Pine’s Kirk Inspired By Harrison Ford? March 10, 2008
by Charles Trotter , Filed under: ST09 Cast , trackback
Last week Chris Pine, Star Trek’s new James T Kirk, told the USA today that he was “not trying to copy” William Shatner’s portrayal of the original character. Now comes news that the actor may be looking to another famous action star actor for ideas. When asked where he looked for inspiration, Pine told IGN “Harrison Ford in either Indiana Jones or Star Wars.”
So why Harrison Ford?
What Harrison Ford is so great at doing is bringing that quality to his characters that if they could be anywhere else in the world they would be there, but he is not, he just is in the middle of s*** and he has to figure out a way of dealing with it so that he can go back to doing whatever the hell he was doing before the film started…
I’ve always loved that quality about him in Star Wars, this sense of absolute grumpy manner; the accidental hero. Not to say that I modeled my version of James T Kirk on anything in particular but I think I definitely have wanted to bring that kind of Harrison Ford humour to Kirk.
More at IGN
Indiana Kirk?
TrekMovie.com just ran a story in which Star Trek scribes Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman described how the Indiana Jones movies have influenced their work. Here is more from Kurtzman on Harrison Ford:
I would go as far as to say that literally nobody plays action like Harrison Ford. Nobody. I can’t think of anybody who is able to make you feel that the stakes are real, and also make you laugh in the middle of that.
VOTE: New Kirk, Old Kirk, Indy Kirk?
Vote in the new poll. How do you think Abrams and Pine should create the new Kirk…imitation, totally new, influenced by other roles? Take your pick in the latest poll (right sidebar).
Comments»
slap to the face
Conceptually, the Kirk on the original series was a professional military officer and explorer, doing what he had trained and dedicated his life to doing. He was an exceptionally intelligent and focused individual
That was forty years ago, of course.
Now I’m picturing Harrison Ford in eyeshadow running around shouting “I’M CAPTAIN KIRK!”
ummm……..
Those comments by Pine are going to raise a few a few eyebrows and cause a some temper flair ups from some of the core Trekie audience Just what we need more controversy, Oh Well thats half the fun of this website, let the games begin, again.
errrr I’m not sure how I feel about that. Although I do admire Harrison Ford, and especially love the Indiana Jones movies, and completely agree with Pine’s take on Indy, I don’t think that’s James Kirk. I always felt that Kirk thrived on being in the middle of this sh*t.
After all, Kirk did say “risk is our business.”
The way I see it, if he’s going to draw his inspiration from somewhere other than Shatner, it may as well be from somewhere good … and Harrison Ford is somewhere good. So, I’m cool with that; sign me up for the team that gets our houses egged by the purists ;)
oh here we go again..
Someone get the lifejackets… the hardcore group will see this and go overboard again.
The Kirk I know is a far cry from wanting to “be anywhere else in the world” than on the bridge of the enterprise solving problems : (
This troubles me. Han Solo, the grumpy, reluctant to help guy, is simply not Captain Kirk. Kirk is a hero, a dedicated officer. I hope this is some dumb offhand comment, but I worry it is a misunderstanding, and serious underestimating, of the Kirk character.
C-r-r-r-r-r-r-e-e-e-a-k……!!!!!!
[FLOOR DROPS OUT BENEATH ME]
W
H
O
A
A
A
A
A
A!!!!!!
I’ll take that lifejacket, I guess.
ugh, no. this is bad news :(
That Photoshoppery, by the way, is almost supernaturally creepy, in an “evil wax dummy that comes alive when the wax museum is closed” sort of way.
This is the kirk I know:
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=mWWJuuF_mM0
He never hesitated from being down to a planet because there might be snakes…
It will be just fine!!!!!!
Well, the perhaps the YOUNGER James T. Kirk could have had that Harrison Ford quality to him.
neither hero went looking for trouble, but did what they had to do when trouble found them.
It will be fine.
At this point, I think we’d be better with Picardo’s Emergency Command Hologram.
like I said… break out the lifejackets
The Indiana Jones (or Han Solo, for that matter) character I know would not be caught dead as captain of a starship in a military organization, especially responsible for the lives of 420 crewpeople. Perhaps Pine is considering the character from a much younger perspective; however, even given this contingency, why would a command cadet at a prestigous military academy ever respond with a “grumpy humour” in emergency situations? William Shatner always responded to given situations in a believeable, appropriate acting style. Command candidate training at an institution such as Westpoint emphasizes strategy, psychology, logic, fierce discipline, etc. Methinks the lad needs to do some emergency homework of his own on military training institutions and high-level command requirements. Indiana Jones and Captain Kirk - two entirely different characters, genres and acting philosophies.
Well, bless his little heart for being honest, but maybe that wasn’t the best thing to share. Does that mean he wishes that he got Shia LeBeouf’s part? OMG - - this is like a Soap Opera. What’s next?
Stay tuned, Trek lovers, same Trek time, same Trek channel…
(Oops, wrong catch phrase). Um, Red Alert!! Uh, Phazers on stun! No - - Beam me up, J. J.
Fascinating…
kg
i have added a poll
why do these actors always catch foot in mouth disease?
#17 - I was thinking the exact same. As much as we want to see an accurate portrayal of Kirk as he “should be” comparing to the movies, remember the crew is younger, could be less experienced than what we’ve seen in the Original Series and the movies. Perhaps Kirk really is accidentally thrown into a situation he doesn’t know how to handle yet and finds out he’s actually good at it, therefore bringing about his affinity to lead and be able to captain the Enterprise.
Its not entirely surprising that Pine has an affinity for a star like Harrison Ford and his Indiana Jones and Han Solo roles. I have faith in Pine and in his abilities to bring a younger Kirk who’s got the qualities, yet still needing the sense of scope and the means of bringing it out while aboard the Enterprise.
Re: #21. Denise
Maybe he means the characters’ abilities to think on their feet - - to think quickly and keep your head in an unexpected, bad situation. All of them had that ability - - Han Solo, Indiana Jones and James T. Kirk. At the core, they were really sharp and savvy. Hey, he’s a regular MacGiver!
Okay, okay, sorry, sorry - - didn’t mean to complicate things by throwing another option in there. Xai, I’m going to get a lifejacket. Should I grab one for you?
Hah! Oh well… I’m getting blurry. Time to go to bed.
I’ll be back…
kg
Thanks, Anthony!!! You’re a really fun host!!
kg
It’s clear Pine doesn’t ‘get it’ and just confirms that the dangers of recasting the iconic James T. Kirk. I guess using The Shat as a templette for Kirk would be silly, huh?
We won’t know whos got what in their mouth until the movie opens.
Chris Pine should just be himself- there’s no point in trying to imitate Shatner.
But what he can do is focus on the qualities that made Kirk such a science fiction icon: brains, bluff and brawn; Kirk is a ladies’ man, charming and funny at times but tough when the situation demanded it.
Kirk has a commanding presence in which he always takes charge of things and is a natural leader; he also makes use of his crew in the best way possible (Picard and the succeeding captains never did this), he listens to his subordinates and takes their suggestions (Spock’s logic and Bones’ common sense humanity) and adds to it to make an unbeatable combination.
As for the bluff part- Kirk is an excellent gambler, he takes calculated risks and is willing to lie, cheat and steal his way through if the situation demanded it. As for the brawn part, well he just has to be willing to slug it out against the baddies (as opposed to just standing around like an idiot and let them attack him- like what Picard does)!
It’s funny. All the other actors have said they will be borrowing from what the original cast had done. Quinto has gone as far as being somewhat mentored by Nimoy. Pegg has said that he is literally doing Dohan. Even the new Chekov will say Vessels.
Pine was the one that worried me. I’m not saying do an impersonation of Shatner like Jim Carrey or some other comedian, but do Kirk not Han Solo or Indiana Jones.
Now I’m a bit worried.
Actually, the John McLaine (Bruce Willis - Die Hard) and Indie characters have more in common than Kirk would ever have with either them or Han. I haven’t been this concerned since the rumour that Kirk would have some girl rig the simulator FOR him (I’m still praying that is an unqualified, off-the-cuff remark by a not-so-good source). In Shore Leave, Kirk said to McCoy, concerning the academy: “…Grim. I was positively grim…”. In Where No Man…, Gary Mitchell refers to Kirk, at the academy, as a “walking stack of books” and the audience learns that Kirk actually taught classes at the academy, probably akin to graduate students teaching at more established universities. Mitchell also tells Kirk that the other students warned him “…in Kirk’s class, you either think, or sink.”
I have been so looking forward to Abrams and Orci’s vision of ST - I only hope Pine’s portrayal of this beloved character is a younger version of the captain we recognize, not a young Indie or Han.
This is one of those things people are just going to read too much into.
A lot of people (myself included) tend to look at Harrison Ford as the greatest action hero of all time because he’s the “thinking man’s” action hero. He would be a good influence for anyone doing a big movie like this. one Pine does say he didn’t model his Kirk on anything particular, but implies he wants to bring the kind of humanity to Kirk that Harrison Ford would bring to a film.
Its going to be okay.
Pine should use model his Kirk after TJ Hooker.
