Pine and Quinto Talk About Their New Kirk and Spock January 5, 2009
by Charles Trotter , Filed under: ST09 Cast , trackback
In two separate interviews, the Wall Street Journal talked with the stars of 2009’s Star Trek, Chris Pine (Kirk) and Zachary Quinto (Spock). In the interviews, the actors discuss their approach to the roles, the differences between their portrayals and those of the original actors, and their thoughts on the characters. Excerpts below.
[minor spoilers]
The Wall Street Journal asked both actors some of the same questions, including why they think Kirk and Spock are mythic:
Pine: Kirk is still a little elusive to me. But what I think is so unique about this story is that, unlike other genre movies, "Star Trek" has always represented an incredible amount of optimism. In the late ’60s, in a time of unrest, it represented this utopian world. As opposed to "The Dark Knight," which I enjoyed, but was so bleak and didn’t speak kindly of humanity. Kirk is so iconic because he’s the head of this fantastical utopian team. They aren’t superheroes, they’re men and women trying to achieve something good.
Quinto: In this archetypal way, people respond to someone who’s able to contain himself. He operates from a place of logic, but always with the betterment of others in mind. He’s able to endure things and experience things from a place of balance.
…and on what was kept and what is different with their new portrayals of these characters
Pine: There’s a lot of humor, arrogance and decisiveness. I tried to bring in these qualities, but with this new element of a young man coming into his own — he’s a leader who doesn’t know he’s a leader yet. But the speech pattern? Absolutely not. In that territory it becomes an impersonation. I can only do my version of it.
Quinto: Especially with Spock, more so than Kirk, there are characteristic movements. It’s established in the mythology, this stillness and economy of movement. There are ways one holds oneself, such as the hands behind the back.
Chris Pine as Kirk in ‘Star Trek’
Pine was also asked how the film ‘freshens’ the story of Star Trek (and what might ‘rattle’ the Trek fans).
Pine: I’m not well-versed in the Trek canon, but we’re venturing into territory that’s only been covered in these paperback novels they sell. It’s definitely not going to please everyone. There’s a scene where my character is in a bar and he’s definitely inebriated and under the influence of his own arrogance. It’s him becoming the Kirk everyone knows. In my book that makes the journey a little more interesting. If he’s a clear-cut leader from the beginning, you don’t have anywhere to go.
Quinto was also asked what advise original Spock actor Leonard Nimoy gave him to better understand the character.
Quinto: It’s been such an indelible mark on his life and he’s metabolized it so gracefully. We spent some time watching episodes but it was an all encompassing experience. We’d go to his house. We’d meet sometimes at Paramount. I’m seeing him before the holidays. He’s an advanced mind and heart and I want to hang out with him as much as possible.
Much more from Pine and Quinto at WSJ.com
Zachary Quinto as Spock in ‘Star Trek’
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Comments»
We need some new pictures. Im getting sick of the same ones
Kirk also has his characteristic movements… I hope Pine picked up on those like Quinto did of Nimoy’s Spock.
Quinto got to hang out with Nimoy and watch Trek episodes… analyzing Spock. That sounds like the most fun few hours EVER… imagine what that would be like!
Can’t WAIT til May!
#2:”Kirk also has his characteristic movements…”
I’m not sure that dropping his pants and getting horizontal with the babe-of-the-week is *exactly” a “characteristic movement.”
cool, looks promising again. Kirk drunk what happened to synthehol?
We need some new complaints. I’m getting sick of the same ones.
Chris Pine, I’ve got two words for ya buddy: James Cawley™.
However, that is a massive stool softener that you are packing midsection and I commend thee. You know what, I like the “Captain James T. Jerk” angle too.
THE WOMEN!!
=h=
sb
best post ever
5 – Synthehol is a 24th Century consumable.
After all, Scotty drunk some invaders from Andromeda under the table, half of Kirk got sloshed and tried to have his way with Rand.
And of course, we all know why Romulan Ale is illegal ;-)
sb – LOL !!!
5. Scott Xavier –
“cool, looks promising again. Kirk drunk what happened to synthehol?”
Synthehol didn’t exist until Picard’s day. Remember in TNG’s “Relics” when it had to be explained to Scotty?
Yes, A new pic for this article would have been nice. I am stiil a little concerened about Pines words concerning Kirk.
Paperpabacks “they” sell?
Now that’s some fine reporting.
I like how these actors admit they are not Star Trek fans. It’s so funny to hear trek actors talk about it as if they have been fans all of their lives…when actually it’s just something their manager tells them to say to feed the fan boys.
Kirk drunk?? That’s not c—
Ah, just kidding. This movie is for a 2009 audience. We have to have characters who act a certain way. Be grateful Kirk isn’t being done as Bogie-Kirk or DeNiro-Kirk or Dean-Kirk. All are possible in Hollywood’s limited scope.
It would still be nice to think, though, that this Trek breaks new ground. I think that’s always possible in movies, and I’m hoping for the best. Just saw Serenity for the first time. Liked it well enough, though I’m not a fanatic like some. I’m wondering whether the fx in this Trek will be groundbreaking, or on a par with Serenity. (Will panels come flying off the E in battle sequences?)
Anyway… at least we’re in the same calendar year now with the release.
#7: I take it you’ve never worn pants? They bunch up and fold in the crotch area when you sit down. You might want to try it sometime.
#12: If Pine had said “Paperbacks we sell” people would have jumped all over him for “arrogantly” insinuating himself into Trek’s production history. He’s damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t.
His reference to the story being material covered in the old paperback Trek novels is encouraging. That’s “true” Trek to me, not the overacted, cheesy-effects, dumbed-down-for-movie-audiences screen crap. Shatner is no more Kirk than Viggo Mortensen is Aragorn.
Chris Pine seems to get it. I especially like the “If you are a clear cut leader from the beginning, you don’t have anywhere to go” line.
NOT CANNON! The stars in the spock view screen image move contrary to the velocity vector of the ship in warp-transit configuration, and this is against Roddenberry canonical rules
I am optomistic hearing that this movie is so optomistic!
When Kirk has his hangover the next day, I wonder if he finds an orange traffic cone in his bed and says “Don’t give me any of this Star Trek (blank) it’s too early in the morning!”
#8 & #10 -
“does Arlene Martel-style Vulcan blush*
I am honored.
MikeJones — I thought Roddenberry’s rules for stellar vectoring went through reform in what came to be known as Genesis II. That’s also why we get hymns in English instead of Vulcan, right?
#6 sb
“We need some new complaints. I’m getting sick of the same ones.”
Oh my God, I nearly choked when I read this because I was laughing so hard!
18—are you drunk on aldebaran whiskey? IN THE SPOCK VIEWSCREEN PIC THE SHIP ISN’T MOVING AT WARP AND THE STARS ARE NOT MOVING!
6. sb – January 5, 2009
” We need some new complaints. I’m getting sick of the same ones.”
Absolutely best post since the new movie announced. I’m sick of the same people with the same complaints. We get it. Just stay away from the movie if you’ve already made up your mind.
