Starman (1984)
Starman (1984)
John Carpenter’s Starman is a science-fiction delight and a very nice surprise. There are several reasons why the film is unique. It is a sci-fi film (my favorite genre) but Carpenter took a complete U-turn to eventually turn the film into a simple, but pleasing romance story with a sprinkle of road-trip genre mixed in. The film is often compared to Steven Spielberg’s E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial and sometimes in an unfair way. Yes, the two films contain similar storylines, but this particular film is geared toward adults. Perhaps that is the reason why romance is a major player?
I was taken aback when I saw John Carpenter directed the movie. I knew him as the horror maestro behind hits such as Halloween and The Fog. Carpenter wanted to prove himself as a director who can tackle any genre with success. If Starman is any indication, Carpenter does have the chops to take on a character-driven film. The film was originally going to be directed by Tony Scott. However, Scott wanted to make the film more style over substance as it is his way to make movies. We should all praise the movie gods because the special effects do not hold up well…at all. They give the film a weird look. Luckily, Carpenter made his audience care about the two main characters.
In 1977, Voyager 2 travels in outer space with greetings from Earth if it happens to make contact with any other life forms. A small alien spacecraft, driven by the Starman (Jeff Bridges) does make contact and goes to Earth. Of course, his spacecraft is shot down over Wisconsin and he goes to the nearest household as a form of energy. The household is owned by Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen) who recently lost her husband. Starman takes the form of her deceased husband much to Jenny’s horror. He then forces her to take him to Arizona where he will be picked up by his alien race. On this road trip, their relationship goes from hate…to respect…and finally, perhaps, love? However, they are chased by the army and the despicable NSA chief (Richard Jaekel) and a scientist, Mark Shermin (Charles Martin Smith) who wants to help the Starman out.
This is Jeff Bridges show. I would say Bridges should have been given more credit for his role, but he was when the film was originally released. Now, people seem to pass this juicy role of his over and focus on more recent roles like The Big Lebowski. I am saying people need to see how Bridges own this role. It is like Bridges is playing…himself. He is quite good as playing weird personalities. Starman is no different. The way Bridges awkwardly tries to mimic human movement or trying to drive (but fails) is really funny and charming. Despite all the weirdness, there is a very tender side to him. Karen Allen also does well as the grieving Jenny. The two actors share excellent chemistry, which makes the romance all the more believable.
I liked the script from Bruce Evans and Raynold Gideon. The film had to go through several rewrites for obvious reasons. Once Carpenter came on board, he added his own flair. While I do like then sci-fi angle and the romance the most, I felt the road trip section was a little conventional. For example, the two go to a roadside diner where someone sees that Bridges is not quite normal. That is a trope that happens in every road trip movie out there. There could have been more ways to make the film even more unique. The music, composed by Jack Nitzsche, is beautiful. Some may pass it off for cheesy 80’s synth, but I feel like it adds to the romance. The theme is definitely memorable.
Overall, Starman is a very interesting film with some unique, inventive ideas. John Carpenter came out of this wheelhouse to create a character-driven drama with a sci-fi atmosphere. Jeff Bridges owned every ounce of his role and its not one to ignore. The special effects are dated, and the story can sometimes take the conventional approach, but only minor quibbles when looking at the entire scope. I definitely give this film a recommend.
My Grade: B+
John Carpenter’s Starman is a science-fiction delight and a very nice surprise. There are several reasons why the film is unique. It is a sci-fi film (my favorite genre) but Carpenter took a complete U-turn to eventually turn the film into a simple, but pleasing romance story with a sprinkle of road-trip genre mixed in. The film is often compared to Steven Spielberg’s E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial and sometimes in an unfair way. Yes, the two films contain similar storylines, but this particular film is geared toward adults. Perhaps that is the reason why romance is a major player?
I was taken aback when I saw John Carpenter directed the movie. I knew him as the horror maestro behind hits such as Halloween and The Fog. Carpenter wanted to prove himself as a director who can tackle any genre with success. If Starman is any indication, Carpenter does have the chops to take on a character-driven film. The film was originally going to be directed by Tony Scott. However, Scott wanted to make the film more style over substance as it is his way to make movies. We should all praise the movie gods because the special effects do not hold up well…at all. They give the film a weird look. Luckily, Carpenter made his audience care about the two main characters.
In 1977, Voyager 2 travels in outer space with greetings from Earth if it happens to make contact with any other life forms. A small alien spacecraft, driven by the Starman (Jeff Bridges) does make contact and goes to Earth. Of course, his spacecraft is shot down over Wisconsin and he goes to the nearest household as a form of energy. The household is owned by Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen) who recently lost her husband. Starman takes the form of her deceased husband much to Jenny’s horror. He then forces her to take him to Arizona where he will be picked up by his alien race. On this road trip, their relationship goes from hate…to respect…and finally, perhaps, love? However, they are chased by the army and the despicable NSA chief (Richard Jaekel) and a scientist, Mark Shermin (Charles Martin Smith) who wants to help the Starman out.
This is Jeff Bridges show. I would say Bridges should have been given more credit for his role, but he was when the film was originally released. Now, people seem to pass this juicy role of his over and focus on more recent roles like The Big Lebowski. I am saying people need to see how Bridges own this role. It is like Bridges is playing…himself. He is quite good as playing weird personalities. Starman is no different. The way Bridges awkwardly tries to mimic human movement or trying to drive (but fails) is really funny and charming. Despite all the weirdness, there is a very tender side to him. Karen Allen also does well as the grieving Jenny. The two actors share excellent chemistry, which makes the romance all the more believable.
I liked the script from Bruce Evans and Raynold Gideon. The film had to go through several rewrites for obvious reasons. Once Carpenter came on board, he added his own flair. While I do like then sci-fi angle and the romance the most, I felt the road trip section was a little conventional. For example, the two go to a roadside diner where someone sees that Bridges is not quite normal. That is a trope that happens in every road trip movie out there. There could have been more ways to make the film even more unique. The music, composed by Jack Nitzsche, is beautiful. Some may pass it off for cheesy 80’s synth, but I feel like it adds to the romance. The theme is definitely memorable.
Overall, Starman is a very interesting film with some unique, inventive ideas. John Carpenter came out of this wheelhouse to create a character-driven drama with a sci-fi atmosphere. Jeff Bridges owned every ounce of his role and its not one to ignore. The special effects are dated, and the story can sometimes take the conventional approach, but only minor quibbles when looking at the entire scope. I definitely give this film a recommend.
My Grade: B+
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