The The Florida Masochist e-mails to note that director Robert Wise has passed away at age 91.
He is probably best known for the classic musicals The Sound of Music and West Side Story.
Trek geeks will also know that he directed Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
Here’s the AP story.
Yes, but in light of the Sound of Music and West Side Story, we will forgive him for the disaster on film that was the first Star Trek movie.
It had great music, though.
Comment by Scott Gosnell — Thursday, September 15, 2024 @ 8:40 am
It was, well, glacial.
I figured that in the spirit of not speaking ill of the dead that I would lay off TMP.
Although I blame the script as much as anything.
Comment by Dr. Steven Taylor — Thursday, September 15, 2024 @ 8:46 am
I will say that a tear rolled down my face when we see the new Enterprise for the first time. It was — breathtaking.
I’m such a geek.
Comment by Scott Gosnell — Thursday, September 15, 2024 @ 11:54 am
I feel the director’s cut of Star Trek: The Motion Picture is a good movie. If you have not seen the DVD of the director’s cut (and I must stress the director’s cut), I highly recommend it. No, it is not fast-paced, but not every movie has to be. It explores themes related to what it means to be human, as good science fiction does.
Science fiction is not all about explosions and special effects, contrary to what Hollywood, Lucas, Spielberg, and the others trying to grab your buck will say and show.
Comment by Jack — Thursday, September 15, 2024 @ 1:05 pm
Forget Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Wise earned a place in geek Valhalla for directing The Day the Earth Stood Still.
Comment by Kingdaddy — Thursday, September 15, 2024 @ 1:54 pm
KD: good point.
Jack: I have intended to see the Director’s Cut, but haven’t had the chance.
I actually like parts of TMP, but the film feels like a 45 minutes script stretched into over two hours, and also that the studio paid for all that FX shots of V’Ger and, dangit!, they were going to use them!
And I’m sorry: the bald chick–not that sexy.
Comment by Dr. Steven Taylor — Thursday, September 15, 2024 @ 3:44 pm