#22 –
No, no, no… I’m trying to kill the canonbawlers, not the reasonable people… ;)
18. MikeJones – January 5, 2009
“NOT CANNON! The stars in the spock view screen image move contrary to the velocity vector of the ship in warp-transit configuration, and this is against Roddenberry canonical rules”
Are you serious or is your comment a joke? If serious, then you need to get a life.
So the novels provide a basis for this movie? Interesting, what books do you think are involved?
3
Agreed, that would be surreal as hell, watching a younger Nimoy on screen while the older one sits next to you and discusses his performance. lol
RE: Trek novels
Bob Orci has often spoken about how the Trek novels influenced him and Alex as they wrote the script. We are planning a series of special ‘reviews’ of the books that bob has identified
#18
MikeJones is absolutely right: As he astutely observed in his recent posting, the picture in question does not, in fact, depict a cannon, but instead Spock standing in front of a viewscreen. Thanks to his gentle reminder, no more will the unwashed masses continue to mistake Zachary Quinto’s Spock for a large projectile weapon common in the 18th and 19th centuries. Thank you!
(I’m not quite sure, however, what a “warp transit configuration” and the rest of Mr. Jones’s text has to do with the problem at hand [i.e people mistaking Zachary Quinto for a cannon]…perhaps “vector velocity” and the like have to do with the cannon’s targeting systems?)
I just finished “Prime Directive” and “Spock’s World” – I highly reccommend them! The thing about Prime Directive is that it tells a lot about the civilian world of 23rd century Earth and I think that is what we will be seeing translated to the film.
I know Bob has read them – did Chris and Zachary or any of the other cast?
Pine also should have spent some time at Marine Corps Basic School, Annapolis, at sea on an aircraft carrier (they haven’t decomissioned the Enterprise yet!), and with some returning Iraq platoon commanders. Just the right age group, and definitely the type of guys that I, Gene L. Coon, was thinking of when molding the Kirk character back in the day. If he didn’t, that’s OK, plenty of time to catch up before the sequel!!
#6 sb: Good thing I wasn’t drinking something when I read that, or I’d be cleaning a laptop now. :-)
#1, forget new pictures, bring on the movie already. With my luck a comet will hit the Earth a day before the movie opens.
looks like he missed the part in “the dark knight” where the prisoner threw the detonator out the window. that was a very trek-like moment of optimism.
“Quinto got to hang out with Nimoy and watch Trek episodes… analyzing Spock. That sounds like the most fun few hours EVER… imagine what that would be like!”
It would be mind-blowing. How great for Quinto.
Kirk’s physicality:
Walks with balled fists.
Able to leap great distances.
Kung Fu chop.
Leans head down to speak to women with bedroom eyes.
Bursts out of any shirt.
Bleeds, but blood dries immediately on contact with air.
I don’t think anyone’s pointed this out, but the relative heights of Kirk, Spock and McCoy are the same as the original cast: Spock is taller than McCoy, who is taller than Kirk.
I really hope there’s at least ONE Kung Fu chop. That’s all I ask.
Slightly OT but I mean while The Dark Knight wasn’t Charlie and Chocolate Factory and lacked Star Trek’s egalitarianism and hope for humanity. I think that TDK with its climax on the ferries proves Batman’s faith in people of Gothem verses Joker’s view of human nature. I think that speaks well of humanity. While I get the point Pine was trying to make. It’s not totally accurate. Or maybe I have just watched TDK to much since it hit Blu-Ray :D
I thought the ferry/detonator sequence in TDK was very Trek-like. Maybe too Trek-like… >;>}
#6 – …and I would hope that would include all the excessive canonite bashing…or is hoping for too much? >;>}
37 – Don’t forget the famous Kirk Dropkick.
“Pine: Kirk is still a little elusive to me.”
I hope that doesn’t impair his performance.
Man cant we all get along! i thought thats what Genes idea of the future was..to get along! Alot of people are complaining about this movie and they havent seen it yet! Give this new crew a chance to show their talents yeah its not William Shater and Lenard Nimoy but they may suprise us all! I definately am going to see this movie with a opened mind because thats what trek is all about is the adventure of it all and seriously if it wasnt for this movie Star trek probably would have died after the last movie which didnt do too hot at the box office! This is just my opinion and i dont mean to offend anyone but i have been a trekkie all my life since 1974 and i love the idea of new and fresh ideas because it opens the door for more opertunities!
#42 – Little bits like that might make the movie worth watching. >;>}
#34 You are thinking 2012. Better start making more Trek films. Time is running out.
#6 – Right on. Whee!
#27 – First book that comes to mind is the first one — “The Entropy Effect” by Vonda McIntre (at least for the basic plotline) – my personal favorite
#39, #40 – Not sure if TDK spoke all that well about Humanity, but your point is well considered.
And, fwiw, I’m looking forward to the film, if only to see these ‘iconic’ characters being portrayed as real people — real individuals — warts ‘n’ all…
29
Im guessing the following:
Prime Directive
Spocks World
Final Frontier
Best Destiny
Enterprise The First Adventure
Vulcans Glory
The Kobiashi Maru
Federation
the Movie ties ins..(original films)
oh and the Unification tie in
“Pine: Kirk is still a little elusive to me.”
Poor guy. Of course this Kirk is elusive to him. He was denied the backstory to the character that we have known for all our lives. He’s not playing Kirk; he’s Bizarro Kirk.
The new team’s re-imagining doesn’t seem to have panned out, at least for their lead actor.
I bet he’s still pretty good.
I keep forgetting…
Remember the Farragut!
37. Jefferies Tuber – January 5, 2009
—- Kirk’s physicality:
Walks with balled fists.
Able to leap great distances.
Kung Fu chop.
Leans head down to speak to women with bedroom eyes.
Bursts out of any shirt.
Bleeds, but blood dries immediately on contact with air. —-
Don’t forget his famous drop kick!!
Speaking of which, I haven’t heard anything about the stunt doubles used in the new film. Did they study with the original TOS stunt doubles? Do they jibe with CANON???
I sure hope so.
And, during the action sequences in the new film, it should be somewhat perceptible that the man in the yellow shirt performing the drop kick is not Kirk.
Sorry, I meant “…is not Pine.”
This hasnt been mentioned that much – What does everyone make of Pines hair?
Quinto has the exact same TOS style Nimoy did
Is everyone satisfied with Pines hair? the colour, the style?…do you feel it ties in with Shatners TOS hair…?
29
Ooh. Can’t wait to read that!
#6 – sb
Ah, hahahahahahaha!!!! :D
Pascale’s # 8 post reminded me of Shatner on SNL telling all
Trekkers to “get a life”
#39
I agree 100%. People keep referencing the film’s dark elements but forget that, in the end, it’s a message of hope. Not all heroes can be corrupted, and when the chips are down humanity can rise above. Batman makes the ultimate sacrifice so that Gotham can carry on.
#54
Are we talking about his actual hair or that tribble he wore? :)
#6 – sb
LOL…. “sb” wins this thread.
SB,
Epic win.
