How much of this movie is realistic

[JW Scud]

Obviously there is the usual Hollywood BS, but is any of it realistic from an aerobatic point of view?

[cgzro]

They mix competition and airshow stuff so that's not very accurate and smoke would only be used on free style parts of a contest or an airshow.
The in cockpit video is real, he's really flying and pulling G's but he's exaggerating the feelings. 6G / -4G is not that bad for a person in good shape
Nose bleeds do happen but more likely its your eyes that get bloodshot badly from negative G's. I do talk to myself quite a bit and sometimes swear as I go especially at very high AOA when I am trying to be on the edge of high speed stall. Of course all the drama is garbage and the aerobatic groupies are nowhere near as cute as in that movie .. and are usually male. People do get killed and sadly I know a number of folks over the last 20 years that got killed.

Here is what a rolling turn looks like from inside the cockpit (+5/-3 or so). I think Tom Cruise has the 'look' down for high G maneuvers. I always look like I'm puffing up my cheeks. Not a flattering look.

[Colonel]

Well, in favor of the movie's realism:

1) it portrays the Pitts as the finest aerobatic aircraft, and
2) it shows David Carradine enjoying reducing oxygen flow to his brain.

What? Too soon? It's been eleven years!!

[Liquid_Charlie]

but what position was he in - doggy in a Pitts -

[Colonel]

A gentleman never tells! I'm not a gentleman, so I can confirm your suspicions.