Max#33- Beg to differ with you Max; nothing Pine said indicated bringing any particular “humanity” to the role. What he did say concerned Harrison’s take on an action hero wanting to be anywhere else but there during the situation at hand. Kirk’s career path places him in danger, constantly; as a matter of fact, the Kirk character seems to thrive on the unknown, desperate situations “his ship” brings his way. This is a personality which is A-type, driven, disciplined and adept at complex problem-solving. He wants the excitement, the passion - he would no more utter the words, “Klingons - it had to be Klingons” than Indie would say “Risk is our business”. If Kirk lived in the 21st century, he would be jumping out of planes to snowboard in the Andes on the weekends and flying the latest top-secret spy planes for the government during the week. Would Indie?
Wasn’t Han Solo sort of a space pirate… A smuggler like Cyrano Jones? Just the sort of chaps Kirk would love to throw in the brig. Not exactly Starfleet material or proper role models for cadets.
And certainly not good inspiration for anyone portraying Kirk.
I am curious as to who is playing Kirk’s old academy rival Finnegan from the “Shore Leave” TOS episode in the new film. If the computer pulled Finnegan and Ruth out of Kirk’s mind on the amusement park planet in the Omicron Delta system, they clearly played some major part in his past life.
Or has this too been overlooked by the New Young Einsteins in charge of the franchise?
I think Pine needs to find his own Kirk. It’s going to be his character now so I’m for letting him find his niche and hopefully he’ll give us a good performance. I honestly don’t want a Shatner clone. Let it be faithful to the original but also original in it’s own right.
>>35. Denise de Arman - March 10, 2008
. . . If Kirk lived in the 21st century, he would be jumping out of planes to snowboard in the Andes on the weekends and flying the latest top-secret spy planes for the government during the week. Would Indie?<<
No, Indy would be in his classroom and still be trying to figure out what the words are on the girls eyelids in the front row. . . . :)
(Kirk would just go over, grab the girl by the shoulders and well. . . you know the rest)
Guys, gals, nerds, friends - calm down. The only thing in Pine’s comment you need to read is that last sentence: ” Not to say that I modeled my version of James T Kirk on anything in particular but I think I definitely have wanted to bring that kind of Harrison Ford humour to Kirk.”
He’s speaking about one aspect of a mutli-faceted character. There’s no need to run for the hills in fear that we’ll get Indiana Kirk. Okay?
Kirk is my favorite character in all of ST, and a big reason I love the show so much. Pine doesn’t understand Kirk, or he couldn’t have said the things he said. And the filming is almost done, I believe.
I am all for Pine’s interpretation of Kirk being influenced, but not an imitation of, Shatner. But this is serious. Some people above tried to rationalize how this is going to be “OK.” Well, he made these comments and they are so off base that it is clear he doesn’t understand the character. I have been looking forward to this movie, and with an open mind. Bend ST for todays time; I get it. That doesn’t mean BREAK it. Now, I’m seriously worried.
Sooo….he’s not gonna look to Shatner’s Kirk for inspiration. Instead, he’s looking to Harrison Ford….makes a lot of sense to me…………
Pine seems to be the only main actor of the “main 7″ that is really resistant to imitating his predicesor. I hope that he does at least a few nods to the Shat or it’s gonna take me right out of the story. It’s the same thing that happens when I watch New Voyages/Phase II. That guy that plays Bones really makes me cringe everytime he’s on screen. He just doesn’t seem to capture anything that reminds me of De. Ugh!
Its neat to see what the differences really are between characters like Kirk and Han Solo, and I agree they are pretty dissimilar.
The young Kirk that I remember was a swashbuckling rebel who didn’t listen to the rules. He hated the whole regulation thing, and didn’t mind bending them to get done what he wanted. If Pine tried to imitate the side of Kirk that was very dedicated to his job, I would be disappointed. That was one of Kirk’s charms, was his rebellious flare.
He’s Captain Kirk, not Captain Picard…
Obviously the character is written more like Han Solo than Kirk in the script otherwise I doubt Pine would model the character that way.
I don’t like it. Kirk looks for for adventure. He thrives on it because he’s a man’s man. Loves the ladies, loves the thrill. He was happy to be demoted from Admiral back down to Captain because he knew it meant getting back into the chair and out into the black. Kirk is epic.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the Jones and Solo characters, and i don’t know that anyone could do them with the same panache that Ford brings to the table, but both of those characters are reluctant-heroes.
Kirk goes back for seconds of hero and eats with both hands.
People are looking into this too much. Pine is going to be Kirk. ‘Nuff said…
oh dear- I had such high hopes for Pine in the role.
George Lucas who wrote Indiana Jones was mentored by and influenced by Gene Roddenberry and Star Trek. So it is possible that Star Trek and Kirk helped develop the character Indiana Jones . Not that Chris Pine would know that but if he is influenced by Indiana Jones and Lucas was influenced by Gene and TOS then in some ways, Indiana Jones and Capt Kirk are like distant cousins. :-)
Great. Appearing as James T. Kirk, James T. Kirk’s distant cousin.
Just Great.
What an idiotic statement by Pine.
The problem I have with this is that Indiana Jones was always getting his crap stolen by lesser people. He was too often the patsy. I love the character, and Harrison Ford playing him, but he’s definitely not a Captain Kirk style of person.
Maybe it will work, I don’t know. But Kirk was always exactly where he wanted to be. He went looking for the s$%t, as somebody else here has said.
I’m glad Pine understands Indiana Jones. I don’t see any evidence that he understands Kirk, however.
Oh, and I’m not a purist by the way.
Whatever man. In Abrams I trust.
This is worries me… I mean… Kirk = stereotypical hero (and I love every second of him ^_^) while Han Solo is a flat out Anti-hero… and Indy somewhere in between…. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Harrison Ford! But he’s not Kirk….
I’m not saying I think Pine should try to be EXACTLY like the Shat, but that he should at least take his inspiration from him…not another actor.
Aw well, maybe Pine just worded it differently than he intended to…who knows?
I’m still majorly pumped to see this movie ^_^
I’m confused about the posted picture.
Thats William Shatner….right?
Or is it actually Chris Pine?
#18, Exactly! I didn’t read all these coments, but to me, this isn’t a major problem… Why? Young Kirk, not yet icon/hero Kirk. I don’t get the rational, nobody is born an icon! In some cases, a hero isn’t even perceived as one in his own lifetime. So I can accept that out of the gates (read Starfleet Academy) he’s vulnerable and still finding his footing! Now, for me, even though I was born in 1978, and didn’t really find TOS until a few years ago, though I had a passing familiarity with it growing up; I still have a 1960s era appreciation for James T. Kirk. He is one of my all time heroes, alongside the likes of Superman, Sherlock Holmes, Conan, etc. A genuine hero to last forever! But as I say, no one is born one. People gotta quit griping over rumors and anecdotes - it’s just words! We haven’t SEEN it yet, wait until it comes out, go see it, then judge the final product… I mean c’mon, it’s my understanding that prior to TWOK, people took the idea of Khan, a tv villan like it was a joke…
Oh what the heck…I guess I’ll jump into this ring of fire, too.
I can see where young Mr. Pine would draw some comparisons between Kirk and a character like Indiana Jones. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Kirk is, primarily, an explorer, seeking out new life and new civilizations. Boldly going and all that. Indiana Jones is primarily an archaeologist, seeking out old life and old civilizations, but boldly going as well.
Both Kirk and Jones are learned men at the top of their fields, the best of the best. And they do whatever they feel they must to get the job done. If that means bending a few rules and regulations along the way, so be it.
Neither Kirk nor Jones make it a priority to seek out danger, but if they are in a dangerous situation, they both meet it with unflinching resolve and courage. Both characters also realize that, despite their best intentions, trouble often seems to find them easily, so they prepare for it whenever possible.
Kirk and Jones are also both deft at thinking on their feet and using their intelligence as well as their fists to get out of trouble.
Finally, both characters have a knack for finding that odd kernel of humor in even the most dire situations. That “how did I get myself into this mess?” trait goes a long way toward endearing them to us.
The way I see it, Mr. Pine could do much, much worse than look to an actor like Harrison Ford and a character like Indiana Jones for inspiration. I have no problem with his comparisons at all.
#57, Well said! :D
#57, Spot on. I wish that people would stop being so literal about everything they read. Pine is looking for influence away from Shatner’s portrayal of the Kirk character. The last thing I want to see is someone impersonation William Shatner, that’s what Jim Carrey does when he wants people to laugh at him, and that last thing I want to do when I see this film is laugh at the performances!
I’m going to agree with the point that Kirk could have been a little more like Ford’s characters earlier on in his life. Who’s to say Kirk would have always been the same? We only saw him from the time he was Captain of the Enterprise . . . and had a few references to the days when he was a Lieutenant on the Farragut. He could easily have been brash, unpredictable, and one of those “accidental heroes.” Something “accidental” in his life might have put him on that path to becoming the great captain he was. And besides, Kirk’s actions with the ladies suggests he may have a little space-pirate in him. ;)
Lets not forget, even the calm restrained Picard was once getting into bar fights with big nasty alien things.
So yeah, Pine may screw this up . . . but he may not. We’re right back where we started . . . reaching for little bits of news and making guesses in the face of their vagueness. :)
ot great. He should know Kirk is lost without adventure and miserable without his ship
Plus on a good note. Indy and Kirk both kick peoples ass. Kirk just does more flying kicks.