54,
No, I don’t think that Pine’s hair follows continuity. The exact same strands aren’t precisely where they were in TOS. If you don’t have the same hair, it doesn’t count. Also, he’s too skinny, and Quinto only looks 99.9% like Nimoy. Where’s the missing .1%? I want my .1%!
Also, the uniforms aren’t completely accurate to TOS.
Uhura’s nails are too long.
The Captain’s Chair isn’t identical.
And who ever said that the viewscreen is a window?!
I am kidding 100%. I love every aspect of this movie so far. Minus the robocop in the trailer. Wasn’t a fan of that. But so far, it looks bloody amazing.
43. cd – January 5, 2009
“Pine: Kirk is still a little elusive to me.”
“I hope that doesn’t impair his performance.”
If anything, it may very well help it. This is a Kirk who is struggling to find himself. May very well translate brilliantly onto the screen. Perhaps the part was written that way to better guide the performance?
#4 Dennis Bailey
#2:”Kirk also has his characteristic movements…”
I’m not sure that dropping his pants and getting horizontal with the babe-of-the-week is *exactly” a “characteristic movement.”
#4 Dennis Bailey
There has always been more to Kirk than sex scenes,hope youve watch more than just that.
In watching TOS since the issue of Pine’s performance started being discussed, I’ve tried to distill what about Shatner’s performance is indelibly Kirk versus the flourish of a legendary actor.
I think the one aspect of Shatner’s Kirk that falls under vocal performance but should survive recasting is what I call his Taskmaster voice. It rarely comes up in paeans to Kirk and Shatner on this site, but TOS Kirk would often speak in an impatient, clipped, by-the-book tone.
It’s like a law school professor with a touch of the drill sergeant. The beauty of it is that he does it to keep his crew on its toes, but with just the most delicate subtlety, he lets them know that he’s in on the joke. This is epitomized by the way he cajoles Spock in to agreeing that some action is in keeping with the PD or when he tells Saavik, “You just keep on quoting regulations, Mister.”
It’s an interesting thing, because Kirk gets credit for and described as so many things like rogue, bad boy, “never a Boy Scout,” being a risktaker and a rulebreaker…. and a Grandmaster of Bedroom Chess. But damn if Kirk isn’t as serious as a heart attack while he’s on the ship. He’s like the boss that gets wasted with you on Friday, then hammers scrutinizes your expense report on Monday morning.
I’d further argue that, based on the new timeline without his dad to instill this in him, this aspect of Kirk should come up in a second movie. He’ll have proved his preternatural heroism and engaged in a little temporal cheating, but he’ll also want to show he can run things by the book.
#1: We’ve still got 4 months until the movie debut, I’ll bet we’ll be seeing more pictures, spoilers, etc. very soon. I’m crossing my fingers out of my impatience for May to get here, but I’m still betting. :)
Pine sounds vapid.
Oh and if I hear the “optimism” speech again, I’ll scream. We get it, cast & crew: It’s an optimistic view of the future. If anyone hasn’t figured that out about Trek by now, they never will.
It wouldn’t have occurred to me to check the Wall Street Journal for entertainment coverage :/
The more I think about my own statement above, I realize that the TWOK scene where Saavik quotes regulations, the crew gives Adm. Kirk sidelong glances, etc., really explains my point.
The crew is so used to Kirk’s independent derring-do that they scoff at Saavik. And for a moment Kirk is lulled into complacency. But his statement to Saavik that she should keep quoting regulations, amid a story that is fundamentally about aging, is also a moment when he reconnects with his younger self.
I think Kirk knew in that moment that his younger self might have stopped Khan right then and there, where his older self was curious/complacent and just said, “This is damn peculiar.”
This Kirk wants to graduate early, to impress Pike, so maybe he still is the stack of books with legs, just saddled with his drunken townie reputation. Either way, I hope JJKO & Pine didn’t misplace the Taskmaster Voice–the very heart of Kirk’s greatness and his irony.
#64 “…but TOS Kirk would often speak in an impatient, clipped, by-the-book tone. ” “…It’s like a law school professor with a touch of the drill sergeant. The beauty of it is that he does it to keep his crew on its toes, but with just the most delicate subtlety,…” “…But damn if Kirk isn’t as serious as a heart attack while he’s on the ship. ”
You picked up on precisely what makes Kirk tick. This is exactly what I was referring to in my earlier post. Capt. Kirk is simply as his title says: CAPTAIN Kirk. He is a military leader. As much as some of us may discount the naval aspects of Trek, they are at the core of TOS. Kirk is nearly the quintessential American military officer archetype. This was most in evidence in the first season, and Coon and Roddenberry drew heavily on their experiences in the military to set Kirk’s leadership traits in “canon”. Not “militaristic”, mind you, but the professionalism of a well trained, naturally born leader of men.
Oh, and it is Drill “Instructor”, not Drill “Sergeant”. (At least not in the Marines! ha ha)
One thing I’ve noticed about the promotion for this movie is that it is consistent with the TOS films in that it focuses on Kirk/Spock rather than Kirk/Spock/McCoy.
McCoy didn’t make a movie poster until ST VI, for some reason.
SB – this should be a new observation, not a new complaint. :)
Regards.
I think we should ban the word “Cannon” in 2009 … I am so sick of hearing that word.
#6 – sb – best post I ever read here!
“There’s a scene where my character is in a bar and he’s definitely inebriated and under the influence of his own arrogance. It’s him becoming the Kirk everyone knows. In my book that makes the journey a little more interesting. If he’s a clear-cut leader from the beginning, you don’t have anywhere to go.”–Pine
Especially when a large portion of the target audience is not already invested in the character, such movement in Kirk’s development does indeed make the journey potentially more interesting, IMO.
“stack of books with legs” vs. ” …never a boyscout”—
The key thing to remember is that these are both personal and subjective observations made by two different parties, and formed around the same period of time.
Both opinions are ‘canon’, but also relative.
Compared to himself, Gary Mitchell may have found Jim Kirk to be quite the straight-laced individual. However, he is describing the same young man who felt at home cheating on a Starfleet command test, and apparently left such an impression upon Carol Marcus that she found David’s choice of descriptive words (boyscout) to be rather comical.
It seems clear to me that there was always a side of Jim Kirk that was capable of behavior outside of what Mitchell’s comment alone would seem to suggest, and that type of behavior may be more prevalent in him than it was in the unaltered timeline. The important thing to me is not so much ‘how’ he evolves (which is obviously different), but what he evolves into.
“Kirk is still a little elusive to me.”—Pine
Don’t worry, Chris. Even after a quarter century, Kirk was still “a little elusive” to Shatner as well—otherwise, he probably wouldn’t have turned Kirk into an equestrian!
:)
#71—-Yes…an important distinction to be sure!
Semper Fi.
So long as JTK becomes a leader who is charismatic, passionate, loyal, courageous, romantic, intelligent, inspiring, physically tough, confident (even arrogant), focused, and willing to do whatever is necessary—-I’ll be happy.
I don’t believe that there is only one means to that end.
Re: 63 — “I’m not sure that dropping his pants and getting horizontal with the babe-of-the-week is *exactly” a “characteristic movement.”
Sure it is. In fact it’s a characteristic movement that everyone involved is six movies forgot about.
