Film Lens
Speed & Angels is a documentary that follows two U.S. Navy pilots, Jay Consalvi and Meagan Varley, as they undergo air combat training and deployment in the Iraq War, flying the F-14 Tomcat. The film captures their experiences during the last years of the F-14's service, providing a realistic portrayal of naval aviation. Director Peyton Wilson and producer Paco Chierici shifted focus from the initial subject of the Fighting Saints squadron to the personal stories of Consalvi and Varley, emphasizing their honesty and unique perspectives.
Filming began in 2003 and lasted four years, with significant cooperation from the Navy, making it the first independent film approved by the Navy. The filmmakers captured 450 hours of footage, primarily using handheld cameras and cockpit mounts. The documentary includes reenactments of dogfights filmed with real planes, aiming for authenticity over dramatization, contrasting with the fictional portrayal in Top Gun.
Why Watch
- •See real F-14 dogfights filmed authentically.
- •Meet Navy pilots Jay Consalvi and Meagan Varley.
- •Find out about the F-14's last years in service.
Did You Know
•The budget for Speed & Angels was $1.5 million, mostly for fuel.
•Filming started in 2003 and lasted four years until 2007.
•Paco Chierici received permission from Vice Admiral James M. Zortman in 2006.
•The last flight of the F-14 occurred in September 2006.
Perfect For
Naval aviation enthusiastsMilitary history buffsDocumentary fans