I think you have to look at this from the actor’s point of view. Actor’s are always looking for inspiration, in lots of different ways, from lots of different sources. I think there is enough similarity to James Kirk and Indiana Jones as heroic figures to justify using Indy as “source” material to draw from. I don’t think it means Chris Pine will be doing a Harrison Ford imitation any more than he would be doing a William Shatner imitation. Pine could possibly even have said he was using Sean Connery’s James Bond for inspiration, or numerous others… I think the end result is still going to BE Capt. Kirk.
Really it’s not that far of a stretch to be modeling Kirk after Indiana Jones .
In fact, one could argue that Indiana Jones has more in common with Kirk then Kirk has with Indiana Jones .
Quick snappy come backs are a hall mark of who Kirk is.
Hand to hand combat is another aspect Kirk is known for.
And of course all the girls want him. Sound familiar doesn’t it.
Even Han Solo had Kirk mannerisms.
Kirk may have been an intelligent military career man, but he did an awful lot of things no other captain in Star Fleet did that we know of.
It certainly will be more in line with the Kirk we know then what Picard was turned into in TNG movies, which was basically a Kirk mixed with a Bruce Willis.
Mmmm, going by the latest poll, the majority of folks here DON’T think a ‘grumpy’ Han Solo-alike is the proper way to go Chris…
Kirk won’t be anything more or less than J.J. Abrams wants him to be.
Excuse me while I kil myself.
If it don’t talk like a Kirk or act like a Kirk, then definitely it ain’t a Kirk :))
han solo, a fine example of a space cowboy, among the best of ‘em, like kirk, malcolm reynolds, starbuck, etc…
To tell you the truth, now that Pine’s said it, I can see it. They’re both characters who’d respond to finding themselves surrounded by gun toting goons with a sardonic “Aw man, can’t I catch a break?” look, a sigh, and a handing over of their weapon.
And they’re both the type of characters who don’t pretend to be unafraid, or immune to pain, or not stressed out — but do what they need to do anyway.
I could totally see Harrison Ford doing that “Spock? … Spock? … Er, now would be a good time to beam me out. SPOCK?” type of bit.
Whoa that’s a slap in Bill’s face. Oh my.
Well, Chris, what has Shatner done to you?
He’s got it all wrong….
I love Ford, especially on Indy and SW, but that’s no Kirk damnit??!?!
Has Chris seen some TOS episodes yet???
Again, he’s got it aaaaaallll wrong….
Seems like a bad business deciction to me…
If we needed a dead-on impersonation of Shatner in our recast Kirk . . .
they shoulda hired Jason Alexander.
Enough said! Let Pine play it however he and Abrams see fit!
C’mon folks - Kirk, the “accidental hero” with that Harrison Ford kind of humour. That’s great, that’s new. I mean, if you like your Kirk as being determined, knowing exactly why he is where he is, and with that kirkish kind of action and that kirkish kind of humour, forget about it. But if you always disliked that Kirk anyway, here ya go.
#44: “The young Kirk that I remember was a swashbuckling rebel who didn’t listen to the rules. He hated the whole regulation thing, and didn’t mind bending them to get done what he wanted. If Pine tried to imitate the side of Kirk that was very dedicated to his job, I would be disappointed. That was one of Kirk’s charms, was his rebellious flare”
Kirk was always a Starfleet Officer who honored the integrity of his duty. Yes, he bent rules when required but he was nevert a maverick like Indy. At his trial in TUC Kirk accepted conviction as a Starfleet captain responsible for the behavior of his crew. To say he hated regulations is incorrect, he was the Federation’s greatest hero. Kirk is a man of stature, to suggest otherwise is a disrespect for a man who twice literally saved the very exsistance of this planet.
Chill folks. Inspiration and mimicing are two way different beasts.
The adventure continues…
re: 24. Xai - March 10, 2008
“why do these actors always catch foot in mouth disease?”
And why must we be offered every word they utter?
Because there IS NO news.
While I certainly think Kirk is where he wants to be, I do see the similarities. Many times Kirk would find himself in the middle of some bad situation and you could see it in his face. Shatner and Harrison Ford are very similar in how they play this type of scenario. Whether Kirk is been thrown into a cell with Yangs or trying to talk his way out of a fight with a towering opponent on Rura Penthe. It’s a great character trait of Kirk and Shatner pulls off that “uh oh” feeling to perfection, as does Harrison Ford.
Now, why Pine, as Kirk, is influenced by Ford doing it as Indy, rather than Shatner doing it, as Kirk, is anybody’s guess.
Some people get so worked up by the littlest statements. Serously worried? If I were Pine, or any of the others, I think i would start saying things like this on purpose, just the stir up some trouble.
Yeah, I’m taking most of my inspiration Rocky, i think his just keep punchin’ approch is really what i want to caputure for this role
Does this mean we’ll get a scene where a Klingon jumps in front of Kirk with a batleth and Kirk just zaps him with his phaser becasue he has to go rescue the damsel in distress? That would be funny! :p
Kirk is not Indy or Solo. He is Kirk, based on Shatner, not Ford.
What’s so hard about behaving that way? I don’t get it. Kirk is based on Shatner’s performance. Not someone else. If Pine were doing a young Solo or Indy, that would be fine. But he’s doing KIRK. Who was done first by SHATNER.
I’m puzzled.
Based on his theory, if he were portraying Elvis he should take his cues from Johnny Cash.
This is a case of “damned if you do and damned if you don’t.” Chris Pine needs to not worry about what anyone thinks (aside from himself and JJ) and look to the finest attributes that Shatner displayed in portraying the iconic Kirk. Not play “Shatner” but look to what Shatner did in this role to endear him to all of us. There’s a difference. James Cawley–with each new episode–has been doing this more and more successfully. There’s just enough Shatner in him to bring a smile to our faces, yet he is slowly making the historic role his own. *Concentrate on the qualities Chris! The rest will take care of itself.
I guess it’s a good thing Pine not saying much because when He says sh*t come out.
Apart from both frequently be in though spots, kirk has nothing in comon with Indiana Jones.
What Chris Pine says shouldn’t be treated as sacrilegious, but taken in the light of his craft. Chris Pine is an actor, so he’s bound to appreciate the nuances in a number of different professionals, and incorporate them into his characters in subtle ways. So he appreciates what Harrison Ford brought to the characters of Han Solo and Indiana Jones; maybe he even thinks that Ford is a better actor than Shatner (can you blame him?). That doesn’t mean he’s going to ignore Shatner’s performance of Kirk in the least. Pine is just talking about one source which may color his performances in certain ways.
that could be cool, but still has to be enthusiastic when playing kirk, like will shatner was.
#76
Maybe I’m wrong, but I think it’s the *inspiration* quite a few people are getting a bit worried about…
#78
You mention some interesting similarities.
My guess as to your last sentence: Turning away from the original actor’s portrayal might decrease the risk of being compared with him.
Arrrrr…
just a comment from Pine and that’s all… doesn’t mean anythin’ with Indy fever spreadin’…
Now if he said, “I really modeled my performance from the captain. I even watched all the episodes of Quantam Leap to capture him well.”
oh, boy….
Send him some tapes of “Mrs. Columbo”…
arrrrrr….
#83 “There’s a difference. James Cawley–with each new episode–has been doing this more and more successfully. There’s just enough Shatner in him to bring a smile to our faces…”
To some faces, perhaps. To others, his performance is a strong example of everything that can go wrong with a re-cast.
JJ is a competant director who knows what he wants. I’m sure he’ll be able to bring out some very Kirk/Shatner-like moments from Pine, whether Pine is aware of it or not.
Anthony, is that photo of Pine as Kirk real? It looks like it’s just the hat that’s photoshopped.
Please advise.
AdamTrek out.
The focus of these comments, by and large, seems to be too caught up in canon and not mindful enough of the practical side of things. Let the actor do his work and bring his professionalism to the role, and then make the judgment.
Someone harsher than i would argue that we, as (predominantly) non-actors, have no right to any strong opinions on this matter.
Comment #85 is spot-on here.
The last time i checked, acting was about the interpretation of a role. The character is James Kirk; this is entirely independent of who’s acting it.
It just so happens that Shatner is the Kirk-portrayer we know and love… but that portrayal is his INTERPRETATION of the character. There are doubtlessly multiple ways to interpret a character!
Another actor is entitled to interpret the Kirk character in whatever way. If he draws influence from the Harrison Ford roles, then so be it. Yet it is foolish to construe remarks about that into the idea that Pine’s Kirk will be Indiana Jones. Let’s be a bit more nuanced; ‘influence’ can be subtle, too.
This will depend on the actor, and on the director. Is there only one way to interpret Hamlet? Much like how in music, is there only one way to play Bach?
Han Solo almost got roasted and eaten by Ewoks. Kirk was submerged in a deluge of hungry Tribbles. Coincidence? I think not… ;-)
So, does this mean Kirk shoots Greedo only to have JJ Abrams change it twenty years later so that Greedo shoots too?
