James Caan gears up for a match. Image: Dr. Manhattan
One of the grittiest films of the 1970s – a decade noted for gritty films – is the dystopian sports movie Rollerball (1975).
This bleak sci-fi tale, directed by Norman Jewison and starring James Caan, looks at the age-old power struggle between the Individual and the State.
Rollerball presents a world where wars have ceased. Corporations are in control, and the men leading these organizations make All the Decisions. They decide who receives favour and privilege, and who does not.
They also decide when favours and privileges are to be revoked.
Individuals have little power, even in determining the outcomes of their own lives. The Corporation-as-State provides everything; individuals own nothing. “A few of us making decisions on a global basis for the common good,” the corporate leaders say. “Corporate society takes care of everyone.”
This includes easy access to narcotics, nicknamed “dream pills”. Characters in this film take a lot of dream pills, likely because it’s the only way to Cope.
Also: Books in this society have been digitized and filed on a computer in Geneva, and if they’re accidentally erased, too bad. Knowledge, we are to assume, is what the Corporations say it is.
Although the Corporate vision of World Peace reigns supreme, hatred and bloodlust have not been eradicated. The ruling class realize this, and allow the masses to channel this energy by watching the popular, but brutal, game of Rollerball.
The game itself takes place in a circular indoor arena, and teams on roller skates and motorcycles try to outmaneuver each other around the track. To start the play, a metal ball is shot out of a tube (at 120 mph!), and a goal is scored when a player slams the ball into a metal hole in the wall.
Many things are borrowed from sports we recognize today. Players wear football-like helmets and baseball-like gloves, yet the games feel like a cross between roller derby and hockey. (As a Canadian, we loved it when the announcers said, “He shoots, he scores!”)
It’s a fast, violent game; athletes are often injured and removed from the arena on stretchers. Yet you can’t take your eyes off the game. It’s fascinating.
However. The Fly in the Ointment is Caan’s character, a famous Rollerball athlete named Jonathan E. He’s no academic, but he is clever and tough, and somehow he’s become a globally-celebrated figure.
This is a No-No in the eyes of the Corporation, and that makes Caan a Dangerous person. “The game was created to demonstrate the futility of individual effort,” says one CEO (John Houseman). It’s certainly not meant to glorify anybody.
As all oppressive rulers know, the individual must not be greater than those In Charge, lest that person incite an insurrection. It’s the only way to keep wars at bay.
Houseman pressures Caan to retire; bribes him, even. Caan refuses. Therefore, Houseman must find a way to eliminate him, and a match is organized in which there are no penalties and No Rules.
But Caan ain’t a celeb for nothing, and he will play for his Life.
Note the way Houseman is framed, as though he’s Satan. Image: Movie House Memories
Rollerball is not an empty cinematic experience. It’s philosophical and prescient, and could not be more cynical.
Then there’s the game itself. Thanks to the cinematography and the players’ skill, the game feels authentic, and in many ways it is. According to IMDb, stunt performers, cast, and crew would play the game between takes.
The film was shot in England and continental Europe, and the games were filmed in Munich’s Rudi-Sedlmayer-Halle, host of the 1972 Olympic basketball games. Residents of the city were invited to participate as sports spectators, and IMDb says audiences liked the game so much there was talk of forming actual leagues.
Rollerball is the first major Hollywood movie to list stunt performers in the credits, and deservedly so. There were numerous injuries on the set, some of them requiring hospitalization.
Critics of the day gave the film mixed reviews. Some labelled it self-absorbed and vapid, while others thought it offered barbed societal criticism. Despite the lukewarm reception, it did inspire other dystopian sports movies, such as Death Race 2000 (1975).
Rollerball has its flaws, but it’s worth seeing. There’s an unmistakable 1970s’ vibe, but also some surprising elements we’ve not mentioned that are eerily familiar to us in the 21st Century.
This is a contribution to The FUTURETHON hosted by Cinematic Catharsis & Realweegiemidget Reviews.
