Star Trek: The Motion Pictureis an awesome movie.
The movie strives to evoke a sense of awe.
But outside of a couple winks onLower Decksand theJ.J.
Boldly Gone Beyond TV
The premise ofThe Motion Picturesuggests urgency.
Well take no provocative action, Kirk tells Decker in one key moment, succinctly capturing the movies tone.
But the most notable, and controversial aspect, remains the costume design.
A Languid Look
Throwaway clothing.
Ugly, form-fitting, pastel-colored, one-piece jumpsuits is howWilliam Shatnerdescribed them inStar Trek: Movie Memories.
As this sampling suggests, theTMPredesign costumes were controversial at the time.
Most irritating were the shoes sown into the trousers, which made dressing and undressing a complicated ordeal.
Difficult as they actually were, Roddenberry and Fletchers ideas still have value.
Yet, even when wearing costumes that resembled regular sailors sweaters, Kirk and crew looked like naval officers.
Instead, the costumes look best suited for contemplation, for rumination, for taking things slowly.
And if theres one thing thatThe Motion Picturedoes best, its take things slowly.
The crew looks regal in the outfit, befitting characters who have spent years traveling across deep space.
Just be careful how you sit, or youll end up with a very different sense of awe.
