description Rollerball Overview
Rollerball is a 1975 science fiction film based on William Harrison’s short story. The movie portrays a dystopian future where professional sport has become a brutal, televised spectacle centered around a high-speed rollerball game. James Caan stars as Jonathan E., a veteran player navigating corporate control and intense competition within this manufactured world. It is notable for its exploration of themes related to consumerism and power dynamics appealing to fans of action thrillers and dystopian narratives.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
info Rollerball Specifications
| Country | Australia |
| Year | 1975 |
help Rollerball FAQ
What sport is played in the movie Rollerball?
The central sport is a violently brutal hybrid of roller derby, motocross, and American football. Teams ride motorcycles and roller skates around a steeply banked circular track while attempting to score points by catching a steel ball. The game is heavily controlled by a global corporate government to suppress individuality.
Who plays the main character in Rollerball?
The 1975 dystopian film stars James Caan as the protagonist, Jonathan E. Caan portrays the legendary star player of the Houston team who becomes a threat to the corporate establishment. The cast also includes John Houseman as the sinister corporate executive Mr. Bartholomew.
Is Rollerball based on a book?
No, it is not based on a full-length novel, but rather a science fiction short story titled Roller Ball Murder. The story was written by William Harrison and published in Esquire magazine in 1973. Harrison was hired by director Norman Jewison to adapt his own short story into a feature film screenplay.
Was there a remake of Rollerball?
Yes, a critically panned remake of Rollerball was released in 2002. The remake starred Chris Klein, LL Cool J, and Rebecca Romijn, completely stripping away the original film's anti-corporate themes. The 1975 James Caan original is widely considered vastly superior to the 2002 action remake.
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