Seriously folks, don’t look too deep into the remark. He did not say he was going to play Kirk as Han Solo or Indiana. Just borrow some qualites. and who knows maybe he’ll end up being a surprise hit of the movie.
Besides, after all of the casting news was mentioned I realized that this is a remake in spite of what everyone is saying. They just don’t want to piss off the die hards before the film comes out–which is understandable. But die hards are already ticked. The Enterprise is built in Area 51. Kirk is not shown as a person who studies hard and does not like to lose (thus his cheating) but instead is a slacker who doesn’t work hard and has someone cheat for him.
“I dunno…I’ve been from one side of the galaxy to the other and I’ve seen a lot of strange things. But only one possible interpretation of playing a role in Star Trek?…
“It’s not wise to upset a Vulcan…”
“Jimmy, the DOG’s name was Sam!”
“Spaaaahk! I’ve…gotabadfeeling…about this!”
(any woman in the galaxy) I love you!
KIRK: I know…
“Tribbles…why did it have to be tribbles…?”
Pointing to Spock, “HE’S the brains, sweetheart!!”
Kirk, giving the con to DeSalle, “You promise, not a scratch, right??”
one last one…
Scotty to Kirk, at their first meeting on the Enterprise: “I’ve made a few special modifications myself, she’ll be fast enough for you, laddie.”
#28–”I guess using The Shat as a templette for Kirk would be silly, huh?”
If by “template”, you mean as something to imitate, then yes—it would be silly.
What I get from his words is a respect for the way Ford approaches action scenes. His character’s always seem to come off very believable in such situations. I have always liked that about him as well, and I think this is appropriate. After all, Kirk is not a super hero—-he is a human being. I don’t think anything should be read into this other than that, but some will look in any direction in which they can find something negative.
Mikko#91- Speaking as someone who has tripped the boards on the stage, I question Pine’s ability to portray a command candidate in a military organization while drawing on the everyman mistique. In evaluating his statements concerning his Indy inspiration, one can only hope that his comments are aimed at engendering anticipation for the movie in the minds of an only-action/adventure audience. Also, Nimoy’s judgment does rank high in my own view, so I will reserve my own judgment until May 2009.
Closettrekker#95- You are comfortable with Pine’s statements, Closet?
So here we have a film where a very young Kirk finds out via some time-traveling old vulcan that he (Kirk) is supposed to become a great Captain. Yeah- the acidental hero thing sounds right. Think Zephram Cochran from First Contact. Yeah- I think Pine found a brilliant angle. I’m sure in later films, Pine will grow the character into the confident hero we want Captain Kirk to be. But Cadet Kirk or Ensign Kirk or even Lt. Kirk in this flick should be a little overwhelmed this go-’round.
This is the life. Now if anyone has seen Casino Royale Bond was not as polished with his martini lines. He was sucker punched by a woman in the old heart, he was more brutal than soothe. Hey there were still some bond qualities there just not refined. That is the way of youth. A young Kirk does not have to be a great leader born. He can evolve from brashness. The Kirk that we know and love is 30-60 years old ,he will be set. How many of us started out the way we are now. We all had our dalliences with substances that we should not have.We might have rebelled against the rules. Being young is about being reckless and learning from the mistakes. I do not think that Harrison Ford as an inspiration for Kirk is such a reprehensible idea. I can see the connnection for young people to enjoy the total leading man status of the characters that he played. I do not think that it is the end all of making a character work. I am not worried. There are too many real problems out there to worry about. A movie based on a TV show is something that could either be a fun diversion or a waste of time. ONce that is down in the brain process it and realize that it is supposed to be fun escapist entertainment. There are no worries here.
I as a fan can always go back to my books , movies ,and reruns of the countless Trek shows out there if I need to reconnect to the “REAL” Trek…
Seriously. Get real. I have to go and pay the rent now. Live long and prosper ,yo!
The hero of the Starship Enterprise was also the man who was given a citation for original thinking, remember? For the Kobayashi Maru test, as a cadet?
How did he succeed in doing that?
Yes — by cheating in a creative way.
Kirk did not hesitate to redefine the parameters of any situation in order to win. Remember how he defeated Khan through artful misrepresentation of the truth? Remember how he dismantled the Reliant’s shields? Remember how he also later misled Khan almost literally by subterfuge, transporting himself and others directly into the core of the Genesis planetoid?
Remember how, as a man of action, he personally assumed great risks to save the Enterprise-B in Generations?
This is something that Indiana Jones also did. Remember the scene where, confronted with a swordsman, he simply took out a gun and dispatched him?
Indiana Jones, I think, does fit the character of Kirk, and more so than does Han Solo.
I look forward to seeing the results of Pine’s characterization. It’ll be fun.
One more thing: When I think of a strictly-by-the-book military man, I don’t think of Kirk, by any means. Nor even of Picard.
Rather, I think of Captain Stiles, of the tranwarp-equippred Excelsior, in The Search for Spock. And I think we all know how just how well all his military rigor and prowess served him in that particular case.
#97—I think too much is being made of it. I also believe that Harrison Ford’s aproach to acting in an action sequence is one that any actor could take a page from.
Now, I’m not talking about Star Wars. Ford has always been the 1st to say that SW was not his best acting. However, his characters of Indiana Jones, Jack Ryan, and Richard Kimball are good examples. I would love to see Pine approach his action sequences in that manner!
Surely no one here is suggesting that the Shat (as much as we love him) is a better actor than Harrison Ford…?
In the spirit of #94…
Spock: Captain, the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately 3,720 to 1.
Kirk: Never tell me the odds.
It could be worse: He could be channeling Jean Claude VanDame instead of Harrison Ford. Or even Steven Segal……
First thing I thought of is this scene in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” :
Marion: Do you have a plan?
Indy: No, I’m just making this up as I go along.
I can see that aspect of Kirk’s character - improvising when the chips are down and the odds are against him. What better example do you need than his reaction in “The Corbomite Maneuver”?
How many times did Kirk bluff or improvise his way out of a bad siutation with that sh*t eating grin on his face? Drawing on Ford’s portrayal for “inspiration” for that aspect of Kirk’s character does not surprise or trouble me in the least.
Just taking it on face value of the highlited teaser at the top of the article, and not reading any further, or putting anymore complex, or politically correct understanding and thought into my feeling on this - I say BOO.
I mean, the subject matter is already there to study, buddy boy.
Closet#102- Gotta argue with you on this one. I am not a must-have-Shat-in-the-movie-gal, or even a “purist” in Trek thinking. However, Shatner was doing classic theatre, in English and in French, before Ford probably even began thinking of acting. Perhaps Shat’s propensity toward accepting lesser quality roles throughout his career colors your judgment of his talent. Do you mean to say that you think Ford, given the right age, would have more skillfully portrayed Kirk than Shatner?
22. Katie G. - March 10, 2008
Well, bless his little heart for being honest, but maybe that wasn’t the best thing to share.
And Katie G…..that is the funniest thing I’ve heard or read all day. I love biting, dripping sarcasm. At least that’s how I read it. Very well put. Funny.
Andy#106- I second your BOO and raise you 200 quatloos.
Maybe Pine was addressing the swagger that Kirk always had & that “trust me” smirk he often gave to Spock, when Spock wasn’t sure what getting-out-of-trouble scheme Kirk was up to.
But Kirk also had this vulnerable side to himself, unsure he was making the right decisions, partly because of his youth & strong emotions.
It coud be Pine was trying to keep the character well-rounded & realistic?
Mickey#38- LOL!
Shatner’s a great reference for Kirk at 34.
Pine’s absolutely doing the right thing in looking for models of Kirk at younger ages. He certainly wasn’t the same man at 14, 19, 24 or 29 as he became by age 34.
We have only small references to Kirk at the Academy, as has been mentioned. Those references aren’t quite enough to know exactly what Kirk was like. Channelling how a young Harrison Ford might have portrayed the role is A-OK. At 19, midway through the academy, Kirk likely was grim, all purposeful intent… then when he got out “there” his attitude changed. He became more dangerous… Solo-esque. By 24, he’s back at the Academy doing post-grad work, teaching a class, sobered up and a stack of books. By 29, he’s reluctantly out there again, much like Indiana Jones.
Seems fair to me what Pine’s doing. We shouldn’t necessarily recognize Kirk in the early parts of the movie: the whole point of the movie is his development into the Kirk we know.
Inasmuch as Spock is a focal point of the movie, it’s very clear the movie’s about the maturation of one James T. Kirk. Nero and the timetravel elements with Old Spock are merely the McGuffin to allow us to “revisit” many times during Kirk’s young life and early career.
Good points, No. 112. Let’s also keep in mind that, in addition to being a swashbuckling adventurer, Indian Jones was a well-respected professor at a prestigious university. Few places have more rules or are less tolerant of flouting them than such a university, especially in the 1930’s. Indiana was therefore capable of both following the rules and, where necessary, flouting them.
You could argue that Indiana’s alter ego was that of a professor, or you could argue the reverse. But either way, he managed to prosper in both roles.
