Star Trek: The Motion Picture is probably the truest to Star Trek of all the movies
As a lifelong Star Trek enthusiast who’s been beaming aboard since the original series, I must say that Star Trek: The Motion Picture truly encapsulates the essence of this extraordinary universe. From its exploration of profound themes to its unwavering commitment to peaceful resolution, it is, without a doubt, the most quintessentially “Star Trek” film.
Discussing the essence of Star Trek can lead to heated debates within the fandom, given its multifaceted nature and the numerous fans and creators it has inspired. However, for the sake of celebrating its 45th anniversary, I’d like to put forth the viewpoint that “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” best embodies the spirit of all 13 films that Star Trek has produced.
Themes
Star Trek encompasses a wide range of subjects and ideas, but fundamentally, it revolves around the spirit of inquiry and discovery. It also expresses the optimistic belief that humanity can overcome obstacles by choosing empathy over aggression, with force being utilized only when all other options have been exhausted.
In “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” these significant themes are not just hinted at; they form the very core of the storyline. From the get-go, the Klingons aggressively attack V’Ger using their ships’ firepower. However, Captain Kirk and his crew aboard the Enterprise, though ready for conflict, choose to exercise restraint, opting instead for understanding V’Ger more deeply.
Despite the imminent danger that V’Ger poses towards Earth and humanity, the Starship Enterprise team remains committed to comprehending V’Ger’s desires. They persistently attempt to satisfy those needs non-violently, even when faced with threats of violence from V’Ger. In the end, their efforts prove successful.
Indeed, Star Trek has always been about embarking on exciting journeys, a trait that’s been present since the early series. It must be acknowledged that while “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” is visually stunning, it doesn’t quite match the intensity of films like “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan”. However, the intriguing environment within V’Ger, presented in TMP, can be seen as more inventive and adventurous compared to many other movies’ settings of ordinary space and planets.
Gene Roddenberry’s involvement
From the beginning, Star Trek was a team endeavor, which is typical for television series and films. However, it’s essential to understand that the birth of Star Trek would have been impossible without Gene Roddenberry. It’s enlightening to explore his perspectives on this very creation of his.
Among the six Star Trek movies produced during his lifetime, “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” stands alone as the one where Gene Roddenberry played an active role. Additionally, Roddenberry authored the novel adaptation of this film, making “The Motion Picture” distinctive within the Star Trek film series for reflecting the creative vision of the franchise’s founder.
You might find it intriguing to observe this change in the costumes. The uniforms from the original Star Trek Movie (TMP) have a noticeably less military aesthetic compared to the well-known “Monster Maroon” uniforms that made their debut in The Wrath of Khan.
Although Starfleet bore resemblance to a naval force in terms of its hierarchy and jargon, its founder, Roddenberry, often emphasized that it was not a military organization. Instead, he described it as an entity dedicated to peaceful, scientific discoveries. The less militaristic design of their uniforms further reinforces this concept, even if they seem somewhat like pajamas in appearance.
A beautiful, optimistic future
While it’s nearly undeniable that the emergence of TMP was significantly influenced by the 1977 hit, Star Wars, the portrayal of space-faring humanity in Star Trek stands apart. Unlike the gritty, innovative look of Star Wars technology, Star Trek paints a future that is polished and aesthetically pleasing. The cinematic approach and design of The Motion Picture reflect this vision as much as its actual set pieces.
A significant portion of this beauty is due to the stunning visual effects orchestrated by Douglas Trumbull, who was also involved in the 1968 film, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Additionally, Jerry Goldsmith’s captivating soundtrack contributes to the overall appeal. Moreover, the extensive recreation area on the Enterprise, a key feature of this production, underscores the future vision of Star Trek, which emphasizes not just work but all facets of Humanity as well.
The truest Star Trek?
It might not be accurate to label one Star Trek as the “most authentic.” Instead, Star Trek encompasses a wide range of themes and narratives. For instance, “The Trouble with Tribbles” and “The City on the Edge of Forever” are both iconic episodes that showcase this diversity. As for the Star Trek films, The Motion Picture stands out as being particularly distinctive within the franchise.
Few contemporary franchises are as grounded in the foundations of scientific discovery and empathetic human values as Star Trek. By emphasizing these themes throughout its storyline and aesthetic, rather than focusing on combat or personal conflicts, Star Trek: The Motion Picture is essentially defined as “Star Trek” in all but name.
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2024-12-07 23:23