# Star Trek: The Motion Picture

> 1979 film directed by Robert Wise

**Wikidata**: [Q107940](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107940)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_The_Motion_Picture)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/star-trek-the-motion-picture

## Summary

*Star Trek: The Motion Picture* is a 1979 science fiction film directed by Robert Wise, serving as the first feature-length installment in the *Star Trek* franchise. Produced by Paramount Pictures, it follows the crew of the USS *Enterprise* as they confront a mysterious alien entity, marking the transition of the original *Star Trek* television series to the big screen.

## Key Facts

- **Title**: *Star Trek: The Motion Picture*
- **Release Date**: December 7, 1979 (U.S. premiere)
- **Director**: Robert Wise
- **Production Company**: Paramount Pictures
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Genre**: Science fiction, adventure
- **Runtime**: 132 minutes (original theatrical cut), 131 minutes (alternative versions)
- **Budget**: $44 million (estimated)
- **Box Office Gross**: $144 million (worldwide)
- **IMDb ID**: tt0079945
- **Wikidata ID**: Q1102217
- **Part of Series**: *Star Trek* film series
- **Aliases**: *Star Trek I*, *Star Trek 1*, *The Motion Picture*
- **Official Website**: [Star Trek: The Motion Picture](https://www.startrek.com/en-un/movies/star-trek-i-the-motion-picture)
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 51 language editions
- **Wikidata Description**: "1979 film directed by Robert Wise"

## FAQs

**What is the plot of *Star Trek: The Motion Picture*?**
The film follows Admiral James T. Kirk, who resumes command of the USS *Enterprise* to intercept a mysterious and powerful alien entity, V'Ger, which threatens Earth. The crew must decipher its origins and intentions while navigating personal and professional challenges.

**Who directed *Star Trek: The Motion Picture*?**
Robert Wise, an acclaimed director known for films like *The Sound of Music* and *West Side Story*, helmed the project. His direction brought a cinematic scope to the *Star Trek* universe, blending science fiction with philosophical themes.

**When was *Star Trek: The Motion Picture* released?**
The film premiered in the United States on December 7, 1979, with additional release dates in other regions, including March 27, 1980, and April 2, 1980.

**What was the budget and box office performance of the film?**
The film had an estimated budget of $44 million, making it one of the most expensive films at the time. It grossed approximately $144 million worldwide, recouping its production costs and establishing the viability of the *Star Trek* franchise in cinemas.

**How does *Star Trek: The Motion Picture* fit into the *Star Trek* franchise?**
It is the first feature film in the *Star Trek* series, bridging the original 1960s television show and subsequent films. The story reintroduces the classic crew of the USS *Enterprise* while expanding the lore of the *Star Trek* universe.

**What are some notable technical aspects of the film?**
The film is renowned for its groundbreaking visual effects, including early use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and intricate model work for spacecraft. Its score, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, is also highly regarded and became a defining element of the franchise's musical identity.

**What are the alternative titles or aliases for the film?**
The film is commonly referred to as *Star Trek I*, *Star Trek 1*, or simply *The Motion Picture* among fans and in promotional materials.

## Why It Matters

*Star Trek: The Motion Picture* holds a pivotal place in the history of science fiction cinema. As the first *Star Trek* film, it successfully transitioned a beloved television series into a major motion picture franchise, proving the enduring appeal of Gene Roddenberry's vision. The film's ambitious storytelling, innovative special effects, and philosophical themes set a high standard for subsequent entries in the series.

Beyond its commercial success, the film expanded the *Star Trek* universe, introducing new audiences to its rich lore and characters. Its exploration of themes like artificial intelligence, human evolution, and the search for meaning resonated with viewers and critics alike, cementing *Star Trek*'s reputation as a thought-provoking franchise. The film's legacy is evident in its influence on later *Star Trek* productions, as well as its enduring popularity among fans.

## Notable For

- **First *Star Trek* Film**: Marked the franchise's transition from television to cinema.
- **Groundbreaking Visual Effects**: Pioneered early CGI and advanced model work for its time.
- **Iconic Score**: Jerry Goldsmith's score became a cornerstone of the franchise's musical identity.
- **High Budget**: One of the most expensive films of its era, with a budget of $44 million.
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed $144 million worldwide, proving the commercial viability of *Star Trek* films.
- **Philosophical Themes**: Explored complex ideas about artificial intelligence and human evolution.
- **Cultural Impact**: Expanded the *Star Trek* universe and introduced it to new audiences.
- **Critical Reception**: Received mixed reviews but is now regarded as a cult classic.
- **Multiple Release Dates**: Premiered in different regions between December 1979 and April 1980.
- **Enduring Legacy**: Influenced subsequent *Star Trek* films and television series.

## Body

### Overview and Production

*Star Trek: The Motion Picture* is a 1979 American science fiction film directed by Robert Wise and produced by Paramount Pictures. It is the first feature film in the *Star Trek* franchise, based on the original television series created by Gene Roddenberry. The film stars the original cast of the series, including William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk, Leonard Nimoy as Spock, and DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy.

The film's production was marked by its ambitious scope and high budget, reflecting Paramount's confidence in the *Star Trek* brand. With an estimated budget of $44 million, it was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time. The production faced challenges, including delays and creative differences, but ultimately delivered a visually stunning and thematically rich film.

