3 Modern Action Films, Part 3: Star Trek (2009)

Here we have a film that's a great example of a modern action film.

The suspense is driven by the physical peril. (Action)

It's relevant to today's culture. (Modern)

In this case it's accomplished through a distinctly retro medium. This works primarily because Star Trek was, in its time, a distinctly modern medium. Consider the issues the original series addressed; racial issues, peacekeeping, etc. During the original Star Trek's era those were the current issues

Secondarily it's accomplished through some subtle and not so subtle means.

A) The "shakey cam" is used. The shakey cam is a rather prominent feature of our decade's filmworks. Note that it's used most prominently in the opening battle sequence of the film; this serves as a kind of introduction announcing: "Hey, we're a modern film."

(Please note that I strongly dislike shakey cam work, but I accept it as an appropriate artistic tool when used to update the medium, as in Star Trek... Also it's used during situations of battle and peril... Instead of constantly utilizing it to approximate a general sense of breathing. [Which is what I suppose many cinematographers are doing: shakey cam for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.])

B) This film rewrites the whole Star Trek series in a way that highlights more modern concerns; the search for identity, the irresponsibility and delinquency of adults in their 20s, and fatherless homes. It manages to rewrite it without breaking or destroying any of the original characterizations or timelines.

C) It injects 2 modern songs amongst the orchestration. And yes, all your fears shall be allayed, the first is a Beastie Boys song. This not only serves to once again state, "This is a modern film." It also says, "This is an American film."

Let this be a lesson in how to ensure a film is a modern statement (as opposed to Quantum of Solace's methodology).

It is not a great film; it is a cool modern action film.



Postlude:

Spock is the awesomeness here. I don't really look forward to the sequel. Live long and prosper. Now I must shower for my part-time job at Wawa.