. This story touches on topics of grief, loss, love, life and fears through the life of Louis and Harry and how they navigate their relationship in the afterlife (ends good).

☆ You Fill My Lungs With Sweetness (Can I Be Close to You?) by sideofzemblanity

Busy picturing Harry’s stupid face on the stupid dummy, Louis goes through a series of kicks before returning to a low guard and cycling through punches. Harry’s still talking, gesturing with his hands as he rounds Louis, standing to his back. “You do a few butt-shaping exercises, tighten this up a little bit,” he smacks Louis’ arse and the omega freezes while Harry cheerfully continues, “you could pull this off.”

“You know what?” Louis snaps, lifting on his tiptoes to get the leverage so he can wrap his arm around the alpha’s neck, forcing him to bend in half while Louis locks him in a chokehold. “Pull this off,” he snarls. They stagger over a few steps, Louis gritting his teeth as Harry tries to break free. “Is it because Payne hates me?” he complains, voice edging on an annoyed whine, “Or is it, like, an omega thing?”

Too late, Louis realizes that Harry has got a grip on his leg and this time as he pulls against Louis’ hold, it loosens, the alpha lifting him in the air before slamming his back into the mat, breaking Louis’ grip completely. Harry kneels on the mat, hovering over him with a sneer, “Don’t kid yourself. Nobody thinks of you that way.”

aka the Miss Congeniality ABO AU nobody asked for

notes: SOOO funny, has a little bit of angst, friends to lovers, a short read so you don’t have excuses;)

☆ Come My Love Again by softfonds

Harry Styles is handsome, clever, and rich. At least that’s what his friends say of him. He also thinks of himself as a matchmaker in Highbury, pairing people together when he finds the time. But when the arrival of a certain gentleman flips Harry’s world on its head, he starts to question everything that was once all too familiar to him, including his relationship with his good friend, Mr. Tomlinson. An Emma AU.

notes: I really enjoyed the little bit of angst on this fic, i think it’s omegaverse if i don’t remember it wrong?. enjoy of Louis being a classic gentlemen

☆ In The Still Of The Night by jacaranda_bloom

In a society where omegas are expected to follow a predetermined path, Louis strives for more; for his voice to be heard, for recognition, for true love.

In a world where your past defines your future, Harry fights against the system; for equality, for a different life, for acceptance.

When their two worlds collide, will they be beaten down by conformity or will they rise up and forge a new path together?

OR the Dirty Dancing AU where Louis is a feisty omega who wants to change the world, Harry is an alpha from the wrong side of the tracks, and nobody puts Louis in a corner.

notes: the fic that I didn’t know I need, is dirty dancing with larry do I really need to say more?

☆ in a world alone by falsegoodnight

Harry’s breath catches as the glow grows bigger and bigger until he’s squinting his eyes and blinking at the sudden intense brightness. He closes his eyes, rubbing at them helplessly. When his eyes open again- he gasps, grip loosening on his bow as he gawks at the sight before him.

Because the swan is gone.

And in its place is the prettiest omega Harry has ever seen.

A Swan Lake AU

notes: a really cute one shot, fairy tale vibes ;)

☆ hold on to your heart by falsegoodnight

“Come here for a second.”

Harry’s brows furrow, glancing aside like he thinks Louis may be talking to someone else. Louis jerks his head beside him, impatient, and the alpha steps into the room cautiously.

Louis turns back to Royce and Hunt who are staring at him in confusion. He pastes a pleasant smile onto his face, clasping his hands together. “Gentlemen, I understand. I understand the predicament that we are in…” He clears his throat. “But there is something you should know.”

“What is this, Louis?” Royce asks, exchanging a look with Hunt.

Taking a few steps backward until he is beside a very bewildered looking Harry, Louis takes a deep breath. “We are, uh –” He reaches out and touches Harry’s arm. You cannot actually be doing this, he thinks. But then he does. “We are getting married.”

The Proposal AU, where Louis is the no-nonsense editor in chief of one of the largest publishing houses in the country, and Harry is the unlucky assistant that gets roped into a fake engagement to prevent his boss from being deported. Things don't go as planned.

notes: really funny and cute I enjoyed reading it sm!!

☆ through chaos as it swirls, it’s us against the world by sweetfairydreams

corporal styles is sent on a suicidal mission, at his hands the lives of hundreds of men that are going straight into a trap. he ends up finding louis, the french and most beautiful boy he ever seen, and a baby, in a basement of a dead city.

based on the movie 1917

notes: a cute and wholesome story <3

──⋆˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆˚｡⋆──

[powderblueblood]

I hope this isn't too random but I really like your taste in movies and media and one of my favourite movies ever is Dogfight (1991) with River Phoenix (which I think you'll like if you haven't seen it already) and I love the idea of a Dogfight AU with Eddie or maybe Steve. It's pretty convenient that the lead character's named Eddie in the film too lol. Anyway, I'm not making a request or anything like that I just wanted to say that ever since I started following your blog I've felt that you're the perfect kind of writer to do a story like that. I watched the movie again a few days ago and I was reminded of your blog and I kept thinking oh man if anyone could get this AU down the right way it would be powder

so I want to preface this with telling you that I hadn’t seen dogfight when I received this ask but I read this and I was like you know what. I’ve got nothing on this morning lets pop in a movie

and jesus christ anon, have you ever got my number. i really, really liked it. took a few notes during. this was one of them

and i also got to thinking about this little sketch-- i mean, i have a bias towards wisecracking tragedy boy eddie munson lets be so serious, so i watched it with him in mind. (i also think there's such fertile real estate with steve as berzin-- i wanna talk about the marcie of it all with him!)

but you've got eddie, okay, eddie with a crew cut and a malaise that seems boyish but isn't. in boot camp, they cut off one of the last things that made him him (his hair, i am always thinking about his hair) and dressed him up to send him off to die.

on the one hand, he's dabbled in the counterculture by virtue of being an outsider all his life (he knows the war is fucked); on the other, he doesn't want to be a draft dodger like his father. the more he's surrounded by something like the rigidity and after-dark feral lost boy-ishness of the marines, the easier it becomes to surrender to it. forget himself. make a bunch of jarhead buddies and put money on a dogfight.

they're calling for okinawa in the morning. he's got twelve hours in frisco and a mission to find the ugliest date that he can.

and then he meets you.

you, and you are sweet and weedy in nature with a guitar in your hand, with hands you hold like there oughta be rosary beads webbed between your fingers. your shrine to joan baez and odetta holmes on the wall of your bedroom in the apartment above the diner that he stumbles into, sweating and desperate and running low on that classic munson charm, trying to find the gnarliest bitch hound in all of san francisco.

your hair is a little too done up in a poor imitation of girls in the magazines and you move your body like it's a constant obstruction, apologetic to everyone in your path. you're perfect-- for this. he asks you to a party, a party set up to humiliate you and amuse him and that's all well and good until--

you pluck off the chords of dink's song and you remind eddie of something he'd tried to beat down, you pressed little flower you.

and this eventual exchange.

'what are you grinnin' about?'

'i was just wondering what you'd look like with your hair a little longer and without that bruise on your face...'

sweetheart, i need to have a fucking LIE DOWN. this really might end up on my WIPS by VIRTUE OF THIS ASK ALONE. DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'VE DONE! I LOVE YOU