Talk about not being canon.
63: “I’m not sure that dropping his pants and getting horizontal with the babe-of-the-week is *exactly” a “characteristic movement.”
77: “Sure it is. In fact it’s a characteristic movement that everyone involved is six movies forgot about.”
Agreed. In fact, I’d say that dropping trou getting horizontal with each babe o’ the week was Kirk’s defining characteristic movement.
Pine:” Kirk is still a little elusive to me…”
Could this mean that he already working on a future movie?
Although I’m now always happy with what I see regarding this movie, I find myself looking forward to another…..
#77–”…it’s a characteristic movement that everyone involved is six movies forgot about.”
Not competely, otherwise there would never have been a David Marcus to begin with.
McCoy’s “What is it with you?” line in STVI is a reference to that reputation as well.
I think that the absence of “TOS-style” sexuality in the six feature films had much more to do with the real-time effects of aging upon the cast than a failing memory of Kirk’s infamous success with the ladies in his relative youth.
I’m personally grateful.
:)
#41…
I’ll give it a rest just as soon as the canonistas do…
#72…
Welcome to the concept of “irony.” Stay awhile, won’t you? :)
Everyone else…
*big grin and high fives for all*
#81—Not all of us “canonistas” are complaining about the film.
:)
Some of us are looking forward to expanding upon that ‘canon’ beyond the boundaries of linear time. I’m quite satisfied that everything we know as previously established ‘canon’ is no less important to the overall Trek mythos than it was before.
The story (the much broader one) cannot progress to this point without it.
I hope Pine has not disavowed the Shatner influence! The Kirk/Shatner symbiosis is so deep, had Kirk actually lived or will live owes much to the man who personified him, as strongly as if JTK really existed. When actors play JFK, they don’t discount his Brookline accent, or that his way of carrying himself owed much to his war injuries. If I had this cherished role, I’d look upon William Shatner’s portrayal as newsreel of a man who actually walked among us. Did Ben Kingsley not watch the real Gandhi to study his character?
Anthony,
There does need to be a trekmovie “hall-of- fame” for posts above and beyond the norm. SB should be the first honoree.
it was just so…. priceless.
#83—The difference is that Ghandi was an actual person. This is not an historical piece.
James T. Kirk is a fictional hero. The only reason that such “symbiosis”, as you put it, exists in the minds of some fans is that Kirk has, up until this point, only been portrayed by a single actor. We have not as yet had the fortune to see another profesional actor’s “serious” interpretation of that character.
Pine was hired to portray James Tiberius Kirk. He was not hired to portray William Shatner as Kirk.
I would be disappointed if that had turned out to be his approach, and probably wouldn’t think much of Pine as an artist if it were so.
Told ya’ll Orci was dropping subtle hints about the STXI story by mentioning novels like ‘Best Destiny’ and ‘Prime Directive’.
;)
#85
I agree, however, a certain amount of that allure owes much to Shatner.
Don’t be mislead, I am not looking for any imitation, and I am well aware of the differences between historical and fictional characters, but we should not discount that much of the attraction to Kirk has a lot to do with what we have experienced in what we see in William Shatner.
Maybe the challenge for Pine artistically is to cross fade this experience in a subtle and organic way.
I wouldn’t tell just anyone this, other than fellow Trekkies, cos I’m sure some of us will have this in common. It seems over the course of my life, I must confess, I’ve written a few Star Trek stories. Nothing professional, just out of love for Star Trek. I only mention this because whenever I wrote character speech, I heard Shatner and Nimoy and Doohan, etc. in my head. Those voices are so ingrained in my head, those voices seemed to become a necessary element in shaping the dialog of my stories. I think Shatner has a terrific voice, when you hear some of the programs he has narrated, or audio books, etc.
I cannot help but wonder if Mr. Orci and Mr. Kurtzman had this experience at all, especially being Trek fans. Is there anyone else here who has experienced this, either writing as a “hobby” or professionally? Is there anyone here who has read a single TOS Trek novel and has not heard those amazing voices while reading the dialog? (I will note that I never read enough TNG novels to say it brought on the experience in quite the same way. You gotta admit, though, Patrick Stewart has an amazing voice, not easy to forget). And I admit, it is hard to conceive of any other voice taking over for the original cast (but, hey, I’m still in, guys!).
I imagine Mr. Pine and Mr. Quinto are in a unique position, coming at the roles from a more objective viewpoint. They probably could read the script without hearing the voices of the originals (or maybe not, I’m just speculating, of course). Do you think if Pine, for example, couldn’t get Shatner’s voice out of his head, would he be able to really make the role his own? Do you think another actor’s voice has the power to affect how another actor might take on that role, in general? I don’t really know enough about how actors work on their role, but I think it’s very interesting how they build a performance.
And I have always been fascinated with the sound of people’s voices, and there are some people whose voice stays in my head forever. The TOS cast is right here, in the front of my mind. My ex-wife’s voice is another…
#87—”Maybe the challenge for Pine artistically is to cross fade this experience in a subtle and organic way.”
Even if Pine hasn’t come right out and said it himself (at least to my recollection), outside observers of Pine’s performance seem to indicate just that.
A consensus among those preliminary reviewers seems to be that, while Pine has certainly captured certain elements—the swagger, or “Kirk-walk”, for example—he has clearly made JTK his own.
Sounds good to me.
71 – Gene:
Thanks for the clarification. I am not a Marine, though I have great respect for all servicemen. I did, however, go to law school and did get grilled by Professors who used the Mr. and Ms. to great authoritative effect.
Gene and Closet, you should appreciate Orci’s comment that they have dispensed with the idea that all other captains in Starfleet are doofuses. This was something that tripped me up as a teenager in the 80s. Pretty much every Captain in TOS is weak or tragic compared to JTK… and then there’s Terrell and Styles–yeesh. I know Terrell killed himself to save everyone else, but still… Kirk wouldn’t have killed himself. NFW.
#88—I can identify with that, but once again, those are voices I hear (and faces I see, for that matter) because there are as yet no others with which to associate those characters.
For those of us who are “older” fans, that much may never change. Who knows?
#89
I look forward to that and hope it’s realized.
We all want this movie to succeed.
#90—Agreed. It was quite the “convenience” in TOS that only Kirk (as a starship captain, anyway) could be competent, much less heroic in performance of his duty.
I accepted it as more or less part of the formula.
:)
#64:”There has always been more to Kirk than sex scenes,hope youve watch more than just that.”
I watched all of it, probably before you were born.
“83 Kobayashi Maru – I hope Pine has not disavowed the Shatner influence! The Kirk/Shatner symbiosis is so deep, had Kirk actually lived or will live owes much to the man who personified him, as strongly as if JTK really existed.”
I agree.
Shatner is Kirk.
His character evolved as a result of Shatner’s portrayal. Hopefully Pine can portray this without coming off as parady. That’s what actors do, is it not?
You do run that risk when you play it that close, that the new actor will come off as a cheap imitation. It’s like a movie about Elvis. No one can quite pull of his charisma. I would prefer Pine to come off as real first. But real people do emulate other people’s traits. I was throwing in an ‘Ali slur’ every once in a while there for a while.