Kirk was a complex man — an officer, a fighter, a gentleman, a problem-solver, a romantic, an adventurer, a thrill-seeker (Remember his cliff-climbing in Star Trek V? It was supposed to be space-diving.), and a loyal friend. He managed to make all of these roles work, almost all of the time. He was by-the-book (”By the book” — Star Trek II, when hours were meant by days), but only when the situation called for it. Above all, he sought what worked in pursuit of goals he thought were most important, against daunting odds that at first seemed insurmountable. In many respects, this was also the kind of man that Indiana Jones was.
(By the way, isn’t it a coincidence that O & K are talking about Indy at the same time that Chris Pine is looking to Indy as one of his models for Kirk?)
112 plus comment already on this topic, oh man . I think Pine would have been a lot wiser not to have made this statement in the first place, considering the volatile nature of Trekdom, Personally, if he wants to go the Harrison Ford route with this, Hey I have no problem with his approach.
#107–”Do you mean to say that you think Ford, given the right age, would have more skillfully portrayed Kirk than Shatner?”
Not at all. But that doesn’t mean that incorporating some “Ford influence” into his approach to action sequences isn’t welcome to me. I don’t think that Pine’s comments are meant to say any more than that.
I’m not a Shatner fan (which means I’m not a fan of Shatner’s outside of Trek, or in his later Trek years). But I do appreciate and like his contribution to TOS. Ideally somebody should have put a damper on Shatner’s ego but well…TOS turned out to be magic anyway.
I see no reason not to base the character on Shatner’s early performance for it created the character in the first place. If Pine tries to base it on another hero-type, then he’s not going to play Jim Kirk, I’m afraid.
So, dear Chris Pine, whatever Bill Shatner has done to you (the man has stepped on many toes during the coarse of his long career), get over it and do credit to the role. Don’t forget who breathed life into this part and why. And then I’m sure you’ll be doing fine.
Yes #107! That’s the reference I was hoping someone would recall, Denise . . .
Shatner said when he began to explore the Kirk character, he had just previously portrayed Alexander the Great. Classic theatre.
Shatner has also explained ST’s appeal over the decades as our need for mythology. Star Trek is mythology for our modern times. Indy & Star Wars has the same “modern mythology” appeal that Star Trek does. The epic nature of these stories and the epic nature of heroes like Kirk and Indy/Solo is the common thread. I think that’s what Chris Pine would have said had he been a little more articulate. “Pine will do fine” is my new motto. (And I’m sure JJ will drag a proper Kirk out of Pine if he has to!)
#116—So Christopher Reeve wasn’t really playing Clark Kent/Superman? After all, there is hardly any resemblance in his performance to that of his predecessor, George Reeves.
Pine isn’t “basing” Jim Kirk on Indiana Jones, but rather incorporating some of Ford’s style in his approach. That’s not the same thing, and a bit of an overreaction, IMO.
Furthermore, Chris Pine has been extremely respectful to Bill Shatner, having reached out to him since his casting. So far, all Bill has mustered in response is a bit of playful ribbing and the advice to “play it straight”. I have heard nothing but admiration out of Pine for the contribution of The Shat, and it shouldn’t be inferred or suggested that there is any alterior motive.
#112 makes a good point, and one that I have raised before. It may be very likely that we will see little of Kirk at the age and position which we are accustomed to. Pine will portray Jim Kirk at a much earlier point in his career, and as a man in his late teens and early twenties. He is 34 at the start of TOS. As we all are, Kirk was very likely quite different as a young man in his 20’s than he was as a man in his mid-30’s and beyond.
Yikes !!!! Not exactly what I wanted to hear !!!!!
#118
I don’t think Pine is bashing Shatner
But I do think Pine is concentrating so much on trying not to copy Shatner that he’s losing sight of his goal, which basically is to take on a legendary character and bring new life to him with his own interpretation. Which would be welcome as long as his “own” interpretation doesn’t remind me of Harrison Ford.
Anyhow, I’m not one of the pessimists out here and my motto is:
Pine will do fine.
Does Chris have visions of this:
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z138/bearsturf/P1010711.jpg
dancing in his head???
The proof in the pudding will be when Chris Pine, stands toe to toe with Leonard Nimoy, as Spock, and does a scene, as Spock’s old friend Jim Kirk.
Either it will feel right, or it will feel oddly out of place. Let’s hope the stars align and it feels “right”.
122—Well said.
Folks, I’m a huge Trekkie and a lot of your comments are very small-minded and lack trust and faith in the production (i.e. JJ and the script, etc.)
Chris Pine could say he’s modeling his portrayal of Kirk off of Tom Cruise’s Maverick in Top Gun for all I care…
Actually, that’s not bad.
In any case, I have faith in the movie. Once we see it will our final answers be heard. By box office receipts.
Booo…be kirk, not Harrison Ford. And I’m not ‘on eof those’ trekkies, but I believe that part of the character of Kirk was how Shatner acted him, and this sounds like pine is just changing everything…Kirk was who he was…and a guy who was just trying to ‘get through this’ was not who he was.
The very things that made Star Trek a success they would now take away, with a slap in the face to Shatner comment like that by that young upstart Pine!
Pine needs to do a rethink I think about what he just said and I hope he reads this page!
Chris Pine , my friend…Let the Real Captain Kirk (Shatner) be your guide!
SHATNERS KIRK IS WAAAY Cooler than Hans Solo…
any day of the week.
your welcome young man!
regards,
President Kennedy
Chris Pine
Your Homework assignment is to watch this clip over and over until he gets the double fisted chop down to the letter. In essence this was and still is the basic core of being James T. Kirk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwQZWdzDwTo&mode=related&search=
“Not to say that I modeled my version of James T Kirk on anything in particular but I think I definitely have wanted to bring that kind of Harrison Ford humour to Kirk.”—–Chris Pine
Some of you sure can make a mountain out of a molehill!
Free Enterprise sums this up perfectly
Young Rob: “he said Han Solo was cooler than Captain Kirk !!!”
“Imaginary Bill” : ” Kick the little f@#kers ass !”
I still think Gary Mitchell should be played by Matt Damon. Young Kirk needed Mitchell by his side, which is very revealing of his younger self. Mitchell was the bad boy, Kirk was the straight-laced fellow. It took being friends with Spock for him to find his humanity, just as being friends with Mitchell relieved him of being “positively grim” at the Academy.
But Pine basing his motivation/performance on Harrison Ford? Why not. Ford always makes his hero characters very human. I say it’s a good call.
“Folks, I’m a huge Trekkie and a lot of your comments are very small-minded and lack trust and faith in the production (i.e. JJ and the script, etc.)”
Anybody else a little creeped out by this? “lack trust and faith in the production”? What has “the production” done that should have earned my “faith” and “trust”? Its a movie production, not a religion. Some of you seem to think the only way to approach this picture is to assume its going to be the best thing that ever happened. Some people prefer to use some critical thinking. If “the prouction” doesn’t want every little statement that comes out parsed to pieces, maybe they should open up the process a little more instead of treating the film like a family secret. As it stands now, chiding people for lacking “trust and faith” in a film they haven’t seen a single frame of is a bit too far in my book.
Since this is a young Kirk, I’m sure Pine is developing a model to follow based on looking at the old Kirk and then imagining how he would be younger. At least I hope he is. The Indie example alone, is too simplistic. I can see Pine borrowing the humor of Fords’ Indie; or borrowing the ladies man romantic lover of Connerys’ Bond; or borrowing the action cuffs from Willis’ John Maclaine; or borrowing the intelligence of Sherlock Holmes. By mentioning only one model, though, he comes off as naive. I don’t see the romantic character that Kirk was in Indie, but I do in Connerys’ Bond, etc.
Pine’s comments come off like he’s name dropping STAR WARS: something that most of the producers of ST: Xl have been constantly doing. Now, I guess they will start name dropping INDIANA JONES. In fact, they already have. Orci and Kurtzman did it the other day. PR anyone?! I like STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES, but don’t love them. I hope this film doesn’t go in that direction. I think that’s a mistake for STAR TREK. I’d rather see them name drop BATMAN BEGINS. That, I think is a much better model of what this film, and what more contemporary escapist entertainment should be like, especially if it’s more cerebral and adult, like STAR TREK must be to work. IMO.
Well, let’s see…. Shattner played Kirk, Ford played Indy and Solo…
But Pine is playing Kirk…
Hmm, wonder who he should look to for the character behaviorial cues?
Wow, that’s a toughie…
Good thing he’s not playing a young Indy.. he might look to Jimmy Stewart.
#131—The problem with your “critical thinking” approach, is there isn’t enough information to make real conclusions. It is perfectly reasonable to express doubt, but that is certainly not all that goes on here. This article is a perfect example.
“Not to say that I modeled my version of James T Kirk on anything in particular but I think I definitely have wanted to bring that kind of Harrison Ford humour to Kirk.”—Chris Pine
From this small tidbit, some have concluded that Pine will play James Kirk as Han Solo or Indiana Jones. Critical thinking? I think not.
#133—”Good thing he’s not playing a young Indy.. he might look to Jimmy Stewart”
I would question looking to River Phoenix! That much is certain.
Guys…chill. He’s saying that he’s taking the inspiration for his ACTING STYLE from Ford’s portrayals. Not that he’s going to turn Kirk into Han Solo in lime-green (that looks gold under studio lighting) velour. (The last thing we need here is a “Kirk shot first” debate… or DO we? :P :P :P )
127
I think you’re refering to what a one martial arts magazine called Shatner’s “Kirk Fu”. Never seen it duplicated. That’s be a cool addition. to his characterization.
