Cocktail (1988) Review: Plot, Characters, Filming, and Impact on Pop Culture

Cocktail (1988): Shaken, Stirred, and Still Serving Up the Drama

Remember the 80s? Big hair, shoulder pads, and Tom Cruise mixing drinks? That's "Cocktail" (1988). Beyond the bottle-flipping and romantic flings, a semi-autobiographical story sits under everything. Let's explore its charm from sun-soaked views to the behind-the-scenes drama.

The Story Behind the Stirring: Plot and Storyline of "Cocktail"

What's "Cocktail" about? It's not just Tom Cruise being cool while mixing drinks. Dive deeper, and you find a story about ambition, materialism, and the complex road to redemption. Brian Flanagan, our lead, has a self-help book collection and dreams of wealth.

The film tracks his path away from materialism, but the ending leaves room for debate. Does Brian really shed his gold-digging ways? "Cocktail" draws from Heywood Gould's 1984 novel, which echoes some of his own experiences as a bartender. Roger Donaldson directed, keeping it close to the book's essence. It shows dreams of better lives stuck in the service industry.

Don't confuse it with the Bollywood "Cocktail" (2012), starring Deepika Padukone and Saif Ali Khan! The Hindi film has a different plot. It follows Meera, a traditional woman in London meeting Gautam Kapoor. This rom-com is separate from Cruise's bartending tale. For more on the 2012 film, visit Wikipedia.

Back to the 1988 story. Brian Flanagan, a young Tom Cruise, dreams of a marketing career. First, he needs that business degree, so he bartends for funds. Doug Coughlin, played by Bryan Brown, becomes his cynical mentor. Their duo draws crowds with flair and charisma. It's not just drinks; it's art.

However, mentors clash. Brian and Doug's egos lead to a fallout. Seeking renewal, Brian travels to Jamaica to earn money for his own bar. Amidst reggae and rum, he meets Jordan Mooney, an artist played by Elisabeth Shue. It's a classic story of ambition, friendship, romance, and self-discovery with cocktails and sunsets.

Paradise Found (and Filmed): "Cocktail's" Stunning Filming Locations

Jamaica, Canada, and a hint of New York City. Jamaica shines, but some scenes were shot in Canada.

Jamaican Me Crazy for These Locations

Jamaica truly wins hearts in "Cocktail." The film's turquoise waters and lush landscapes add to its appeal. You can visit places where Brian and Jordan fell in love. Locations like Sandals Royal Plantation, Jamaican Inn, and Dunn's River Falls are featured. Check out bartending rules for further insight into the film's culture.

Dunn's River Falls is essential. The cascading waterfalls and pools are almost characters themselves. For dedicated fans, Frenchman's Cove, Blue Lagoon, Dragon Bay, and Reach Falls await.

• Frenchman's Cove and Blue Lagoon: Both offer glimpses of the romance. Stroll through the lushness of Frenchman's Cove or witness the captivating waters of the Blue Lagoon.
• Dragon Bay: This spot is where Brian's bar supposedly stood. While fictional, Dragon Bay's beauty remains untouched.
• Reach Falls: This waterfall offers a natural retreat for visitors. Its pristine appearance stands out, perfect for experiencing Jamaica away from crowds.

Canadian Cocktail Shakers: Toronto and Beyond

While Jamaica provided the outdoor paradise, Canada filled in critical indoor scenes. Toronto played a major role.

• Lee's Palace, Toronto: The vibrant Jamaican club interior was filmed at Lee's Palace. This venue is known for live music, embodying a Caribbean vibe.
• The Bartending School, Toronto: Tom Cruise honed his skills here. So if you're in Toronto, want to mix drinks like him, this is the place.

New York, New York: A Big Apple Backdrop

New York City starts Brian's journey and features briefly in "Cocktail." A few scenes filmed there help ground the story in urban chaos before taking us to tropical bliss. Jamaica and Canada dominate, but NYC adds city grit.

Meet the Mixologists: Characters of "Cocktail"

"Cocktail" offers stunning views and intriguing drinks; however, it's the characters that give life to this 80s drama.

