Rollerball (1975)

In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game.

Director:

Norman Jewison

Writer:

William Harrison (screenplay)

Stars:

James Caan, John Houseman, Maud Adams

Won 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 3 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
James Caan	...	Jonathan E.
John Houseman	...	Bartholomew
Maud Adams	...	Ella
John Beck	...	Moonpie
Moses Gunn	...	Cletus
Pamela Hensley	...	Mackie
Barbara Trentham	...	Daphne
John Normington	...	Executive
Shane Rimmer	...	Rusty, Team Executive
Burt Kwouk	...	Japanese Doctor
Nancy Bleier	...	Girl in Library
Richard LeParmentier	...	Bartholomew's Aide (as Rick LeParmentier)
Robert Ito	...	Strategy Coach for Houston Team
Ralph Richardson	...	Librarian

Storyline

In a futuristic society where corporations have replaced countries, the violent game of Rollerball is used to control the populace by demonstrating the futility of individuality. However, one player, Jonathan E., rises to the top, fights for his personal freedom, and threatens the corporate control.

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Plot Keywords:

dystopia | fictional sport | shower room | score | screech | 

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Taglines:

It's More Than Just a Game!

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Genres:

Action | Sci-Fi | Sport

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

The remake Rollerball (2002) was panned by critics, and only made $19M at the U.S. box office.

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Goofs

Only one arena was used, but for the match that was supposed to be set in Tokyo the scoreboard still showed "HOU" as the first team. The Japanese are known to be polite, but they would not have put their name of the visiting team up first.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Pregame announcer: Good evening everyone! And welcome to Houston, the energy city, home of the defending Rollerball World Champions. This key international battle pits the divisional champions, visiting Madrid, against powerful Houston. - - And here they come to a standing ovation. On the track comes Houston! Houston, lead by captain Jonathan E, again their leading scorer this year.

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Connections

Referenced in Dinner for Five: Episode #2.10 (2003)

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Soundtracks

Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565
(uncredited)
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Simon Preston and London Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by André Previn

User Reviews

Underrated 70's film

This movie presents a dark, disturbing look at a possible future. The movie portrays a cold, sterile society where humanity is generally absent. Corporations run the world and the global pasttime is a violent sport reminisent of the Roman Coliseum. The rollerball scenes, which get more and more violent as the film progresses, are disturbing enough. Equally disturbing is a scene where a group of drunk partygoers blow up trees with some sort of gun. The citizens of this future society are really lacking feeling and humanity. Despite the film's dated look, it's still a future that seems quite possible.

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

UK USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 June 1975 (USA)

Also Known As:

Rollerball

Filming Locations:

Frankfurt, Germany

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Algonquin

Technical Specs

Runtime:

125 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (35 mm magnetic prints) 70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1