The 1988 film Cocktail stars Tom Cruise as Brian Flanagan, an ambitious young man who becomes a charismatic flair bartender to pay for college, navigating a turbulent mentorship, personal conflicts, and a budding romance in Jamaica.
Plot Overview
Cocktail tells the story of Brian Flanagan (Tom Cruise), a bright and ambitious young man with dreams of a high-paying marketing job. Recognizing the need for a business degree, he decides to work as a bartender to finance his college education.
From Aspiring Student to Bar Star
Flanagan's journey takes an unexpected turn when he begins working at a New York bar. There, he is mentored by Doug Coughlin (played by Bryan Brown), a seasoned and cynical veteran bartender. Under Coughlin's guidance, Flanagan quickly masters the art of flair bartending – a showy and acrobatic style of mixing drinks. Their combined charisma and impressive tricks captivate large crowds, leading to significant tip payments and a burgeoning reputation.
Conflict and New Horizons
Despite their success, the partnership between Flanagan and the cynical Coughlin eventually sours, leading to a falling out. This rift prompts Flanagan to leave New York. Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, he moves to Jamaica with the goal of raising enough money to open his own bar.
Romance in Paradise
While in Jamaica, Flanagan's life takes another turn as he falls in love with Jordan Mooney (Elisabeth Shue), an artist. Their romance adds a significant personal dimension to Flanagan's quest for financial independence and self-discovery. The film explores themes of ambition, mentorship, love, and the complexities of pursuing one's dreams.
Key Characters
The central characters driving the narrative of Cocktail are:
| Character | Actor | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Flanagan | Tom Cruise | The ambitious protagonist and aspiring businessman |
| Doug Coughlin | Bryan Brown | Flanagan's seasoned but cynical bartending mentor |
| Jordan Mooney | Elisabeth Shue | An artist who becomes Flanagan's love interest |
For more information on the film, you can visit the Cocktail (film) Wikipedia page. For details on the lead actor, explore Tom Cruise's IMDb profile.