Brian Flanagan (Tom Cruise): The Ambitious Bartender

Brian Flanagan comes alive through Tom Cruise. He aims higher than bartending. He's chasing a lucrative marketing job that defines 80s success. But first, he needs a business degree. Bartending is just a stepping stone, or so he believes. Brian is passionate and somewhat naive.

Doug Coughlin (Bryan Brown): The Cynical Mentor

Doug Coughlin, portrayed by Bryan Brown, is the veteran bartender. He's experienced it all with a healthy dose of cynicism toward life and relationships. He becomes Brian's mentor, teaching him bartending and life skills. Doug's guidance mixes with hard truths conveyed through "Coughlin's Laws."

Coughlin's Laws: Words to Live (or Not Live) By

Doug's wisdom shapes Brian's journey, influencing choices and directions in life.

Coughlin is a bartender. He shares wisdom through his "Coughlin's Laws." These laws vary from funny to insightful, revealing Doug's view of life.

• "Coughlin's law: never tell tales about a woman, she'll hear you no matter how far away she is." This highlights Doug's belief in women's intuition or gossip networks.
• "Coughlin's Law: Bury the dead. They stink up the joint. As for the rest of Coughlin's Laws, ignore them." This dark law suggests a practical view of life's harsh realities, reflecting Doug's opinions on his own proclamations.
• "Coughlin's law: never show surprise, never lose your cool." Brian quotes this law, showing its influence on him. It advises maintaining composure, which is vital for success as a bartender. This law emphasizes emotional control and projecting calm confidence.

Jordan Mooney (Elisabeth Shue): The Artistic Love Interest

Jordan Mooney, played by Elisabeth Shue, is Brian's love interest in Jamaica. She is independent and creative, contrasting Brian's material desires. Their romance flourishes amidst beautiful landscapes. Jordan represents a life for Brian centered on connection and true happiness.

Veronica (Deepika Padukone): A Bollywood "Cocktail" Connection

Veronica from "Cocktail," played by Deepika Padukone, comes from the 2012 Bollywood film. She is a free spirit. Her character embodies modern Indian femininity, celebrated for its independence. Although different films, they share themes of relationships and self-discovery.

Tom Cruise's Love Interests: A Recurring Theme

Elisabeth Shue as Jordan Mooney is Tom Cruise's love interest in "Cocktail." This pattern happens in many of Cruise's films. Jordan is pivotal for Brian as she prompts him to reassess his goals. Their relationship is crucial to the film's romantic essence.

Behind the Camera and in the Spotlight: Cast and Crew

A film involves more than just actors; it's teamwork of creatives behind the scenes. Let's toast to the key cast and crew that made "Cocktail" possible.

Roger Donaldson: The Director's Vision

Roger Donaldson directed "Cocktail," imparting his vision onto Heywood Gould's story. Known for diverse films, he balanced romance and drama with visual flair. Donaldson captured the film's energy and guided cast performances, ensuring emotional depth alongside visual appeal.

Heywood Gould: The Author's Tale

Heywood Gould authored the semi-autobiographical "Cocktail" and wrote the film adaptation. This role allowed him to shape the film per his experience as a bartender. His writings imbue humor and heart, adding authenticity to characters and their journeys.

Tom Cruise: The Star Power

Tom Cruise starred in "Cocktail," bringing energy to Brian Flanagan. He trained as a bartender for the role. During production, he showed real heroism by saving Elisabeth Shue from danger on set.

Tom Cruise's Salary: A Sign of the Times

Tom Cruise earned $3 million for "Cocktail" in 1988. This sum marked his growing stature in Hollywood despite seeming modest today. His pay for this movie contrasts sharply with earlier roles, illustrating his quick ascent in the film industry.

Tom Cruise's Training: Mixology Mastery

To portray an expert bartender convincingly, Tom Cruise trained with flair bartender John Bandy. This training took place in Toronto. His dedication added authenticity to his portrayal, enhancing the film's visual aspects.

Tom Cruise: The Real-Life Hero

Tom Cruise gained attention for rescuing Elisabeth Shue on set. During filming, she ran near a helicopter tail rotor. Cruise tackled her to save her life. This incident shows his readiness to protect others, revealing a side beyond acting.

Was it a Hit or a Miss? Reception and Review of "Cocktail"

Was "Cocktail" praised or panned? The answer is mixed, much like a cocktail itself.

