RoboCop (1987)

In a dystopic and crime-ridden Detroit, a terminally wounded cop returns to the force as a powerful cyborg haunted by submerged memories.

Director:

Paul Verhoeven

Writers:

Edward Neumeier, Michael Miner

Stars:

Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 11 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter Weller	...	Murphy / RoboCop
Nancy Allen	...	Lewis
Dan O'Herlihy	...	The Old Man (as Daniel O'Herlihy)
Ronny Cox	...	Jones
Kurtwood Smith	...	Clarence
Miguel Ferrer	...	Morton
Robert DoQui	...	Sgt. Reed
Ray Wise	...	Leon
Felton Perry	...	Johnson
Paul McCrane	...	Emil
Jesse D. Goins	...	Joe (as Jesse Goins)
Del Zamora	...	Kaplan
Calvin Jung	...	Minh
Rick Lieberman	...	Walker
Lee de Broux	...	Sal (as Lee DeBroux)

Storyline

In a violent, near-apocalyptic Detroit, evil corporation Omni Consumer Products wins a contract from the city government to privatize the police force. To test their crime-eradicating cyborgs, the company leads street cop Alex Murphy into an armed confrontation with crime lord Boddicker so they can use his body to support their untested RoboCop prototype. But when RoboCop learns of the company's nefarious plans, he turns on his masters.

---

Plot Keywords:

robot | police | cyborg | graphic violence | cyberpunk | 

---

Taglines:

Part man. Part machine. All cop.

---

Genres:

Action | Crime | Sci-Fi | Thriller

---

Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

In August 1988, it was the first Orion release to premiere in the United States on Showtime, as part of an exclusive, multi-year deal for first-run television rights. Prior to then, HBO had a multi-year contract with the studio to have their films premiere first on the pay cable channel.

---

Goofs

When we first meet Joe, he has a beard. The second time we see him (the drugs bust scene) he has shaved it. But the third time (when Clarence and his men are hunting down RoboCop) he is fully bearded again, after a period of just a day or two.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
News Crew: This is Media Break. You give us 3 minutes, and we'll give you the world.
Casey Wong: Good morning. I'm Casey Wong, with Jess Perkins. Top story: Pretoria. The threat of nuclear confrontation in South Africa escalated today when the ruling white military government of that besieged city-state unveiled a French-made neutron bomb and affirmed its willingness to use the 3 megaton device as the city's last line of defense.
Jesse Perkins: And the President's first press conference from the Star Wars orbiting peace ...

---

Crazy Credits

There are no opening credits save the title "ROBOCOP".

---

Alternate Versions

German theatrical version was cut for a "Not under 18" rating. DVD release includes the uncut theatrical version and the director's cut. Original retail VHS version was heavily cut down to 78 minutes for a "Not under 16" rating (in April 2005 this version was also released on DVD).

---

Connections

Referenced in RoboGeisha (2009)

---

Soundtracks

Show Me Your Spine
Music by P.T.P.

User Reviews

Put down your weapons...

Robocop is an unbelieveable experience. I haven't watched the film since 1988 and the other day I recieved it on DVD. So I eagerly popped it in the player and BOOM!!! The only way I can describe Robocop is ultraviolence. The film is so over the top and out of control. The film speaks of a future where big companies will run the governmental defense. Those times are upon us more and more everyday. Paul Verhoeven has made one of the most important science fiction films ever made and it's a brillant piece of cinema.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 July 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Robocop: The Future of Law Enforcement

Filming Locations:

Dallas Municipal Building - 106 South Harwood, Dallas, Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$13,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$8,008,721, 19 July 1987

Gross USA:

$53,424,681

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$53,424,681

Company Credits

Production Co:

Orion Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min 78 min (cut) 98 min (cut) 103 min (unrated director's cut) 91 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR (35 mm prints) 70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) DTS (special edition)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1