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Star Trek TMP: First Viewing Opinion and Queries

SurfingtheInterweb

Ensign
Newbie
First post, go easy on me, but I just recently watched The Motion Picture and yes, while it was slow, it was still a great watch! Do people really say to skip it? The character interactions were funny and memorable, and I really enjoyed the reveal of V'ger being Voyager 6 at the end (I thought it was quite clever, though maybe it was obvious to others). Plus, Decker and Ilia (whose subplot I originally found annoying) was actually quite sweet. Yes, some scenes are quite long, but the movie has a methodical and steady feel to it, and its comforting. I would enjoy having it on as a kind of filler as it is interesting enough to watch but not super distracting. The DVD I watched it on also had great features with a reunion of some of the extras who were in the big hall scene and I loved hearing the stories they had to share.

As a new fan, there's something I've noticed: those damn uniforms. What is going on with those? Why do they change so much? Kirk has at least 5 different outfits throughout the film, not to mention the general difference between the uniforms there and in the show. And from glimpses from the other films, they change even more! Does anyone have any behind the scenes information for these decisions or perhaps the uniforms' designs ? I'm sure canon reasons have been created for their exsistence, but the general variety within this film and to the next boggles my mind. I'm interested in why Gene and the producers etc felt these were necessary.

Some other thoughts: Spock in the film is particularly interesting if you consider his connection to V'ger and also his reaction to the crew when he comes aboard. He's very cold and awkward, which shocks even his closest friends. To me, it makes total sense: he just failed the Kolinahr and is probably feeling an immense sense of loss and disappointment in himself. So, to fortify his mind against emotions, he ignores his old friends, refuses to take a seat until Kirk practically begs. Maybe this is expanded on in the later films, but I have yet to see them. I have heard how this film is the first adventurous step into adapting Star Trek into a film base, and whenever I found myself perhaps bored or antsy in viewing, I imagined myself as a Trek fan in 79, not having seen new Trek on screen in a decade, and imagine the absolute awe that must have been felt from this film. For that, I forgive and appreciate that 6 minute docking scene haha. It was a bold move in a post Star Wars world.

I know none of this is probably new to any of you on here, but I hope you'll indulge this post :)
 
Welcome to the club.

Do people really say to skip it?

Yes, TMP was the black sheep of the family for a long time. It is enjoying something of a surge in popularity, lately.

As a new fan, there's something I've noticed: those damn uniforms. What is going on with those? Why do they change so much? Kirk has at least 5 different outfits throughout the film, not to mention the general difference between the uniforms there and in the show.

Roddenberry had a lot of money to spend. :lol:
 
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I would do the same I suppose. From basically 3 pennies to a a film budget is a big jump lol. Didn't know what to do with himself. Particularly fascinated by that white cruise-ship-captain number Kirk sports very briefly and Roddenberry's preoccupation with the future having an obsession with open shirts and deep plunged V necks haha
 
First post, go easy on me, but I just recently watched The Motion Picture and yes, while it was slow, it was still a great watch! Do people really say to skip it? The character interactions were funny and memorable, and I really enjoyed the reveal of V'ger being Voyager 6 at the end (I thought it was quite clever, though maybe it was obvious to others). Plus, Decker and Ilia (whose subplot I originally found annoying) was actually quite sweet. Yes, some scenes are quite long, but the movie has a methodical and steady feel to it, and its comforting. I would enjoy having it on as a kind of filler as it is interesting enough to watch but not super distracting. The DVD I watched it on also had great features with a reunion of some of the extras who were in the big hall scene and I loved hearing the stories they had to share.

As a new fan, there's something I've noticed: those damn uniforms. What is going on with those? Why do they change so much? Kirk has at least 5 different outfits throughout the film, not to mention the general difference between the uniforms there and in the show. And from glimpses from the other films, they change even more! Does anyone have any behind the scenes information for these decisions or perhaps the uniforms' designs ? I'm sure canon reasons have been created for their exsistence, but the general variety within this film and to the next boggles my mind. I'm interested in why Gene and the producers etc felt these were necessary.