Was "Cocktail" a Hit Movie?

"Cocktail" was a commercial success. It performed well at the box office, boosting Tom Cruise's image as a lead. Despite lacking critical acclaim, it drew audiences with its charm, romantic themes, and Cruise's presence. Thus, it's deemed a hit, solidifying its status as an 80s classic.

Is "Cocktail" Worth Watching Today?

"Cocktail" is worth watching based on personal taste. It offers fun visuals and romance, appealing for entertainment. While critics were lukewarm, many audiences enjoyed it. The film showcases an enjoyable first half and an iconic 80s soundtrack, making it a nostalgic delight.

Vinayak Chakravarthy of India Today rated the Hindi film "Cocktail" (2012) positively, praising characters and performances. Taran Adarsh lauded it for strong portrayals, indicating appreciation for engaging narratives that both films share.

Close Calls and Heroic Acts: On-Set Incidents of "Cocktail"

Film sets can be unpredictable environments; "Cocktail" featured notable drama during filming. This included Tom Cruise’s heroic act saving Elisabeth Shue.

Tom Cruise Saving Elisabeth Shue's Life: A Real-Life Rescue

This rescue became an iconic story from filming "Cocktail." While reviewing a helicopter shot, Elisabeth Shue ran towards the rotor. Tom Cruise acted quickly, pulling her away just in time. Witnesses confirm this swift action prevented serious harm or worse.

Beyond "Cocktail": The Life of Elisabeth Shue

Elisabeth Shue's role as Jordan Mooney is significant in her career. After the film's release, what happened to her? Why did she pause her acting career at one point?

Elisabeth Shue's Role in "Cocktail": The Love Interest and More

In "Cocktail," Elisabeth Shue portrayed Jordan Mooney.

Mooney is Brian Flanagan's love interest. She is artistic and independent. This role made her a well-known actress in the late 80s and early 90s. Jordan is not just fragile. She challenges Brian's view on life and happiness. Shue brought depth to Jordan, making her relatable and memorable.

Why Elisabeth Shue Stepped Back from Acting: Family and Focus

Elisabeth Shue took an interesting path in her career. She chose roles that let her prioritize family. Shue grew tired of acting and wanted to focus on her husband, director Davis Guggenheim, and their kids. She returned to Harvard to finish her political science degree. This shows her commitment to personal pursuits beyond acting. Her choice reflects a desire for a balanced life, even if it meant stepping back from Hollywood.

Memorable Lines and Cynical Wisdom: Famous Quotes from "Cocktail"

"Cocktail" features many memorable quotes, mainly from Doug Coughlin’s cynical perspective. These quotes reflect the film's themes and Doug's jaded worldview.

Lines That Linger: Quotes from "Cocktail"

• "Days get shorter and shorter, nights longer and longer, before you know it, your life is just one long night with a few comatose daylight hours." - Brian Flanagan This line captures existential weariness, hinting at monotony in life.
• "Coughlin's law: never tell tales about a woman, she'll hear you no matter how far away she is." - Doug Coughlin This classic highlights his cynical view of relationships and paranoia.
• "Coughlin's Law — “Never show surprise, never lose your cool.”" - Doug Coughlin This law encapsulates Doug's philosophy of control and composure, key traits for a bartender.

The Bitter End: Doug's Fate in "Cocktail"

The end of "Cocktail" turns darker with Doug Coughlin's fate. His arc is not just fun and drinks; it ends in tragedy.

What Happened to Doug in "Cocktail"? Tragedy at Sea

Doug's fate starkly contrasts Brian's romantic journey. After Brian rebuffs Kerry, he looks for Doug. He finds Doug has committed suicide on his boat. The method was a broken bottle of expensive brandy, adding dark irony. In his letter to Brian, Doug confesses he felt like a fraud, a "bullshitter." This ending emphasizes the film's cynicism. It explores ambition and the pressures of success. Doug's fate serves as a warning, contrasting Brian's more optimistic path.

This wraps up "Cocktail" (1988), shaken and stirred, with all its elements examined. From the plot to characters, it offers more than flashy bartending. It's a mix of ambition, romance, cynicism, and tragedy, with an 80s flair. Whether revisiting for nostalgia or discovering it anew, "Cocktail" remains a captivating cinematic mix.