Star Trek: The Motion Picture
If you know the history behind Star Trek: Phase II, the canceled sequel series to TOS, it's easy to view The Motion Picture (TMP) as a television episode padded out to feature film length. Even without that context, it's easy to dismiss TMP as long and boring—one of the "bad" Trek movies. I will be the first to admit that, yes, the running time is a good 30-60 minutes longer than necessary. I will also be the first to admit that I don't mind, because TMP is one of my favorite Trek films, higher on the list than Wrath of Khan.
What appeals to me about TMP is that it's quintessential Trek: narrative themes are weighty and thought-provoking; conflicts are solved through wits and diplomacy. At the same time, TMP is an art piece: gloriously long shots of starships, space stations, and sci-fi abstractions; special effects that define a scene rather than simply enhance it (such as the wormhole effect); varied camera angles that capture and celebrate the little details as much as the big ones; a gorgeous musical score that transforms parts of the film into a concert experience with accompanying video (such as the overture, which I adore).
I also appreciate how the film stays true to TOS without being restrained by its television roots. The "almost totally new" Enterprise is a beautiful modernization of the classic ship, with the lengthy refit process acting as both a key plot point and a credible explanation for visual discontinuity with the series. Although the redesigned look of the Klingons wouldn't be acknowledged until DS9 "Trials and Tribble-ations" or explained until ENT "Affliction", it's totally believable that these are the same aliens on a bigger makeup and costume budget (people focus on the forehead ridges, but for me, the demeanor and facial hair are equally important). The dialogue—especially the banter between returning characters from TOS—feels right, and it takes into account that some things have changed for these characters since they last saw each other.
This last point is part of what makes the film so relatable to me. Like Kirk, I know what it's like to be away from something you love for too long. Like Spock (and V'ger), I have been empty, incomplete, and searching. Like McCoy, I've been grudgingly dragged back in to help with things I thought I was done with forever. Like Chekov, I've...uh...burned my hand on something hot. The point is, what the characters go through in this movie are things that resonate with me deeply. I've been in Scotty's position before, and Decker's, and Sulu's, in one form or another. The recurring themes of reunion, loss, stubbornly pursuing what you want, and growing beyond your own limitations—this film speaks to me in a way that no other Trek film does.
[more to come]
What appeals to me about TMP is that it's quintessential Trek: narrative themes are weighty and thought-provoking; conflicts are solved through wits and diplomacy. At the same time, TMP is an art piece: gloriously long shots of starships, space stations, and sci-fi abstractions; special effects that define a scene rather than simply enhance it (such as the wormhole effect); varied camera angles that capture and celebrate the little details as much as the big ones; a gorgeous musical score that transforms parts of the film into a concert experience with accompanying video (such as the overture, which I adore).
I also appreciate how the film stays true to TOS without being restrained by its television roots. The "almost totally new" Enterprise is a beautiful modernization of the classic ship, with the lengthy refit process acting as both a key plot point and a credible explanation for visual discontinuity with the series. Although the redesigned look of the Klingons wouldn't be acknowledged until DS9 "Trials and Tribble-ations" or explained until ENT "Affliction", it's totally believable that these are the same aliens on a bigger makeup and costume budget (people focus on the forehead ridges, but for me, the demeanor and facial hair are equally important). The dialogue—especially the banter between returning characters from TOS—feels right, and it takes into account that some things have changed for these characters since they last saw each other.
This last point is part of what makes the film so relatable to me. Like Kirk, I know what it's like to be away from something you love for too long. Like Spock (and V'ger), I have been empty, incomplete, and searching. Like McCoy, I've been grudgingly dragged back in to help with things I thought I was done with forever. Like Chekov, I've...uh...burned my hand on something hot. The point is, what the characters go through in this movie are things that resonate with me deeply. I've been in Scotty's position before, and Decker's, and Sulu's, in one form or another. The recurring themes of reunion, loss, stubbornly pursuing what you want, and growing beyond your own limitations—this film speaks to me in a way that no other Trek film does.
[more to come]