“Rollerball” is a science fiction film set in the year 2018 where corporations have replaced countries and their governments. Rollerball is the most popular game in the world, a violent sport with teams representing every section of the Earth. Director Norman Jewison (“Fiddler on the Roof” 1971) put together a dry and tedious futuristic drama with mediocre writing by William Harrison. Much of the movie’s 129 minute running time moves slowly, and is, quite frankly, often boring.
The performances are a strong suit of the film, with a cast that includes James Caan, John Houseman, Maud Adams, John Beck, Moses Gunn, Ralph Richardson, Pamela Hensley, Burt Kwouk, Robert Ito, and Richard LaParmentier (soon to gain fame as Admiral Motti in “Star Wars” 1977). There are uncredited cameos by Sarah Douglas, Dick Enberg, and Bob Miller. The mostly unwatchable “Rollerball” did have some modest success in theatrical release for producer Norman Jewison, Algonquin Films, and United Artists.
Rollerball (1975)
cinema
My Review
“Rollerball” is a science fiction film set in the year 2018 where corporations have replaced countries and their governments. Rollerball is the most popular game in the world, a violent sport with teams representing every section of the Earth. Director Norman Jewison (“Fiddler on the Roof” 1971) put together a dry and tedious futuristic drama with mediocre writing by William Harrison. Much of the movie’s 129 minute running time moves slowly, and is, quite frankly, often boring.
The performances are a strong suit of the film, with a cast that includes James Caan, John Houseman, Maud Adams, John Beck, Moses Gunn, Ralph Richardson, Pamela Hensley, Burt Kwouk, Robert Ito, and Richard LaParmentier (soon to gain fame as Admiral Motti in “Star Wars” 1977). There are uncredited cameos by Sarah Douglas, Dick Enberg, and Bob Miller. The mostly unwatchable “Rollerball” did have some modest success in theatrical release for producer Norman Jewison, Algonquin Films, and United Artists.