The Harrison ford thing could definitly be a help to his perfromance as Kirk, it might be a way for him to make the role this own and still pay homage to Willaim Shatner. Kirk was always a an adventurer, deboneur loose canon, he did on occasion break the rules , example being his way of passing the Kobiashi Maru test, as he stated” I don’t believe in the no win situation” He believed in try to change the circumstance to achieve the right out come, some would call this cheating, but as Mr Spock observed of his Maru test “They found your solution to the problem unique.
Decloaking . . .
To: #5 Garovorkin: Right on man, and thanks for the “Roughnecks” info this weekend.
Toss me a lifejacket.
Given that I was already squirming about Ocri’s and Kurtzman’s history of excessively contemporary ‘L.A. Dude’ dialog in “Hercules” and “Xenia” and “Transformers”, Chris Pine’s comments have me worried.
But then again, in TNG’s “Tapestry” we saw the young Picard as being vastly different from the Captain we all know and most of us love.
So maybe this will play out. With lifejacket on, I’m . . .
Recloaking.
#130 “Young Kirk needed Mitchell by his side, which is very revealing of his younger self. Mitchell was the bad boy, Kirk was the straight-laced fellow. It took being friends with Spock for him to find his humanity, just as being friends with Mitchell relieved him of being ‘positively grim’ at the Academy.”
Good summary, Jorg! I never really thought of it that way before. Years ago I saw the VHS box for WNMHGB, and the summary on the back had words to the effect of, “As one friendship ends, another is just beginning…” Your insight expands upon that nicely!
#139 Lurker did you see the other suggestions I made in that same comment section? I think you’ll like what you see. look at the comment lines again.
I haven’t read all the comments but keep in mind. This is a younger Kirk than we’ve previously known and previously been used to. Good for Pine for not copying what’s already been done. We’ve seen that. Just think about how insights, outlooks, and character change as people get older. That’s really what we’ll be seeing here. What would be interesting to see would be Pine’s Kirk changing into Shatner’s Kirk as he loses all the things from his former personal life and becomes a very different kind of Kirk.
137
James T. Kirk 101
Better perfect that flying double side-kick, Jim.
5. Karate chop to the neck, double-booted kick, and repeat.
When squaring off against Klingon, Romulan, or reptilian aliens wearing gold-sequined vests, remember: there’s no better offense than a triple-threat of Kirk-Fu:
Karate chop to the neck is Kirk’s signature move, second only to a full-body, double kick. The chop is a quick bring-back of the hand at a 90-degree angle and down, rendering any opponent both unconscious and no doubt wondering how they didn’t see that move coming.
In the rare event the move should fail, prepare to follow it with either a sharp jab or a cupped, double-handed blow, affectionately called the Rigel Death Rattle.
http://stars.ign.com/articles/828/828171p1.html
And something everyone is forgetting about. The famous Kirk walk. Like more on his toes instead of on the ball of his feet.
“My God bones what have I done. What you had to do. What you always do. Turn death into a fighting chance to live.”
Decloaking . . .
To: 141 Garovorkin, just read it seconds ago. Quartermass sounds familar, but I never saw it. The two Cyborg-type flicks sound interesting as well.
Either you’re old enough to be a “Commodore,” or myself and “Commodore Redshirt” might have to promote you to “Commodore” based on your extensive Science Fiction knowledge!
Either way, thanks again.
Recloaking.
Lordy. An actor makes an offhand comment about one source of inspiration for one aspect of the character he’s playing, and the (predictable) response of this board is to largely go nuts.
Anthony, I don’t like your poll because it’s skewing the results one way or the other in terms of whether Pine should channel Shatner or Ford. Why can’t he draw on both and incorporate elements of both actors? While Pine said he wasn’t copying Shatner, I doubt that he’s not bringing any of the Shatneresque elements to his portrayal. Anyway, I don’t know what that poll is telling you other than that, in terms of a Kirk portrayal, most voters prefer Shatner to Ford…but it’s not like we didn’t see that coming.
This whole idea of Kirk being like Indy when he was younger… that’s a great excuse. But I have to remind you all of Casino Royale. I don’t care how you slice it, that character in that movie was NOT James Bond. He was not sufficiently debonair, or enough of a smart-ass. That was a great movie without a Bond. So maybe this ST will be a great movie without a Kirk? That’s not good enough.
#57 : Unfortunately you said it, not Pine. Pine didn’t mention any of those points in the way you suggest. I’m not concerned with how you might perceive the roll — but with how Pine does. Sorry.
Decloaking . . .
To: 142. RedStatesRule.
“What would be interesting to see would be Pine’s Kirk changing into Shatner’s Kirk.”
That is just about the best idea I’ve seen yet about where to take these three films.
Recloaking.
#145 Michael Hall - Agreed.
Closet#134- The comments Pine made which are of most concern to me are everything in the paragraph above what you quoted: “…if they could be anywhere else in the world they would be there…” Does that sound like Kirk? Kirk is not an everyman action hero - he wants, he needs to be in the middle of whatever situational dangers his ship carries him into. Consequently, Pine’s statement referencing the “accidental hero” is not a Kirkian acolade. One gets the feeling that Kirk has been a leader and hero since pre-school when he was rescuing the smaller kids from the schoolyard bullies.
There’s also a definite personality type which fits Kirk’s character, as well as complex and interesting psychological components. The need to look after everyone and feel of responsibility for the safety of every person in their personal hemisphere - some call it the first born syndrome - is at play in this character consistently in all its visual media. Pine’s reference to an “absolute grumpy manner” does not mesh with this character trait which Kirk has worn on his sleeve since the first episode of Trek.
To any who think psychological variances in the character of Kirk are of no consequence, Pine and Quinto might as well play Kirk and Spock like the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Character is everything, and at the risk of repeating myself, when I performed Juliet, I was not channeling the character of Maggie the Cat from Hot Tin Roof, nor was I thinking “What would I do now if I were really Desdemona” while I portrayed Emily in Our Town.
Pine’s most recent remarks simply do not strike me as coming from a serious thespian interested in continuing a known visual media icon. If the remarks had been, “I will play the character of Kirk with my own inner influence to guide me”, that would be acceptable. However, blithely throwing out two totally different character names as inspiration to his inner muse does not ring bells of celebration to me. I do hope I am proved wrong in May ‘09.
#147
Sorry, but that was very much James Bond. The first time I’d seen him, in fact, since Dalton or Connery.
I remember David Duchovny once joked that when they made the film version of X-Files they’d get Richard Gere & Jodie Foster to play Mulder & Scully. Maybe Pine is just doing a bit of casting himself by seeing a young Harrison Ford as Kirk. I’ve always thought more than any other actor that Harrison Ford can say pages of dialog in a facial expression & that’s part of his humor & depth as an actor.
Kirk is indeed a military man just as George Armstrong Custer was a military man & West Point graduate. Both were brash, high spirited, sure of themselves & didn’t only think outside the box, but did away with it completely. Their disregard for anyone’s orders but their own are legend & they flirted with court-martial at every decision they made. Kirk is merely a disciplined pirate.
#150—I guess the comment which I quoted was the one I thought best summarized the message he was trying to get across. Abrams is the director. If anything Pine wishes to do is unkirk-like, then it is up to him to correct the actor’s approach to that scene. By all accounts, getting a performance out of Shatner that was acceptably toned down enough was a hairpulling experience for directors.
Decloaking . . .
To: 150. Denise de Arman.
Brilliantly stated, I could not agree more. Though a maturational transition during the three films is an exciting idea as #142 proposed.
I bet you were an alluring Juliet and an awesome Emily.
Recloaking.
#150 Denise de Arman - Brava for having played Juliet and Emily? Are you wanting accolades or just trying to justify how much better your opinion is than the non-acting layperson? And what’s with attacking Pine’s thespian sensibilities? You’re basing this on what, a 3 or 4 sentence excerpt from an interview?
I vote that we give the man a little credit that he’s approaching this role intelligently. I certainly think Chris Pine is no fool, especially having graduated with an English degree from UC Berkeley, no less. I have no idea whether I will or won’t like his Kirk, but I think I’ll reserve judgment and any pantie-knotting for something that justifies it.
Kirk would have socked Solo on the jaw… hte maverick-yet-military Kirk would have hated him. At least at first.
Anyway…
the statement does irk me, plain and simple. He should be channeling SOME Shatner… he is 95% Kirk, the rest is trivia and plot and writing and such… but the mannerisms, the attitudes… that’s Kirk
#150 lurker I think that Chris Pine needs to play Kirk his own way rather the try to be Biil Shatner 2 otherwise his performance will not work. In a way i think young kirk was more like an Indiana Jones then then later. Its kind like the difference between young Picard and old Picard. By the way Quatermass and the Pit Aka Five Million Years to Earth was the name it went under when it was released in North America in 1967 or 68. One of the actors in the movie Julian Glover played the main baddie in Indian Jones and the Last Crusade. Ive been watching scifi for many years I am old enough to remember the last year that both Star trek and Lost in space was on the Air waves, Ive been reading Scifi and Fantasy for almost as long as that. Book you might want to check out Jack Londons only Fantasy Novel The Star Rover, Its about a Death Row inmate who discovers he can Astral Project himself into his past lives, Diffferent then everything lond ever wrote it is an excting and epic read. It not well known at all . Enjoy.