And speaking of Elvis, I think Shatner, as Kirk, was channeling Elvis a little bit. Not the 50’s badass Elvis but the 60’s movie Elvis.
Maybe Pine should throw in a little Elvis in the sequel.
Not to beat a dead horse here, but SB #6, Thank you! Spectacular post.
I second the motion of making SB #6 the first induction into the Trek Movie Post Hall of Fame (#84).
#95–”Shatner is Kirk.”
Shatner is the only professional actor to have had the priviledge of interpreting that fictional character, and that isn’t the same thing.
“His character evolved as a result of Shatner’s portrayal.”
That character is still evolving, just like any other fictional character who is recast. I thnk we’ve seen Kirk go as far as Shatner can take him. I enjoyed that ride very much, but I’m ready for a fresh approach.
“Hopefully Pine can portray this without coming off as (parody). That’s what actors do, is it not?”
No, not really.
I loved Nicholson’s 1989 performance as “The Joker”, but I am grateful that Ledger (and Chris Nolan) took an independent approach. Otherwise, I think I might have been robbed of a equally brilliant (if not even better) performance.
Once again, Pine was hired to portray James Tiberius Kirk. He was not hired to portray William Shatner as Kirk…there is a big difference.
Only Bill can pull off that delivery style and those mannerisms, IMO.
I think that Shatner’s Kirk has been so often parodied that the impersonations might actually be more ingrained in the minds of the “general public” than Shatner’s actual portrayals of Kirk.
More than any of the other actors, IMO, Pine should take a clearly independent approach to his character.
I hope it’s the dinosaur novel or maybe the Joy Machine or what was that one about How Much for Just the Planet?
Naw…
I hope it’s the Harry Mudd novels.
That would explain LOTS about the movie
BTW
for those that wonder, there were some Twilight Zone episodes on last week that showed Shatner pre-Kirk and pre-hammy.
Hail Shat! Savior of the Universe!
Wow. Yet another Star Trek has optimism comment. Think for yourself would you Pine?
Quinto sounds like he’s got “Spockness” down though.
#76, (75), (85)
Considering that Kirk allegedly was still a little elusive to Shatner after a quarter century and that portraying Kirk and portraying Shatner as Kirk is supposed to be a big difference, I have to admire the accurateness with which you are still able to list all of Kirk’s key qualities. Could it be for instance that Shatner did portray Kirk’s development conclusively – his important characteristics, his traits, everything correct to a dot, up to the point he “became” Kirk, his mannerisms, his body language became Kirk’s? Nah, what are the odds? It’s much more likely that your imagination is in such high gear that you made up all these wonderful Kirk qualities without having an actual template. Kudos to you! :)
Haven’t seen the two guys in the film, obviously, but from what they say it seems they have a firm grasp of their characters.
I don’t think at all it’s out of character for young Kirk to engage in barroom brawls, and to display some arrogance.
Even Picard was an arrogant, brawling hot shot when he came out of the Academy.
Chris Pine is in a Lindsay Lohan movie that comes on TV every other week.
I watched just enough of it. He plays young and goofy in the movie. Maybe his Kirk is expected to “grow” during the course of the movie.
When did movies become about “growth” and character development?
I dont remember Cary Grant being anyone other than Cary Grant. I dont remember Steve McQueen “growing” during the course of any of his movies. Sure the characters had moments but they didn’t change much in 2 hours.
Can anyone imagine Humphrey Bogart getting in touch with his feminine side? What about Gregory Peck? Ever see him resolve any unresolved “daddy” issues?
Kirk was a manly man. let him be manly.
That is all
Dismissed
“Let’s be careful out there” ~~ Hill Street Blues
@70 – I know quite a few squadron leaders, group leaders, and wing commanders in the USAF, all at or near the equivalent Naval rank of captain, and almost every one of them exhibits the same kind of attributes as Kirk (I actually drank one under the bar one night – never will forget that) – willing to step into the fusillade for their crew, but also willing to knock a few back and have some fun. I think that is the distillation of both the military men I know and Kirk.
@78 – Remember, though, in many of those TOS episodes he did those things in order to achieve a greater good – namely, the safety of his crew and ship. The only two times he possibly didn’t were with Lenore Karidian in “Conscience Of The King” and Edith Keeler in “City On The Edge Of Forever.” And there was the back-and-forth with Areel Shaw in “Court-Martial,” but she was the prosecuting attorney and outside of their encounter in the lounge in Act 1, there was no interaction (besides the kiss on the bridge in the tag).
Let’s see, there was Marlena Moreau, the Captain’s Woman; Sylvia the sorceress; Shahna the drill thrall (with green hair, yet!); Nona on Tyree’s planet (but she was a sorceress, too); Miramanee (but he was “not himself” in that episode); Deela the Scalosian; Elaan, the Dohlman of Elas whom Kirk had to “educate” in order to save a peace treaty; Odona on the deserted “Enterprise” mockup on Gideon; and Rayna Kapec, the android on Holberg 917G. In all but three of those instances, Kirk did what he had to do in order to get his ship and crew to safety (or to get back to his ship). And if there were only nine examples out of 79 episodes, his “womanizing” was most definitely overexaggerated.
@103…
Gregory Peck grew during the course of “Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.”
as did McQueen during “The Sand Pebbles” as Cary Grant did during “North by Northwest”
“In that territory it becomes an impersonation. I can only do my version of it.”
That’s really good of Pine. Cause it ruins Kirk if he is trying to do a William Shatner impression, and how many parodies are there of those?
I prefer it’s the actor playing the character rather than the actor playing the original actor playing the character.
“It’s him becoming the Kirk everyone knows. In my book that makes the journey a little more interesting.”
Well heroes have to start somewhere. We have seen Captain’s Archer, Picard, Sisko, and Janeway becoming who they are, but we have yet to see Kirk. In many ways, we only see Kirk becoming something else well AFTER the series ended, but what about before the series?
And the way they are talking here, it sounds like Wolverine, Terminator, and Night at the Museum will be no match for Star Trek.
#103
- Maybe his Kirk is expected to “grow” during the course of the movie. -
- Kirk was a manly man. let him be manly. -
Ha – you have a point there. Although being manly and developing isn’t necessarily a contradiction, if it’s portrayed in the right way.. :)) That’s why Shatner is The Kirk. He is the typical Hero, the alpha male without forgetting and without letting us forget about his frailties, his vulnerability and man’s (meaning human’s) constant need to develop, to learn, to broaden one’s mind and soul, and to gain further experience, but at the same time remaining true to oneself. Let Pine do the teens Kirk version, the Kirk who still has to find himself; the grown-up, manly version, the Kirk who has already found himself and has become the legendary Captain, the leader of men, the loyal friend who is willing to sacrifice his life for his crewmates, will be forever defined by Shatner.
“Let Pine do the teens Kirk version…”
That would make a killer B movie: “I Was a Teenage Shatner!”
94: Kirk gets “horizontal” two times… three if we’re being generous. I’m not joking.
107 — Iowagirl. Amen, amen, I say unto you.
