Comment Stream

Re: Star Trek: The Motion Picture

A visionary Science Fiction spectacle. Flawed in parts, perhaps, but all in all, a stirring journey into outer and inner space. The art direction is excellent, the photography bright and hopeful (though the split diopter shots are jarring), the effects work magnificent (for the time) and the score is spell-binding (by far, the best and most operatic treatment Star Trek ever got). The scripting and acting, while relatively spare, fit the aesthetic and aims of the picture. Although a chief criticism of this film is that the characters get lost, I'd argue that the film is deliberately using them to expand and reflect its grand themes - and what interactions that do occur are intelligent and absorbing. You can sense Robert Wise, a true cinematic master, at work throughout this film. The sheer audacity of this project - the concept, the budget and Robert bloomin' Wise! - astounds me. It's particularly impressive considering the catalyst for it was Star Wars. Therefore, next time someone says that Star Wars is to blame for ushering in one mindless blockbuster after another, bring this film into the conversation and remind them that it wasn't always so. ST:TMP really is a superb and lovingly crafted picture with things to say and inspire.