Hahha…what is this guy thinking? Has he read any fan discussion?
Ugh…Harrison Ford…I’m sorry but none of his characters have ever held a candle to Shat’s portrayal of Kirk.
Lets get the bagpipes & play Amazing Grace, for far as I’m concerned Pine confirmed Kirk is STILL DEAD!
More and more I am realizing that Pine is not right for this role… someone said it best above…he just does not seem to “get it”–it being what Kirk was and should be.
Bottom line–A bad Kirk will make the rest of the film bad, no matter how great the script.
Closet#153- We agree to disagree, as I respect you as a fellow Trekkie and honest soul (by-the-by, I’ve wondered… what is your beagle’s name?). And I miss Harry too - don’t tell him I said that!
Commodore#154- Thank you - that means alot coming from a high ranking officer with his own cloaked ship…LOL!
Shawn P.#155- No response.
Pegg yesterday said that everything was just a tribute to Doohan and that it was his role. Quinto, although often annoying, quite often expressed how much he is honoured to have Nimoy as a guide and role model, and Urban recently said that he would have loved to have Kelley around and spoke about McCoy with much respect. They at least on some occasions are showing their appreciation for the roles and the original actors.
Pine on the other hand wrote a letter to Shatner (wow…), but made it clear from the start that he didn’t want to re-create what Shatner did. Furthermore, he made comments that he doesn’t feel any pressure, the insights he stated with regard to the character weren‘t actually significant, and his most current statement is rather dubious.
Why can’t he just say that he respects the character, why can’t he get more involved with the character before stating anything, why can’t he just express his respect for Shatner, without ifs and buts? He can and should tell us about how he wants to approach the role, but why on earth can’t he do it *after* he’s credibly demonstrated his respect for the role and for the original actor?
Maybe, he just considers all this as unimportant or this attitude is part of the direction Abrams’ marketing strategy is heading for.
I’m fed up with comments like this from the STXI people (exception proves the rule) and the trend they’re trying to activate, and I’m getting more and more disappointed.
Sorry for my rant, and thanks for your patience.
#161—Of course, your opinion and mine don’t often differ anyway. But even when it does, isn’t diversity of opinion more fun? The Beagle’s (female) name is “Callie”. Hopefully, Harry will be back soon enough.
#162—I also like Quinto’s displays of appreciation for Nimoy as a rle model, as well as Mr. Takei and Mrs. Nichols offers of support and guidance to their counterparts/successors. Wouldn’t it be nice if Bill were to offer Pine something like that? I don’t think we’ve heard enough from Pine to make an honest and informed judgement either way, and way too much is being construed from some minor quotes.
In light of this, I suppose we should be grateful that Quinto hasn’t said he’s basing his performance not on Nimoy but Robin Williams’ Mork alien characterization.
Well, after I beamed myself and the away teams down to lots of planets in the seventies, I trekked across countless jungles in the early eighties…
so here are my two childhood heroes, Jim and Indy. I am convinced that Mr Pine will find his own Kirk, perfect for a new era.
To put this in context, imagine, like I said above, if Quinto had come out and said similar things about playing the Spock character. It would sound totally wrong.
So, wrong for him, wrong for Pine.
CobraCommander#117- I believe you are right in your accessment of the mythology angle. Joseph Campbell’s mythology constructs do align with the modern heroic characters and if Pine had changed a few words here and there in his statement … well, there would probably still be debate on the board…LOL!
I did like your last line about JJ dragging a proper performance out of Pine!
#158 yes drew I do read the discussions, This was just an observation , I wasnt implying that Shatner had a fetish fro archeology and carried a whip and all that im just saying in terms of adventurousness and desire to explore ther was common thread between the two characters Indieis a little more reckless like a young James T Kirk was. just an observation thats all.
Lets hope Pine isn’t using this film as a way to live out his Han Solo fantasy.
Diabolik#164- I’ve never seen Mork, but your analogy sounds valid… and funny.
However, that said, it could still turn out okay if Abrams gets the performance he wants out of him.
168, I wasn’t directing that at you… I meant Pine when I said “What is this guy thinking?”
lolzerinos.
Has it not occurred to anyone on these boards that Pine wants to play this character as his own and as is his right? The producers must have seen something in him that they felt fit the role. Pine looking to other characters/actors for influence is not necessarily a bad thing. In Pine’s case, it may be a very good thing. Chris Pine is in the inenviable position of having to portray a character whose persona has been parodied and lampooned time and time again. This may be part of a deliberate effort by Pine to avoid turning his portayal of Kirk into some kind of mocking caricature. Not only that, but by all accounts, this may be the most confidence Paramount has demonstrated in Trek in a long time, if not ever. Pine and the producers must be doing something right.
#172 Drew terribly Sorry, I am having a really bad Day, did not mean to butt in.
Chris Pine
Actor on the set
Chris Pine
His way- you bet
Chris pine
Do only what JJ say
Chris Pine
Can’t have it the fan’s way
OK- I’ll stop and admit I have NO IDEA whatsoever who Chris Pine is…
Really… so not knwong anything about him I don’t fret o’er his comments…
No clue as to who he is at all really…
Sorry mate
arrrrr…..
#131 steve623
You didn’t understand what I was getting at. It’s it’s the same stuff that’s being overanalyzed about Chris Pine’s comments. An actor is an actor. I could care less what they say about their character. The direction that they are TOLD to do as well as the overall feel of the PRODUCTION is what matters at day’s end.
You’re right. It’s not a religion. It’s just a friggin’ movie. I’m a trekkie and I do have FAITH that they are making Star Trek history with this film. I take this comment by Pine in context with all other tidbits that we’ve received over the last months. Put them all together, and it seems like it is definitely in good hands.
#134 - Closettrekker
Thank you. That was my point. Perhaps I try to be a bit too cerebral in my wording.
#163
- Wouldn’t it be nice if Bill were to offer Pine something like that? -
IMO, that would make too great demands on Shatner in light of the recent history, and Pine’s attitude might not be conducive in this regard. Maybe, an interaction like this wouldn’t be favored by Abrams either, which of course is a mere assumption on my part.
Iowagirl- So did you and Gary ever decide on the honeymoon destination? Seems he said something earlier about Risa….
#173—Those points are not lost on many of us.
#176—Yes. I think many seem to be under the mistaken impression that an actor is free to do whatever he sees fit with a character and in a particular scene. If Pine had an Oscar on his mantle, that might be closer to being true, but that is not the case. JJ Abrams doesn’t come off to me as somene who would relinquish his directing authority to Chris Pine, just so he can play Han solo or anything else. I’m quite sure that Orci, Kurtzman, Lindelof and Abrams have their own idea as to how they wish to present to us the character of James Kirk. Let’s not get carried away and assume that Pine can singlehandedly turn Jim Kirk into Indiana Jones. Even if some people believe that is what he is saying (although I do not), it’s ultimately not up to him!!! Like I said, if he can bring some of the realism notoriously attributed to Harrison Ford, when playing the likes of Jones, Ryan, or Kimball, then IMO—that’s fantastic. I have little doubt that, if it is deemed inappropriate for a specific scene, JJ will correct it. That is part of his job as director.
#177—Yes, that is an assumption. One could also assume that Shatner might take out his personal frustrations with Abrams on Chris Pine by limiting his interaction to what it has been to date. Since that would be rather petty and unprofessional, I won’t assume that, nor will I assume that Pine wouldn’t be receptive to advice on the character from Shatner. What we do know is that Pine has publicly expressed his admiration for Bill’s work as Kirk and reached out to him. We also know that Bill gave him a playful ribbing and offered little advice, except to “play it straight”.
On the other hand, George and Nichelle have each taken time (granted they may have more of it) to meet and interact with their successors and offer encouragement and advice. Walter Koenig has also spoken with Yelchin. Of course, Nimoy is on set at Mr. Quinto’s disposal, and unfortunately, James Doohan and DeForest Kelley are no longer with us. Of the living original cast members, only Bill Shatner has not bothered to even have lunch with his successor. Maybe he does not have the time. Perhaps he does and does not care to. I have no idea. Only time will tell if it even matters.
JJ’s still the director, not Pine. So I’m not worried.
#178
Denise - Gary and I haven’t finally made up our minds on that crucial decision. Risa sounds exciting, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the Omicron Delta Region, as seeing things that cannot possibly exist, yet are undeniably real, is one of my passions. Furthermore, we could play…princess and knight. I’m sure we’ll come to an agreement. ;-)
#179
As Pine has made it clear from the beginning that Shatner’s interpretation of the character is not an important source of inspiration for him, there is no reason for Shatner to exceed his advice. It’s Pine’s job to show his respect for the original, not the other way round, and what he has shown so far, wasn’t really convincing, imo.