#101—”Nah, what are the odds?”
I’d say that the odds, to this point, are “stacked”, given that he is the only professional actor to have been hired to portray him.
” It’s much more likely that your imagination is in such high gear that you made up all these wonderful Kirk qualities without having an actual template. Kudos to you! ”
Come now, Iowagirl…The point is simply that Shatner’s style is not the only one conducive to capturing such a character, and such a character can be portrayed without mimicking Shatner’s mannerisms. It is only that his is the only method to which we have thusfar been treated.
Pine is being paid to pretend that he is James Kirk. He is not being paid to pretend to be William Shatner pretending to be James Kirk. :)
#104—-Don’t forget his “last few hours as a man”, allowed by Procounsel Claudius in “Bread And Circuses”.
#109—Yes, it is true that the frequency of Kirk’s “sexual” exploits in TOS is a bit exaggerated. His charisma, with regard to the ladies, however, is not.
But you are correct. It (fornikirktion) is only directly implied a couple of times. The rest of the time, it has been left to the overactive imaginations of fans.
#26: he (#18) also needs a spellcheck.
sb: our reponse was perfect… wish I’d been in here arly enough to have made it myself!
thanks for stating the-oh-so-obvious!
oops — wiping egg of my face… #113
your
response
early
dammit!!! typing in the dark is hard!
“…why Shatner is The Kirk. He is the typical Hero, the alpha male without forgetting and without letting us forget about his frailties, his vulnerability and man’s (meaning human’s) constant need to develop, to learn, to broaden one’s mind and soul, and to gain further experience, but at the same time remaining true to oneself.”
Exactly Iowagirl! (I know you are shocked that I once again agree with you.) The Kirk character could have been very one-dimensional — prototypical handsome, brave hero — but Shatner really owned it. He was a leader and yet we saw his doubts, his anger, his humor and most importantly to me, how much he cared about his crew and his friends. I’ve been re-watching the episodes on the new remastered DVDs after not having seen the shows in literally decades. It’s amazing how many small nuances Shatner put in his scenes that added to the character — a gesture, a smile, especially in scenes with Nimoy.
As for Pine, he is smart not to try to copy Shatner. Would. Not. Work. At. All. Given that JJ’s version of Kirk is going to be different in origin that the one Shatner played, it cuts Pine a break in that sense.
The first quote from Pine gives me more hope that they have captured the optimistic, utopian essence of Trek — a uniquely positive universe vs. the “dark” in so much else … it is the most extensive quote from Pine yet showing that he (and the new team) “gets it.”
#115—”As for Pine, he is smart not to try to copy Shatner. Would. Not. Work. At. All. Given that JJ’s version of Kirk is going to be different in origin that the one Shatner played, it cuts Pine a break in that sense.”
Most definitely, although I think I would have been equally disappointed with a choice by Abrams/Pine to replicate Shatner’s style, even without the element of an altered timeline at play.
“Most definitely, although I think I would have been equally disappointed with a choice by Abrams/Pine to replicate Shatner’s style, even without the element of an altered timeline at play.”
True that. Only Shat could get away with how he played Kirk. It would have been parody, and not in the good way for Pine to try to mimic. I think with the Spock character, some of Nimoy’s mannerisms are important and can be copied without it seeming silly — the eyebrow, the stillness and the hands behind the back as remarked upon already by the actor. Shatner’s line dilveries are a whole OTHER matter. ;) I still have very mixed feelings about the whole altered origins, but I am curious to see what Pine does with the role. I have delibarately chosen not to watch any of his other movies so I have sort of a clean slate. It will be hard enough to separate Quinto from Sylar for me given that we are apparently going to see a very emotional Spock this go around. (CLoset — do you watch Heroes? I can’t remember.)
#115 … Nice comments, Krikzil. :-)
A few years back when A&E or some such channel did a special on “The 50 Greatest Characters in the History of TV”, Kirk rated very high – #9, I believe! (Spock was somewhere in the 20’s.)
In the role of Kirk, Bill created something that is truly iconic. And if you’ve read Up Till Now, he comments frequently that it will always be his signature role and that he is very proud of it. :-)
#110
Thanks, Brett. My next sermon will be on “The Importance of Being James T. Kirk”. It will take place in the Holy Congregation Church of Our Shatner (date will be announced as soon as possible). Although our community has made sure that the invitation to Mr. Shatner was sent in a timely manner, we haven‘t received his answer yet. However, one of our boy scouts informed us that a fishy looking mail van which had been parking outside Mr. Shatner‘s house for a couple of days actually belongs to Mr. Takei‘s car pool. We‘ll keep you informed.
Further on, ShatnerFan will read an excerpt from his current script “I was a Teenage Shatner” (see #108). Young Shatner will be performed by Chris Pine who will – exclusively for this evening – modulate his speech pattern in order to demonstrate that he fully “gets” the character.
I am confident we have managed to prepare a wonderful program which shows the great deal Kirk and Shatner have in common. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.
#111
Come now, Closettrekker – don’t pretend to not understand that I was being ironic or maybe pretending to be – otherwise I’d have to pretend that I believe that you’re not pretending to not having understood the message of my post. Or could it be that you wanna make me think that you could possibly be even more afflicted with Shatnerhypersitivity than you pretend to be? Well, that would be rather pretentious.
#115
- (I know you are shocked that I once again agree with you.) -
Never, Liz, never! Each time you agree with me, I happen to agree with you…:)
- It’s amazing how many small nuances Shatner put in his scenes that added to the character — a gesture, a smile, especially in scenes with Nimoy. -
Bingo! (Told ya…)
- As for Pine, he is smart not to try to copy Shatner. Would. Not. Work. At. All. -
Even here, we agree – Kirk is Kirk and Shatner made him that way, he made him unique. Whatever Pine will make of Kirk; he can only make it differently. Different timeline, different universe, different Kirk. Simple as that.
#119—”…he comments frequently that it will always be his signature role and that he is very proud of it.”
As he should be.
Not many actors can even say that they portrayed a single character in 4 seperate decades, much less that the character most often identified with him is so significant— that a decision was made to film a blockbuster movie featuring that character again, more than forty years after he first read lines for him.
In fact, I cannot think of another.
“My next sermon will be on “The Importance of Being James T. Kirk”. It will take place in the Holy Congregation Church of Our Shatner (date will be announced as soon as possible).”
Funny stuff! All hail Shatner.
“Even here, we agree – Kirk is Kirk and Shatner made him that way, he made him unique. Whatever Pine will make of Kirk; he can only make it differently. Different timeline, different universe, different Kirk. Simple as that.”
Gee, here we go agreeing AGAIN. ;) Mutual admiration society membership cards are in the mail.
It’s interesting to me that the Spock character and Nimoy often got the lion’s share of the attention but I’ve always thought — and I know I’m not alone in this because I’ve read their comments in the various published Trek books out there — that we “see” the Spock character BECAUSE of Kirk and because of the wonderful chemistry between Shatner and Nimoy. It wouldn’t have worked with a lesser actor than Shatner imo.