Some other thoughts: Spock in the film is particularly interesting if you consider his connection to V'ger and also his reaction to the crew when he comes aboard. He's very cold and awkward, which shocks even his closest friends. To me, it makes total sense: he just failed the Kolinahr and is probably feeling an immense sense of loss and disappointment in himself. So, to fortify his mind against emotions, he ignores his old friends, refuses to take a seat until Kirk practically begs. Maybe this is expanded on in the later films, but I have yet to see them. I have heard how this film is the first adventurous step into adapting Star Trek into a film base, and whenever I found myself perhaps bored or antsy in viewing, I imagined myself as a Trek fan in 79, not having seen new Trek on screen in a decade, and imagine the absolute awe that must have been felt from this film. For that, I forgive and appreciate that 6 minute docking scene haha. It was a bold move in a post Star Wars world.

I know none of this is probably new to any of you on here, but I hope you'll indulge this post :)

I showed Star Trek: The Motion Picture to a friend of mine a few years back. She had never seen any other Star Trek movies or episodes. She watched the whole thing through, and enjoyed it quite a bit to my memory, which surprised the hell out of me given how young she was and the generation she came from (she was either a young Millennial or Gen Z).

I know you're new to the forums, so you probably haven't read my other posts on this subject but suffice it to say that TMP is my favorite Star Trek movie or episode. I love the aesthetic and, as you say, the comfortable ambiance. I think the story is compelling, and downright philosophical. The music is so brilliant I had to look up the composer as I didn't know who Jerry Goldsmith was at first (and later discovered that he had composed the film soundtrack to Rudy, which remains my favorite musical achievement of all human history). Additionally, TMP paved the way for Star Trek: The Next Generation, in tone and in style, which was for many years my favorite of the TV series. And finally, the special effects in TMP alone inspired me to attempt amateur film editing and directing. It is quite simply the best damn Star Trek anything I have ever seen.
 
I showed Star Trek: The Motion Picture to a friend of mine a few years back. She had never seen any other Star Trek movies or episodes. She watched the whole thing through, and enjoyed it quite a bit to my memory, which surprised the hell out of me given how young she was and the generation she came from (she was either a young Millennial or Gen Z).

I know you're new to the forums, so you probably haven't read my other posts on this subject but suffice it to say that TMP is my favorite Star Trek movie or episode. I love the aesthetic and, as you say, the comfortable ambiance. I think the story is compelling, and downright philosophical. The music is so brilliant I had to look up the composer as I didn't know who Jerry Goldsmith was at first (and later discovered that he had composed the film soundtrack to Rudy, which remains my favorite musical achievement of all human history). Additionally, TMP paved the way for Star Trek: The Next Generation, in tone and in style, which was for many years my favorite of the TV series. And finally, the special effects in TMP alone inspired me to attempt amateur film editing and directing. It is quite simply the best damn Star Trek anything I have ever seen.
The special effects were some of the most ambitious I've seen for a film of its time since star wars. The sweeping shots of the stations and ships, and basically every scene seen in V'Ger was breathtaking. Its a feat, and its beautifully immersive. I neglected to mention the score -- yes, Goldsmith is a genius. The usage of sound design and reoccurring motifs throughout the score gave a great sense of supportive unity to the film. I really enjoyed, oddly enough, the amount of silence in the film, too. Just the quiet of the Bridge and the hum of machinery. It really bolstered the atmosphere.
 
I'm glad to see that you've discovered and love TMP. It is the closest in spirit to TOS and has a layered and substantial story. The central theme is how to become complete when you feel or realize something is missing in your life or your very being. We learn this is V'ger's story but realize that it is also Kirk, Spock, Decker, and Ilia's as well. Even Bones was "lost" until he was recalled by Kirk. In the end, everyone has been restored and embarks upon a new journey of discovery.

Though I love TWOK and the other TOS films, I also love that V'ger isn't a villain nor are any shots fired to win the day. TMP is indeed about the human adventure and is science fiction to a degree that the other films aren't, though TVH and even TFF get close.
 
I'm glad to see that you've discovered and love TMP. It is the closest in spirit to TOS and has a layered and substantial story. The central theme is how to become complete when you feel or realize something is missing in your life or your very being. We learn this is V'ger's story but realize that it is also Kirk, Spock, Decker, and Ilia's as well. Even Bones was "lost" until he was recalled by Kirk. In the end, everyone has been restored and embarks upon a new journey of discovery.

Though I love TWOK and the other TOS films, I also love that V'ger isn't a villain nor are any shots fired to win the day. TMP is indeed about the human adventure and is science fiction to a degree that the other films aren't, though TVH and even TFF get close.

Seconded. TMP is the most Trek.
 
