Readers, I've said many times in this space that Science Fiction today isn't quite what Science Fiction was in the late 1960's and 1970's.
For those who may have missed it, SciFi used to be a bit darker. Culturally, socially, and politically, our world was -- meh -- going through some things back in those days; and storytellers of that era tried to infuse the myths they brought to the screen with some of that local color. Racial tensions were still something countries around the world were dealing with -- not like the pomp and circumstances that gets celebrated today -- and events like the Vietnam War, Watergate, and more were regular topics of conversation. As a result, the films -- yes, even those grounded in SciFi and Fantasy -- tended to gravitate toward some more universal themes, especially if it allowed filmmakers to make even a lazy comment on the nature of existence and how shallow our collective pursuits might be.
(It's a shame that those same people were in the business of making it happen, am I right?)
Today's exhibit: 1975's Rollerball -- which enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release on this day back then -- dished out a somewhat dark and subversive take on the whole 'bread and circuses' idea. Sacrificing the days of ancient Rome for the near future, the Norman Jewison flick cast Hollywood heavyweight James Caan in the role of an athlete at the top of his game taking a stand against the corporate overlords who wanted him 'retired.' Against the backdrop of commercial sports, the narrative explored what it meant to serve a team, serve an owner, and serve the better part of one's human soul in a bid for true excellence ... and -- in many ways -- there really hasn't been anything like it on screens ever since.
I've watched this one a few times, and methinks I'm due for another screening. I'll likely pen a review for the website when I do, as I'm quite certain I have a release in my personal collection that includes a commentary track or two.
Now, don't misunderstand me: Rollerball isn't a perfect film. It's a bit sugary here and there, and there's a sequence or two that heavily -- and I do mean HEAVILY -- date its ideas and concepts, especially as it involves social commentary (which can be goofy if not downright nebulous, at times). My point is that I think Rollerball is EXACTLY the kind of Science Fiction film that exemplifies what studios thought SciFi could and should be doing in theaters of the day; and I'd strongly encourage those of you who haven't seen it to give it a go. It's quite good, even though the hamminess might be a bit overwraught in spots.
Happy Anniversary, Rollerball! I'm thrilled to say you still have wheels!
-- EZ
For those who may have missed it, SciFi used to be a bit darker. Culturally, socially, and politically, our world was -- meh -- going through some things back in those days; and storytellers of that era tried to infuse the myths they brought to the screen with some of that local color. Racial tensions were still something countries around the world were dealing with -- not like the pomp and circumstances that gets celebrated today -- and events like the Vietnam War, Watergate, and more were regular topics of conversation. As a result, the films -- yes, even those grounded in SciFi and Fantasy -- tended to gravitate toward some more universal themes, especially if it allowed filmmakers to make even a lazy comment on the nature of existence and how shallow our collective pursuits might be.
(It's a shame that those same people were in the business of making it happen, am I right?)
Today's exhibit: 1975's Rollerball -- which enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release on this day back then -- dished out a somewhat dark and subversive take on the whole 'bread and circuses' idea. Sacrificing the days of ancient Rome for the near future, the Norman Jewison flick cast Hollywood heavyweight James Caan in the role of an athlete at the top of his game taking a stand against the corporate overlords who wanted him 'retired.' Against the backdrop of commercial sports, the narrative explored what it meant to serve a team, serve an owner, and serve the better part of one's human soul in a bid for true excellence ... and -- in many ways -- there really hasn't been anything like it on screens ever since.
I've watched this one a few times, and methinks I'm due for another screening. I'll likely pen a review for the website when I do, as I'm quite certain I have a release in my personal collection that includes a commentary track or two.
Now, don't misunderstand me: Rollerball isn't a perfect film. It's a bit sugary here and there, and there's a sequence or two that heavily -- and I do mean HEAVILY -- date its ideas and concepts, especially as it involves social commentary (which can be goofy if not downright nebulous, at times). My point is that I think Rollerball is EXACTLY the kind of Science Fiction film that exemplifies what studios thought SciFi could and should be doing in theaters of the day; and I'd strongly encourage those of you who haven't seen it to give it a go. It's quite good, even though the hamminess might be a bit overwraught in spots.
Happy Anniversary, Rollerball! I'm thrilled to say you still have wheels!
-- EZ
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