Rollerball was the Worst Film I Have Ever Seen

[philoSCIFI]

[split from What was the worst film you have ever seen?]

rollerball - both versions

 

[Dave]

I like Rollerball (James Caan version), I didn't see the new version since it appeared to be violence for the sake of violence.

The original film was violent, but there was a point to it. There was some substance to the plot. The was no violence in society any more, it had all been transferred into this game that no one could ever be good at because they died too young. All power had transferred from Governments to Corporations, but now there was a fly in the ointment, someone who actually excelled at the game and who the public liked, and he wouldn't lie down and die.

At least, that is how I saw it. The remake seemed to have taken all that out, and with it all the relevance.

 

[philoSCIFI]

Oh definitely. I liked the James Caan version more than the remake, hands down.

I liked the idea in theory, but thought the it was poorly executed. The original version did a better job of conveying a message, but I still thought it could have been better. I'll give props to the older version especially for what they came up with during that time period, but there's just no excuse for the remake.

There was another movie that was very much like Rollerball in premise. It was also good in theory being extremely similar if not the same. However, I know many people who didn't like that movie as well.

Dave, have you seen FutureSport, (I believe it was a made for TV movie) starring Dean Cain? The tagline was: In 2025, a revolutionary sport is the only way to stop a revolution.

Theory is good, but unfortunately poor execution is usually inevitable with such ideas. I was discussing the idea with someone when we were watching it or right after watching it. It was interesting. Instead of War... why not "fight" and solve problems through these games...

Someone pointed out the fact to me when I was going on about how great that would be. Wasn't that how the Olympic games came about?

Idealistic? Yes. Realistic? If only...

And even if humanity were at that point... there was still corruption within the system. The first version was extremely clear in showing that... alas...

I can still dream.

 

[Dave]

Originally posted by philoSCIFI
Dave, have you seen FutureSport, (I believe it was a made for TV movie) starring Dean Cain? The tagline was: In 2025, a revolutionary sport is the only way to stop a revolution....

No, but it sounds similar. 'The Running Man' film (and book by Stephen King under his pseudonym) also had the same theme.

Originally posted by philoSCIFI
Wasn't that how the Olympic games came about?

And probably the original Greek games, and Roman Gladiators!

Unfortunately, Man (the species) is violent and I think we will always need some way of letting off steam.

Getting off-topic, but I can split this thread if anyone wants to discuss futher.

 

[philoSCIFI]

Getting off-topic, but I can split this thread if anyone wants to discuss futher.

Split please.

I shall respond in above said split thread.

 

[Dave]

Speaking of dystopian futures where violence in society has, or has not been brought under control, there is 'Clockwork Orange' of course.

But in that (book and film) you almost feel that, despite the despicable crimes committed, the punishment and cure is worse.