I'm glad to see that you've discovered and love TMP. It is the closest in spirit to TOS and has a layered and substantial story. The central theme is how to become complete when you feel or realize something is missing in your life or your very being. We learn this is V'ger's story but realize that it is also Kirk, Spock, Decker, and Ilia's as well. Even Bones was "lost" until he was recalled by Kirk. In the end, everyone has been restored and embarks upon a new journey of discovery.

Though I love TWOK and the other TOS films, I also love that V'ger isn't a villain nor are any shots fired to win the day. TMP is indeed about the human adventure and is science fiction to a degree that the other films aren't, though TVH and even TFF get close.
exactly this. The story felt so well cared for and complex. V'Ger as a reflection of all of them is an incredible parallel
 
I think people say skip it as not being the film to test first time viewers out on. Usually it's TWOK or TVH because they're more new viewer friendly. I think it's more important to get the right first impression but also to try to get them to stay. Not saying you can't win someone over with TMP but it's also such a specific tone that I don't think you'll find anywhere else in the franchise (although maybe TNG Season 1 a little bit?)
 
My daughter has a friend that we are indoctrinating er, educating in Star Wars and Star Trek. They're going through SNW and my daughter asked me to pick TOS episodes to go with them. (TOS-R. I can only do so much.) I'm pairing Yesteryear / More Tribbles with Those Old Scientists. And they are watching The Menagerie 1 and 2 between season 1 and 2 of SNW.

At the end of SNW season 2 (or 3 depending on timing) they're going to watch the TOS movies. (They have a friend who has ONLY seen DS9 and adores it. So that'll be the next "project".)

The point is: I thought about skipping TMP. Then I thought: TMP is probably not a good intro to Star Trek. But it's a great stepping off point from TOS. So Star Trek: The Motion Picutre - The Director's Edition will air right at the front.
 
I think it helps a new viewer to know what to expect from TMP. If someone has watched a number of slower-paced SF movies and enjoyed them, then TMP may be right up their alley.

Kor
 
I’ve always felt that for my version of Trek, “The Menagerie” and TMP make the perfect intro package, both because together they are exactly what Star Trek is about, and because both are about figuring out a specifically science fiction problem that majorly impacts the lead characters. (And also are basically humanistic.). A lot of other Trek stories that people (including me) love, such as TWOK, are really more about “these characters I love are in trouble in the Star Trek Universe, and have to get out of it, possibly with a cost!” — which is absolutely fine (and is technically also true of “The Menagerie” and TMP), but to my mind a slightly different thing.
 
I’ve always felt that for my version of Trek, “The Menagerie” and TMP make the perfect intro package, both because together they are exactly what Star Trek is about, and because both are about figuring out a specifically science fiction problem that majorly impacts the lead characters. (And also are basically humanistic.). A lot of other Trek stories that people (including me) love, such as TWOK, are really more about “these characters I love are in trouble in the Star Trek Universe, and have to get out of it, possibly with a cost!” — which is absolutely fine (and is technically also true of “The Menagerie” and TMP), but to my mind a slightly different thing.

And I say Star Trek is both. Which is why Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan are a nearly unbeatable one two punch for me.

See also: The Corbomite Maneuver and The Doomsday Machine. The Devil in the Dark and Balance of Terror.
 
And I say Star Trek is both. Which is why Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan are a nearly unbeatable one two punch for me.

See also: The Corbomite Maneuver and The Doomsday Machine. The Devil in the Dark and Balance of Terror.
Sure, of course it’s both, and I agree that TMP and TWOK are both great. (One can read the “comfortable” Spock of TWOK being the result of his self-discovery in TMP.). But I do feel there’s a slight difference between “the thing itself” (“Corbomite”, “Devil”, maybe “Doomsday” but certainly “Menagerie”, TMP); and “stories of the Star Trek Universe” (“Balance”, TWOK). That’s not to disparage either. I may prefer the “thing itself” paradigm as I probably subjectively see it, but I say all this as someone who really likes The Search for Spock, which is purely “stories of”.
 
Can you unpack the difference a little? I don't understand how (for example) TSFS is a "stories of" when it's so integral to Spock's journey as a character (to me). Maybe I just don't get your definitions.
 
Can you unpack the difference a little? I don't understand how (for example) TSFS is a "stories of" when it's so integral to Spock's journey as a character (to me). Maybe I just don't get your definitions.
Eh, it’s subjective. To my mind, if it’s only or primarily about the characters but not a figuring-out-the-concept story, that’s “stories of”. (Which, again, fine.).
 
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