We can say many things about movies. A lot of people do, and will continue to do so. Much has been said about Star Trek The Motion Picture. However, what seemingly hasn't been covered is what there is to actually like about the film.
First, Robert Wise was hired to direct it. He did an interesting job on the film. He had experience with science fiction and of course was an Oscar winner. However, he didn't know Star Trek. Yet, what he did know was that he wanted to make a movie much like 2001: A Space Odyssey. In that, he succeeded stupendously. Of course, when the film was remastered at the turn of the century, with many effect shots being completed or corrected,
you get a full sense of what he envisioned. Quite honestly, short of 2001, this is the most beautiful looking science fiction movie you can watch. The 1978/9 effects are still quite stunning, and all the new ones are just breathtaking. Now, it was always said to be a good looking movie, just too slow. That is true. However, when you look at the actual direction of the film, it is well done.
The script was not good, but the actors did more with what they had to work with in almost every case. The characters were not in their previous shape, nor the shape they would return to in the following five films, but there are a number of scenes that make any top scenes of Star Trek list, for certain characters. Doctor McCoy has a couple of wonderful zingers and great scenes, Spock gets a few fabulous scenes, Kirk has a couple of scenes that are still called back upon.
Yet, it is the visuals that really set this film apart, and above, almost all films in science fiction. It is truly a visual feast. Additionally, the soundtrack is quite delightful.
Much of this soundtrack has been continually called upon by the Star Trek universe time and time again, no more obviously than by using the reworked Star Trek theme from The Motion Picture for the The Next Generation theme. A delight for both eyes and ears. The soundtrack, as pictured, is available from LA-LA LAND RECORDS (http://www.lalalandrecords.com/Site/STM.html)
I am not claiming that this film is better than Star Trek II, Star Trek IV, or Star Trek VI as it is not. It is better looking than all of them, and they have a visual advantage of those gorgeous red Teutonic looking uniforms. Still, in looking back at The Motion Picture one has to be in awe of what they tried to do.
As a child, right after seeing Star Wars, I told a friend of mine that someday Star Trek would make a movie that would blow Star Wars away. This one is visually prettier than any Star Wars film, but it isn't better than the first two Star Wars films to reach theaters, honestly it is probably better than the rest of them. Yet, Star Trek would go on to blow Star Wars away again and again with films and series. The friend in question, not a Star Trek fan, did acknowledge that I had been right in the early 1990s. In any case, this beautiful and wondrous sounding film is not one that can be rewatched again and again for the pacing and action lacking script.
But when you do see it, look and listen to the wonder that is The Motion Picture.
As always I am interested in your opinion on this.
Cheers,
EH HEH!