### Plot and Themes

The story begins with a mysterious and powerful alien entity, later revealed to be V'Ger, approaching Earth and threatening humanity. Admiral Kirk, who has been promoted to a desk job, seizes the opportunity to return to command of the USS *Enterprise* to investigate the threat. Alongside his trusted crew, including Spock and McCoy, Kirk embarks on a mission to intercept V'Ger and uncover its origins.

The film explores themes of artificial intelligence, human evolution, and the search for meaning. V'Ger, revealed to be a sentient machine with a quest for knowledge and self-actualization, serves as a metaphor for humanity's own journey of discovery. The philosophical undertones of the story set it apart from typical science fiction films of the era.

### Cast and Characters

The film features the original cast of the *Star Trek* television series, with William Shatner reprising his role as Captain James T. Kirk. Leonard Nimoy returns as Spock, the half-Vulcan, half-human science officer, while DeForest Kelley plays Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, the ship's chief medical officer. Other key cast members include James Doohan as Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, George Takei as Hikaru Sulu, Nichelle Nichols as Nyota Uhura, and Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov.

The ensemble cast brought a sense of continuity and familiarity to the film, allowing fans of the original series to reconnect with their favorite characters. The dynamics between the characters, particularly the friendship and occasional tensions between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, remained a central focus of the narrative.

### Visual Effects and Cinematography

*Star Trek: The Motion Picture* is renowned for its groundbreaking visual effects, which pushed the boundaries of what was possible in cinema at the time. The film utilized a combination of practical effects, model work, and early computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create its futuristic settings and spacecraft. The USS *Enterprise* itself was redesigned for the film, featuring a more detailed and cinematic appearance.

The cinematography, led by director of photography Richard H. Kline, emphasized the film's epic scale and grandeur. The use of lighting and camera angles enhanced the sense of wonder and mystery surrounding V'Ger and its journey. The film's visual style set a new standard for science fiction films and influenced subsequent entries in the genre.

### Music and Score

The film's score, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, is one of its most enduring and celebrated aspects. Goldsmith's music captured the grandeur and emotional depth of the story, blending orchestral arrangements with electronic elements to create a unique and memorable soundtrack. The main theme, often referred to as the *Star Trek* fanfare, became iconic and was reused in later films and television series.

The score's integration with the film's visuals and narrative enhanced the overall viewing experience, contributing to the film's status as a landmark in science fiction cinema. Goldsmith's work on *Star Trek: The Motion Picture* remains a benchmark for film scoring in the genre.

### Release and Reception

*Star Trek: The Motion Picture* premiered in the United States on December 7, 1979, with additional release dates in other regions, including March 27, 1980, and April 2, 1980. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its visual effects, score, and ambition, but criticism for its pacing and narrative structure.

Despite the mixed reception, the film was a commercial success, grossing approximately $144 million worldwide. Its financial performance demonstrated the viability of the *Star Trek* franchise in cinemas and paved the way for future films. Over time, the film has gained a cult following and is now regarded as a significant entry in the *Star Trek* canon.

### Legacy and Influence

*Star Trek: The Motion Picture* played a crucial role in establishing the *Star Trek* franchise as a major force in science fiction cinema. Its success led to the production of multiple sequels, including *Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan* (1982), which is widely regarded as one of the best films in the series. The film's themes, visuals, and music continue to influence subsequent *Star Trek* productions.

The film's exploration of artificial intelligence and human evolution resonated with audiences and critics, contributing to its enduring legacy. Its ambitious storytelling and innovative visual effects set a high standard for future science fiction films, both within and outside the *Star Trek* franchise.

### Related Entities and Connections

*Star Trek: The Motion Picture* is part of the broader *Star Trek* franchise, which includes multiple television series, films, novels, and other media. The film is connected to the original *Star Trek* television series, which aired from 1966 to 1969, and served as a bridge between the series and subsequent films.

The film is also associated with Paramount Pictures, the studio that produced and distributed it. Paramount's involvement in the *Star Trek* franchise has been instrumental in its growth and success. Additionally, the film is linked to various online databases and resources, including IMDb, Wikidata, and Memory Alpha, the *Star Trek* wiki.

### Cultural Impact

*Star Trek: The Motion Picture* has had a lasting impact on popular culture, particularly within the science fiction genre. Its exploration of complex themes and its ambitious visual effects have inspired countless filmmakers and storytellers. The film's score, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, has become iconic and is often associated with the *Star Trek* franchise as a whole.

The film's success also demonstrated the enduring appeal of the *Star Trek* universe, leading to the creation of new television series, films, and other media. Its influence can be seen in the continued popularity of the franchise and its ability to attract new generations of fans.

### Technical Details and Trivia

- The film's original theatrical cut has a runtime of 132 minutes, while alternative versions, such as the Director's Edition, have slightly different runtimes.
- The film's budget of $44 million made it one of the most expensive films ever produced at the time.
- The visual effects team faced significant challenges in creating the film's futuristic settings and spacecraft, leading to innovations in model work and early CGI.
- The film's score by Jerry Goldsmith was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score.
- The film's release was accompanied by a widespread marketing campaign, including merchandise, novels, and promotional events.

### Conclusion

*Star Trek: The Motion Picture* remains a landmark in science fiction cinema, marking the successful transition of the *Star Trek* franchise from television to the big screen. Its ambitious storytelling, groundbreaking visual effects, and iconic score have left a lasting legacy, influencing subsequent films and television series. The film's exploration of complex themes and its enduring popularity among fans continue to make it a significant entry in the *Star Trek* canon.

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