As regards Nichols, Takei, and Koenig, their parts in that game were unlike Shatner’s from the very beginning and their history with Abrams (or lack thereof) is a completely different one. Furthermore, especially with regard to Takei and his Shat envy, we should take into account that we’ve heard more from him in those last few weeks than in the last 10 years altogether, so one may assume (National Assumption Day;-) that he’s just taking his chance and jumping the bandwagon.
Whether it will matter or not - that’s a matter of priorities, not of the film itself. For me, things like that matter a lot, and they make me less and less interested in the film.
RE: above picture
it is a hybrid. Justin Olsen did the original image
http://trekmovie.com/2007/10/17/chris-pine-is-kirkdeal-signed-today/
he took a Kirk shot and photoshopped Pines face
I then did a quick and dirty photoshop of this famous photo
http://www.thefilmbox.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/real-indiana-jones.jpg
and I took out the hat and put it onto the Pine/Kirk to create IndyKirk
Iowagirl- Seeing things that cannot exist yet are undeniably real - one of your passions?! LOL!!! Why, the possibilities are endless… A trek girl after my own heart.
Denise - always remember to follow the white rabbit…;-)
i’d hate to be on the losing end of a game of poker with kirk and solo…
oh, and i thought of another great space cowboy to add to the list:
capt. zap brannigan!
talk about swagger and charm, eh, ladies?
I’m glad to see that Chris Pine is bringing what he enjoys to the character. If it’s a joy for him to work on, it’ll be fun for us to watch.
Jeffery185#- Kirk wouldn’t play poker with Indy - he would only play Fizzbin, and then only on Tuesdays.
Anthony- Every time I look at that photoshopped image it gets creepier…
I want to reach in the picture and rip that hat off.
I don’t have a problem with them using Indy as a kind of template — at least for any potential action scenes. I could see Kirk doing a lot of the kinds of action things Indy did. They just couldn’t do that kind of stuff back in the 60’s.
Even if Pine wanted to have his Kirk be seen more “Indy-ish” Abrams would tell him…”Hey, wrong character”
I don’t expect this movie to become “Captain Kirk and the Curse of the Red Dwarf”
Look for Chris Pine in: Star Trek XII: Iowa Kirk & the Planet of Green Booties
I wish they’d just gag all the actors. Comments like this aren’t helpful.
“JJ is a competant director who knows what he wants. I’m sure he’ll be able to bring out some very Kirk/Shatner-like moments from Pine, whether Pine is aware of it or not.”
I had this hope until I saw that lizard movie…sorry those performances by inexperienced actors dragged down the movie.
I don’t expect Pine to ape Shat’s mannerisms. Far from it. I love Harrison Ford and think he’s a hell of an actor. However, to so categorically MISS what I see as the essence of CAPTAIN JAMES T KIRK is very shocking to me:
“…that if they could be anywhere else in the world they would be there… ”
Uh, no. That ain’t Kirk.
I don’t think that we have to worry about this film Turning into Raiders of the Lost Trek, I think Pine will draw from both Harrison Ford and Shatner but not to the point where he will imitate both actors, He knows he going to have to make this role his own which with all the expectations on him by the fans both realistic and unrealistic, he has a difficult assignment ahead of him. In the face of all the scrutiny and backbiting by the fans why would an actor subject himself to all of this? Simple, the potential rewards for his career are huge, it will automatically elevate him to the statis of acting Icon,. He is aware of the fact that it will open doors for him acting wise that might not otherwise come his way. It’s a chance to become a big name early in his career. It could also backfire and typcast him forever and cost
him big roles but again it’s worth the risk.
“I’m fed up with comments like this from the STXI people (exception proves the rule) and the trend they’re trying to activate, and I’m getting more and more disappointed.”
No disrespect intended, Iowagirl–but wouldn’t it make more sense to be disappointed in this film after you’ve seen it?
Actors and celebrities participating in this project can venture whatever opinions they care to about TOS and the roles they’ve inherited, but in the end all that matters is what we will see onscreen next May. That Pine hasn’t displayed sufficient reverence towards Shatner in the few interviews he’s given is completely irrelevant to the question of how effective his portrayal of Kirk will be in this film, just as the fact that it turned out many of Shatner co-stars actively disliked him doesn’t affect our enjoyment of TOS.
“What Harrison Ford is so great at doing is bringing that quality to his characters that if they could be anywhere else in the world they would be there, but he is not, he just is in the middle of s*** and he has to figure out a way of dealing with it so that he can go back to doing whatever the hell he was doing before the film started…”
I agree that Kirk usually thrived on being “in the middle of s***”. However, there were those times when he did display that quality of being in the middle of of s*** and just wanted to get back to what he was doing before. “The Trouble With Tribbles” is probably the best example. So I think bringing out that aspect of the character can work, so long as it isn’t overdone.
192. krikzil - March 11, 2008
“JJ is a competant director who knows what he wants. I’m sure he’ll be able to bring out some very Kirk/Shatner-like moments from Pine, whether Pine is aware of it or not.”
“I had this hope until I saw that lizard movie…sorry those performances by inexperienced actors dragged down the movie.”
I don’t expect Pine to ape Shat’s mannerisms. Far from it. I love Harrison Ford and think he’s a hell of an actor. However, to so categorically MISS what I see as the essence of CAPTAIN JAMES T KIRK is very shocking to me:
Lizard Movie? If you mean Cloverfield, Abrams wasn’t the director.
And read the last sentence of the Pine quote. See what you MISSED.
We are back to critiquing performances based on a quote.
“Lizard Movie? If you mean Cloverfield, Abrams wasn’t the director.”
Gee, really? My point is that I see a lot of criticism of fans such as myself who express reserve or just a case of nerves about this new version but then it seems ok to worship at the altar of JJ without having seen one scene of the film. Bit of a odd double standard.
“We are back to critiquing performances based on a quote.”
No, actually we are simply sharing opinions and reactions. Isn’t that what sites like this are for? We’ve got more than year and only each other who care…we fanboys & girls.
I wonder if Kirk will refer to Chekov as Shortround?
# no Moogie he’ll call him pavel and they will be the best of friends
I can’t believe how dogmatic and narrow-minded the purists are. Apparently, it would only be satisfactory for Chris Pine to perform a Shatner Kirk impersonation. So that’s what the artistry of acting has been reduced to: sheer mimicry.
So sad.
This reminds me so much of that scene in the movie “Free Enterprise”, where an upset kid tells William Shatner that another kid told him that Han Solo was cooler than Kirk. Shatner looks at him, stunned, and then says “Go kick his ass!”
Classic.
197. krikzil - March 11, 2008
“Lizard Movie? If you mean Cloverfield, Abrams wasn’t the director.”
“Gee, really? ”
Yes, really…. sorry if I didn’t follow your point regarding Abrams as a director and then your jump to the “lizard” movie director… for some reason.
“My point is that I see a lot of criticism of fans such as myself who express reserve or just a case of nerves about this new version but then it seems ok to worship at the altar of JJ without having seen one scene of the film. Bit of a odd double standard.”
Ok, sure..I can accept that. But based on that reserve you mentioned… wouldn’t you be more neutral? There have been odds quotes from some of the actors that make fans wonder counterbalanced by other positive things. I see little reason for negativity for the same reason.
and for the part you didn’t address…
Pine-”Not to say that I modeled my version of James T Kirk on anything in particular but I think I definitely have wanted to bring that kind of Harrison Ford humour to Kirk.”
There’s nothing wrong with looking at another performance and asking yourself… can I bring a bit of that to my portrayal?
“We are back to critiquing performances based on a quote.”
Sorry if you didn’t like that… but some posters here have a habit of reading far more into a few quotes than the speaker ever intended.
That’s my opinion.
#199: “he’ll call him pavel and they will be the best of friends”
They weren’t best of friends on TOS, why will they suddenly be ones now???
With all respect I think you’re trying harder to convince yourself how great a concept recasting is than trying convincing the rest of us.
#203 no Moogie I had an issue with the Shortround comment im not going to pre judge him like you seem to be doing, about him and everything else in this movie. Look you are entitled to your opinion you may end up cheating yourself out of a good movie experience.
#204: “you may end up cheating yourself out of a good movie experience”
How would I be cheated? I can watch the authentic ST films on my 52″ LCD TV anytime I desire.
#205 i rest my case.
205. I Love My Moogie - March 11, 2008
How would I be cheated? I can watch the authentic ST films on my 52″ LCD TV anytime I desire.
If you are already prejudiced against this film, why waste your time here? And you forgot to tell us the brand of your 52″ LCD.
————————-
I hope the new actors came into this project knowing that they would never be accepted as these characters by some fans, regardless of the quality of their performance.
If they fail or succeed they should get the accolades or grief AFTER the movie is seen. Not a year before the movie is actually shown.
#207: “And you forgot to tell us the brand of your 52″ LCD”
LOL, Sony
Moogie
keep in mind that the future is at least as important as the past!
wb harry
#200 NO NO NO- We don’t particularly want a Shatner impersonation- we want a recognisable Kirk. Not Indy. Not Solo. Kirk. I can’t see how that is too much to ask!
I think Pine meant that he is modeling after Harrison Ford’s acting ability rather than the characters themselves.
I’ll judge Pine’s Kirk when I see it.
#210 Xai
thanks Xai……..s’preciated!
#211 - And who’s to say you’re not going to get “a recognisable Kir