I just watched “Tomorrow is Yesterday” and was struck by one scene in particular. On the Bridge, when Spock wishes to discuss the problems with having the Captain aboard, we see Kirk gesture for them to step away. At that point, with Nimoy’s back to him in the scene, Shatner smiles a fond smile at Spock with a have chuckle to himself. A smlie that for me encompasses so much of their relationship — how Kirk enjoys the fact that Spock always sees the logic in everything no matter how grim, and how fond he is of his first officer.
“In fact, I cannot think of another.”
It really is a unique situation. Also, too, it’s rather unique that he’s managed to have such a long and varied career — TV Trek, Movie Trek, TJ Hoker, Rescue 911, Priceline commercials and Boston Legal. And I am glad he finally became comfortable with the whole Kirk thing.
#104– PERFECTLY STATED!! James Kirk should not be confused with James Bond, seriously!!! I always felt that when he flirted with the opposite sex it was more in “gentlemanly/respective manner” (many episodes that prove that). He was NO lean, mean, ruthless sex machine — IF HE WAS, the writers would SURELY have him taking advantage of, for example Janice Rand and Miri, just to name a few. Kirk in TOS was more of an “Officer and a Gentlemen” (also very much so in STIV).
I also get very concerned as I get the feeling that people are confusing confidence with arrogance, there is a HUGE differenance. Any leader in all walks of life should always have AND project confidence. If Pine’s portrayal of Kirk is one of “an arrogant little boy” — then this movie is in trouble!!!
#122—-”At that point, with Nimoy’s back to him in the scene, Shatner smiles a fond smile at Spock with a have chuckle to himself. A smlie that for me encompasses so much of their relationship — how Kirk enjoys the fact that Spock always sees the logic in everything no matter how grim, and how fond he is of his first officer.”
And here I thought that “how fond he is of his first officer” was only explored in 69 Forward… :)
“It’s interesting to me that the Spock character and Nimoy often got the lion’s share of the attention but I’ve always thought… that we “see” the Spock character BECAUSE of Kirk and because of the wonderful chemistry between Shatner and Nimoy. ”
I don’t think that any of the “big three” of Star Trek would be as endearing without the presence of the other two. The whole is absolutely greater than its individual parts.
As for the attention on Spock, for all that is great about Jim Kirk, Spock is the more complex character, and one that we all identify with because most (if not all) people have experienced to some degree what it is like to have to search for their places in the Universe. Many of us have struggled at times to fit in, and all of us have to balance our emotional instincts with sound reasoning on a daily basis.
#122
- ..Mutual admiration society membership cards are in the mail. -
LOL. Can’t wait!
- ..that we “see” the Spock character BECAUSE of Kirk and because of the wonderful chemistry between Shatner and Nimoy. -
Yeah, they’re like mirrors to each other; seeing, admiring, cherishing, and learning from their respective opposite what’s missing in themselves. A one-of-a-kind friendship, a unique meeting of two actors.
John Huston once said that the secret to being a good director of actors is not in giving constant notes on character during the filming, but in being able to recognize the potential of the actor in the casting.
This test is really JJ Abrams’ to fail, but so far he seems to have demonstrated a reverence and understanding of the materiel, as well as his responsibility to it’s cultural legacy.
I’m rooting for him, his choices, and the overall success of this enterprise, (no pun intended, really)>
So I guess we just have to wait and see….
#124—-I think it is quite common for young men who have good reason to feel confident to succumb to arrogance. Particularly without the guidance presumably present in his “unaltered” upbringing, I think it’s rather natural to picture a young, arrogant Kirk.
I also feel that he has been ‘arrogant’ before.
I think that in TMP, he is both arrogant and insecure at times. It is particularly apparent in his dealings with Decker.
I also feel that, in TWOK, it was ‘arrogance’ which led him to dismiss Saavik’s perfectly legitimate reminder of Starfleet regulations and, as he later described the result, “…get caught with (his) britches down” during the first encounter with USS Reliant.
Kirk has always been capable of such behavior, and I would be surprised if it was not even more prevalent in his youth.
Too many people (most of us living) have “grown up” with Kirk. And we idealize him (and some idolize him) to the same degree we often do our own fathers.
How did you feel if you later found your father’s transgressions, be it Playboys hidden in the bathroom, or a financial error, or a flirtation or affair, or some other “dark family secret”?
Kirk is so many things to so many people, because he’s the de facto father figure of Star Trek. When one appreciates him in that archetype, then it’s clear that we really have no idea of what young Kirk truly was like, in the same manner we never know what our fathers when children and young adults were truly like.
That’s why Pine really has the tougher job here, and why he finds Kirk elusive. It’s like asking you to play your own father, well before you were born. (Interesting, if they ever make a CHiPs prequel movie — here’s to Chris Pine playing a young Officer Getraer! ;) )
#129
Well put!
This is the Kirk we get before we got Kirk!
#129—Interesting perspective.
I think it is important that Pine recognizes upfront that he isn’t going to please everyone. I even think that trying to do so would hinder his performance.
#123—”…it’s rather unique that he’s managed to have such a long and varied career — TV Trek, Movie Trek, TJ Hoker, Rescue 911, Priceline commercials and Boston Legal. And I am glad he finally became comfortable with the whole Kirk thing.”
I can’t honestly say that I am really a fan of his work in general. I love Captain Kirk, and when I think of Shatner, I try to block out images of his renditions of “Mr. Tamborine Man” and “Rocket Man” (both great songs though), and just think of Jim Kirk.
My mother loves Denny Crane, although I cannot get into the show at all.
I actually like “Raw Nerve” so far.
“And here I thought that “how fond he is of his first officer” was only explored in 69 Forward… :)”
I am SO glad I was between swallows of coffee when I read this! You know us too well. Heh heh.
“I can’t honestly say that I am really a fan of his work in general. I love Captain Kirk, and when I think of Shatner, I try to block out images of his renditions of “Mr. Tamborine Man” and “Rocket Man” (both great songs though), and just think of Jim Kirk.”
I’m not sure I’d say I was a “fan” either, other than Kirk that is. I watched a lot of his stuff just because I was a kid or young adult and was fascinated to see him in other things. Still remember how excited I was when Nimoy guested on TJ Hooker. Funny though, that I don’t really remember anything about the show other than that Heather Locklear was on it. ;) (and have you seen Adrian Zmed lately? did not age well, sad to say!)
“My mother loves Denny Crane, although I cannot get into the show at all.”
My mom too! How funny. I have only watched some of the Spader/Shatner scenes on the balcony at the end of the show. I don’t watch any legal or procedural shows because they all make me crazy — they are all so inaccurate and ridiculous. (CSI I’m talking to you!)
“Too many people (most of us living) have “grown up” with Kirk. And we idealize him (and some idolize him) to the same degree we often do our own fathers.”
Interesting post and perspective. However, while I loved him, I never idolized my dad (all too familiar at an early age with his failings), nor Shatner as Kirk. Not my style. I can and did appreciate his and Nimoy’s craft. They did seem to put a lot more into it than perhaps a weekly tv show warranted normally. But then, in the 60s I think televison and actors were different to a certain extent since it was all so new and most had come from theater.
