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How did "Star Trek: Generations" ever leave paper??

posted 6 years ago by TMC-4 (20181)
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https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/917hf0/how_did_star_trek_generations_ever_leave_paper/

The villain is from Guinan's past. But they never share the screen and have basically nothing to do with each other. What?

The evil plot has to do with annihilating an entire planet of people with a unique and rich civilization. We never see any of those people or even a trinket of their civilization. What??

The final action scene has 63-year old Shatner and 54-year old Stewart running around a metal catwalk in an unimpressive desert setting, doing geriatric karate against 51-year old Malcolm McDowell. What???

There are literally no set pieces and barely any action scenes. Why????

There is a sub-plot about Data finally using an emotion chip he's had all this time because of a very weak impetus. And it doesn't tie into anything else that's happening. In any way at all.

I would ask "why" about this one, but it's pretty obvious: You write 44 minute TV shows with an A-plot and B-plot due to convention, and this convention spilled onto this screenplay like a knocked-over glass of milk.

So why in all of the Milky Way Galaxy did Paramount greenlight this thing? How did it not get a second treatment? Or, does anyone know if this was actually a replacement concept for something even worse? Or a better idea compromised into dust? If anyone knows, please tell me! It's eating my brain!

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

They were hot on the heels of the TNG tv series and wanted to strike while the iron was hot. They also got desperate for whoever they could get from TOS in whatever capacity they could. As a result they didn't bother to work on the story.

[–] bozo_500 (13151) 6 years ago

Yes the story needed a major rewrite (as Leonard Nimoy suggested when they offered it to him to direct, and star in instead of doohan) but Berman and paramount declined as they wanted it out for late 94. if they had delayed it to get it right (say for 1996 the anniversary) then it'd haVe most likely been a proper crossover movie involving Spock in some way too

[–] Wuchak (8774) 6 years ago

- Guinan is a side character and always has been. She was present in the movie to give diversity to the cast and provide exposition on the antagonist.

- We don't need to know the people of the planet Soran's willing to obliterate; we just need to understand the lunatic lengths Soran will go to get back to the Nexus. The Nexus corresponds to any addiction a person "tastes" and embraces to escape reality (e.g. drugs, alcohol, gaming, porn, shopping, etc.). Some, like Soran, are unable to flee its clutches and waste their lives and talents OBSESSED by it. Others are able to see the truth and escape; they "make a difference" in real life, like Kirk & Picard.

- Your criticisms of the ages of the main protagonists and antagonist reveal ageism. Since when is either only supposed to be limited to people in their 20s-40s? Also, Picard and Kirk are major-league officers in the Federation. Do you think such eminent officers should be represented by 24 year-old greenhorns?

- Concerning the claimed lack of quality set pieces and action scenes, here are some notables: The 18th century holodeck sequence, the stellar cartography set, the startling obliteration of B'Etor & Lursa and their vessel, the thrilling crash-landing of the Enterprise, the meeting of Kirk and Picard in the Nexus, the showdown with Soran on the desolate planet and Kirk's death. Needless to say, "Generations" does far more than offer mere hackneyed space battles.

- Data's experiences with the emotion chip are there to provide amusement amidst the deadly serious goings-on.

- Practically every story in any medium contains a main plot and subplots. As far as convention goes, “Generations” is anything but conventional.

- Paramount greenlit “Generations” because it’s ambitious, high-concept sci-fi that leaves the viewer with many interesting questions to ponder long afterwards, and it's entertaining to boot. Although the Nexus has been criticized as a mere gimmick to get Kirk and Picard together, the concept is fascinating: No matter how much we want it, an illusory paradise is just that – an illusion. Lastly, “Generations” has the courage to make bold changes and DOES IT.

[–] HarlemEagle42 (17860) 6 years ago

Oh boy fellas, I think we got the actual writer of the movie here!

[–] bozo_500 (13151) 6 years ago

Indeed. Fascinating

[–] Wuchak (8774) 6 years ago

No, just someone who thinks "Generations" is a great Star Trek flick.

[–] bozo_500 (13151) 6 years ago

intriguing

[–] PaladinNJ (21528) 6 years ago

Interesting take.

[–] TexasJack (12516) 6 years ago

It was not good.

[–] Wuchak (8774) 6 years ago

I wasn't good, it was great; or, at least, near-great.

Not to mention it kicked-axx at the box office.

[–] TexasJack (12516) 6 years ago

I don't agree. There were things I liked about it and I don't agree with some of the OP's points, but overall I thought it was a wasted opportunity.

[–] Wuchak (8774) 6 years ago

I can understand your viewpoint because the story’s a little convoluted and some things aren't spelled-out or explained very well, but doesn't mystery come with the territory of adult-oriented space drama/adventure? The movie respects the intelligence of the viewer to put the pieces together (which isn't to say that people who don't like it aren't intelligent, just that it respects the viewer's intelligence).

IMO the concept of the Nexus and its implementation into the storyline is nothing short of brilliant. Who created the Nexus and loosed it into the galaxy? Why, who else but the Talosians, the 'antagonists' and illusion-masters of Trek's very first episode, "The Cage"! Think about it.

Moreover, there are a number of highlights: The usual Trek humor, Data's comical experiences with the emotion chip, Malcolm McDowell's charismatic performance as the mad Soran, Soran's believable obsession and justifications, B'Etor & Lursa and their "wild bunch" Klingons, the sudden obliteration of them and their vessel, the compelling crash-landing of the Enterprise-D, the meeting of two generations of Star Trek in the Nexus, the final showdown with Soran and Kirk's demise.

I should add that the usually-cited “plot holes” are easily explained.

Bottom Line: “Generations” is entertaining as a sci-fi blockbuster -- as verified by its popularity at the box office -- but it’s especially appreciated by those who favor high-concept sci-fi. In the realm of interesting ideas, it’s scores high.