Cast
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Chris Klein
as Jonathan Cross
LL Cool J
as Marcus Ridley
Rebecca Romijn
as Aurora
Naveen Andrews
as Sanjay
Jean Reno
as Alexi Petrovich
Oleg Taktarov
as Denekin
David Hemblen
as Serokin
Eugene Lipinski
as Yuri Kotlev
Frank Ferrara Sr.
as Assistant Gold Coach
Janet Wright
as Coach Olga
Lucia Rijker
as Red Team #9
Paul Heyman
as English Sports Announcer
Jeffery Feaster
as Bar Patron
Andrew Bryniarski
as Halloran
Kata Dobó
as Katya
Crew
Director
- John McTiernan
Producer
- Charles Roven
- Beau St. Clair
- John McTiernan
Reviews
Gimly
McTiernen takes a nearly Experimental Filmmaking approach to this _Rollerball_ remake. I mean, it totally doesn't work, but at least it's weird-dumb instead of regular-dumb. Weird-dumb enough to feature a live performance by Slipknot as a lynchpin of the movie.
_Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
May 13, 2017
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Science Fiction/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Rollerball distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director John McTiernan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2002, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Rollerball took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $70.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2002, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Rollerball shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Gamer, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Rollerball offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like NJPW Super J-Cup 2019: Night 1 and Lakshya explore similar territory, Rollerball stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 8, 2002
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Budget: $70,000,000
- Revenue: $25,852,764
Where to Watch
