Bartholomew Maud Adams. The only way science-fiction of this sort makes sense is as a comment on the society for which it's intended, and the only way "Rollerball" would have made sense is a satire of our national preoccupation with televised professional sports, particularly weekend football. Get your swag on with discounted movies to stream at home, exclusive movie gear, access to advanced screenings and discounts galore. [17], Vincent Canby of The New York Times was unimpressed:[18]. Unlike the previous film, it takes place in the present rather than in a future dystopian society. | The conference reveals why Jonathan must retire: Rollerball was conceived not only to satisfy man's bloodlust, but to demonstrate the futility of individualism. Suspicious of a forced retirement, Jonathan goes to a library and asks for books about the corporation and history. He used the "Rollerball" name as his nickname. 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Collect bonus rewards from our many partners, including AMC, Stubs, Cinemark Connections, Regal Crown Club when you link accounts. 1975; US; 2h 9min; Directed by: Norman Jewison Cast: James Caan, John Houseman, Maud Adams, John Beck, Moses Gunn, Ralph Richardson Gritty, sweaty, bloody dystopian sci-fi flick in which rollerball star Jonathan E (Caan) learns that his sport exists to distract the masses from their awful lives – kind of Hunger Games but with grown men and rollerskates. Rollerball (1975 film). (1975). Company Credits Downbeat but pow Access exclusive energy deals! ... Jonathan E. John Houseman. Rollerball John McTiernan ... Remake of Norman Jewison's 1975 sci-fi film, starring Chris Klein, Jean Reno, LL Cool J and Rebecca Romijn, with a cameo appearance by pop singer Pink. The stubborn refusal of Jonathan E., the international Rollerball champion, to retire from the game is seen by the world leaders as a threat to their carefully controlled comfort-motivated society. 43 of 53 people found this review helpful. Jonathan!" English pro wrestler Mark Rocco was a stuntman for the film. In a futuristic society where corporations have replaced countries, the violent game of Rollerball is used to control the populace by demonstrating the futility of individuality. Additionally, the award-winning game Speedball, and its sequel Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, were heavily influenced by the film. Yet although this is a movie preoccupied with image and gloss, director John McTiernan delivers no visual thrills. Jonathan's popularity and longevity as a player threaten this purpose. Norman Jewison’s futuristic sci-fi was made in Europe, at Pinewood Studio in the UK and in Munich. 5 are also used to establish tone, mood, and atmosphere for certain scenes in the film. Search the BFI National Archive collections, Read research data and market intelligence. Release Dates (uncredited), supervising production manager (as Larry De Waay), photographer: second unit and aerials (uncredited). Yet "Rollerball" isn't a satire. Just better. Rusty, Team Executive Burt Kwouk. Was this review helpful to you? Jonathan skates around the track in silent victory. Injured players are removed from the field by medics, and are replaced with "substitutes" (that is, fresh players). Upon uncovering the dirty secret of futuristic theme-park Futureworld, an ex-employee is killed after he tips off two other reporters who decide to do an undercover investigation. Jeff Hansen . Stars: Charlton Heston, Anthony Zerbe, Rosalind Cash. Mr. Bartholomew exits the arena hurriedly, possibly fearing a riot as the chant of "Jonathan! Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune gave the film 2 stars out of 4 and called it "a movie in love with itself" and "vapid, pretentious, and arrogant. Enter your location to see which I Burnell Tucker Our best wishes for a productive day. Jonathan E. John Houseman. Cletus Pamela Hensley . Moonpie Moses Gunn. This page was last edited on 17 October 2020, at 23:26. (uncredited), Game Ball Launch Official Get Ready for Halloween with Some Vintage Horror on Turner Classic Movies this September and October. When a deadly virus strikes London, John Custance takes his family to hoped-for safety in Scotland. A steel ball is shot into a circular arena (whose "sidelines" for both teams are located in its center). Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor is performed on organ by Simon Preston during the opening title sequence; it is heard once again at the end of film's final scene and over the first section of the end credits, bookending the film. Recognizing their contribution to the film's many crucial action sequences, Rollerball was the first major Hollywood production to give screen credit to its stunt performers. Screen Reader Users: To optimize your experience with your screen reading software, please use our Flixster.com website, which has the same tickets as our Fandango.com and MovieTickets.com websites. Planet Wax Book Review: A Must-Have Exploration of the Greatest Sci-Fi Soundtracks on Vinyl.