#133—”But then, in the 60s I think televison and actors were different to a certain extent since it was all so new and most had come from theater.”
That’s so true of actors in the 50’s and even well into the 60’s.
I’m sure it’s much different for those actors who have grown up in the era of television (like Quinto, for example) than it was for actors like Shatner and Nimoy.
It is also easy for younger people to forget that there were only 3 networks, and no 24-hour programming schedule. A weekly television show was a much more significant event in the 50’s, 60’s, and even 70’s. My kids have always had Directv, with hundreds of channels of programming available, much of which is 24-hours a day. There are a hundred shows on that they and I have never even heard of.
Television is much different today. So are the actors.
#134–it really is astounding to think how much entertainment has changed, huh? I grew up in L.A. so we were really lucky that we had a bunch of independent stations. I know a lot of folks were stuck with the Big 3 networks only.
As for early tv — so many shows were just awesome. Twilight Zone comes to mind. More than just simple entertainment and it’s amazing for all the actors who went on to become so huge. (Course our dear Bill was one of them!)
It sounds like from the actor’s descriptions that Chris is an arrogant pr*ck who doesn’t give a rats about ST-TOS and has barely studied the character, and Zach is a huge fan who has thrown his all into the role. Sounds like I’ll love Spock and hate Kirk.
And what’s with Kirk lounging around in his black sweats? If the girls have to throw on go-go boots and short skirts, he should have to stay in his uncomfortable boots, gold shirt and stretch-o pants. Something tells me this movie will NOT be popular with the women-folk.
136 Antarian
You’ve not read up on the movie much I assume? Or the actors.
Many of those that have seen Pine’s Kirk in the sneek peeks JJ had nothing but praise for his portrayal. And the black uniform has an explaination…did you miss that?
I am a canon freak.
I can accept this alternate reality movie.
I am excited, though not as excited as I could be.
I will see the new movie.
I will miss the original 1701 even if I love this film.
Thank you.
Love,
Deebo
Wait just a Vulcan second
Cary grant did not “grow” in NxNW
Movie characters “had” to get married in the pre-Star Wars days.
Cary Grant was still the same self centered, over privileged, “i’m always right” muthatrucker he was when he started. He abused his mother, he abused his secretary, and he abused the blonde up to the end. The fact that he rescues her doesn’t mean that he’s had any kind of change of heart. He rescues her so he can boff her at the end of the movie. If the blonde had been a man, he would have just stolen the microfilm back and let the poor feller fall off the cliff.
The only time I can remember Cary Grant “growing” as a character was in Father Goose when he quits being an alcoholic and marries the teacher and becomes foster father to the gaggle of girls.
Cary Grant is the same character from Arsenic and Old Lace to Charade to To Catch A Thief to Walk, Don’t Run. (his last movie). He always plays himself, self important, know it all, better than you. And you know what? We liked it!
Kirk had his doubts in TOS but it was always during the “moral of the story” part at the end of the episode. Was it really so bad to kill Apollo? Was it really so bad to destroy Baal? Was it really so bad to kill so and so. But during the episode, he has no doubts. The ship is in danger, the crew is in danger, my secret gay lover Spock left his katra in Dr McCoy and I have to steal my ship to go save him.
Kirk doesnt bullshat around. He knows what he has to do and he does it. Later, when the drama is over, he sits back and thinks it over.
Kirk shoots FIRST and asks questions later. (if at all) Kirk was Gene’s alter ego after all.
Kirk for Emperor! Hail Kirk! Hail Shat!
139 – Congratulations! That is both the biggest misinterpretation and oversimplification of Kirk’s character that I have ever read.
To me Pine is not playingthe Kirk we all grew up with, simply because this film is set in an alternate timeline.
From the episodes in Kirk’s younger day I never pictured him a drunk who gropes women. He was a serious student. But since he is not playing our Kirk I can accept it for the film. Enterprise being built in Iowa irritates as it has been confirmed it was San Francisco yards but suince this is an alternate timeline it can be accepted.
Since it is an alternate timeline I have chosen not to accept this movie as canon but this does not mean I will hate the film. I have decided to treat it a a separate entity from the rest, Like how we treat Batman Begins and The Dark Knight separately from the previous four bat films. I still love Tim Burton’s two but Nolan’s take is great in a different way. Perhaps this is how to view this new Trek movie.
Its a given that JJ Abrams has changed things that the hard core fans will hate. I still hate the new bridge and the redesigned Enterprise is not looking right for me. I will be seeing the movie.
I am excited for the new movie. All I am saying is there are going to be some changes that will take longer to get use to.
Shatner WAS Kirk. Now Chris Pine is Kirk. He has every right to play it his way. He’s dead-on when he says you don’t want to go into impersonation. That would be ludicrous.
Quinto has the toughest role here. Because he’s playing alongside the original Spock, he HAS to develop the same mannerisms, the same physical bearing. Nimoy had true presence as Spock, much of which was supplied by that awesome voice. That’s the one thing Quinto will lack, and I’ll miss that, though I won’t let it spoil his performance for me.
I’m really looking forward to this movie.
I’m still looking forward to Shatner’s Shakespeare musicals.
“No tears for Ceasar!”
Hail Shat!
Brett, you made me laugh.
hopefully, I make others laugh or at the very least, THINK
Simply put…
Quinto is too good for this movie.
With how rabidly obsessive Trek fans are, this is going to type-cast him for the rest of his life (esp. if he agrees to sequels which I pray to the heavens he won’t) and effectively prematurely end a very promising career.
Damn you, Star Trek.
Well, I went and saw Watchmen last night at the Arclight here in LA and took a lot of shots of the new Enterprise model built by Steve Dymzo (founder of Master Replicas and now QMX) AND got to see the trailer on the BIG screen.
I HATE to say it but the new Enterprise seems to have grown on me. I HATED it when I fist saw it and was very vocal, in part due to the bad promo pic. I shot pics from different angles and found myself admiring the design from MOST angles.
I will ALWAYS love the original more and certainly would have upgraded her differently but it has its own charm.
The trailer: Now here is the part that worried me. Im sitting in the theater with my buddy Max who was one of the principle prop makers on TREK for many many years. We’re both huge Trek fans (obviously) and looking forward to seeing the trailer. We are also in a theater full of folks, who by their movie choice, would seem inclined to being excited about this movie.
The Terminator Salvation trailer received applause and a few ‘Hell Yeahs”.
The only sound after the Trek trailer was the sound of a few girls scattered throughout the audience guffawing or giggling. No one clapped. No one said ‘cool’. Nothing.
I PERSONALLY thought the trailer looked spectacular on the big screen and for the first time Im really starting to be hopeful about this movie (bought my tickets for the premiere). What concerns me is that JJ has aimed this at the non fans and even the response from a crowd that you would THINK would be inclined toward this film the response the trailer garnered was crickets and giggling. Im curious to hear from others here about what responses the trailer garnered when they saw it in theaters,
Ironically, from the trailer response, I feel it will STILL be up to the established fan base to make or break this movie as it didnt seem to garner any interest in those not already interested.
Thoughts?