Rollerball: starring James Caan, John Houseman, Maud Adams. Directed by Norman Jewison. Written by William Harrison. United Artists, 1975, Colour, 125 mins.
So glad that you brought this sport and film to the blogathon, I’d forgotten Maud Adams was in this so definitely time for a rewatch. Added you to my post for tonight – thanks for joining the blogathon Ruth!
You just have, I am so looking forward to the rewatch as most of the cast I wouldn’t have known it when I watched it in the 1980s- my wee sister was obsessed by it.
I remember seeing this in the theater and being very impressed. Roller derby was fairly popular back then, and this upped the game and the ante significantly! So it’s no surprise that the film crew played the game between takes and there was some thought about turning it into the real deal.
That screenshot of John Houseman in the background is indeed striking, although I think his character got it all wrong. Celebrity worship distracts the masses from figuring out who is really pulling the strings behind the scenes, or so some say. 😉
I really like Rollerball, and a lot of its underlying themes are perhaps more prevalent now that ever. The action is fast and furious and often make you wince as the game unfolds. A great film and some excellent stunt work as well.
Debbi, you MUST see this movie. There’s lots of 70s cheese – bad eyeshadow included – but it has a lot to say about authoritarianism. Plus, the sports scenes are so well done.
Great review!
I saw a rollerball several years ago and gritty is the right word for it! I remember being entertained and fascinated! When you mentioned the stunt people were often injured and even hospitalized, this does not surprise me! Your review definitely makes me want to rewatch it!
I’ve often said the early to mid-Seventies were a Golden Age for dystopian science fiction movies, and Rollerball certainly would seem to be proof of that! You are right. It does have its flaws, but it is definitely worth seeing. It might have been the first dystopian science fiction movie I ever saw–I caught it on television one night as a kid–and it has stuck with me ever since.
It’s the kind of movie that really sticks with a person, isn’t it? I first saw it 3-4 years ago, and never forgot it. Despite everything, it resonates.
I adore this movie—I think it’s what sparked my continued love of dystopian sci fi. Logan’s Run came out the next year and that just cemented it for me!
This was one of the first R-rated movies I ever saw; my dad loved this genre. (We also saw Logan’s Run together the following year…) Your great article makes me want to see it again!
Excellent review of an underappreciated ’70s gem. Admittedly, it took me a couple of tries to warm up to this film, but now I appreciate it more than ever for its pointed social commentary. Thanks so much for joining the Futurethon!
I really need to see this movie: I simply love James Caan and I have seen Death Race 2000, Running Man and other movies that clearly have a debt with this one (many are being made still nowadays).
Oh yes, Rollerball is a must see! James Caan hits the right note here, I think. He’s not an orator, so his sport becomes his podium. He’s no academic, but he’s also no dummy, and he’s incredibly brave. I think you’d like this film.
I love the movie! It’s perceptive and very interesting. BTW, that third screenshot is creepy! And I think it is more relevant now than ever before — Disney Co. is going to end up owning everything! LOL!
Silver Screenings 
So glad that you brought this sport and film to the blogathon, I’d forgotten Maud Adams was in this so definitely time for a rewatch. Added you to my post for tonight – thanks for joining the blogathon Ruth!
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Thanks, Gill! Maud Adams is terrific here and, in hindsight, I ought to have at least mentioned her.
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You just have, I am so looking forward to the rewatch as most of the cast I wouldn’t have known it when I watched it in the 1980s- my wee sister was obsessed by it.
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I remember seeing this in the theater and being very impressed. Roller derby was fairly popular back then, and this upped the game and the ante significantly! So it’s no surprise that the film crew played the game between takes and there was some thought about turning it into the real deal.
That screenshot of John Houseman in the background is indeed striking, although I think his character got it all wrong. Celebrity worship distracts the masses from figuring out who is really pulling the strings behind the scenes, or so some say. 😉
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That’s an excellent point. And celebrity worship hasn’t waned in the decades since, has it? In some ways, I wonder if it’s gotten worse.
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I really like Rollerball, and a lot of its underlying themes are perhaps more prevalent now that ever. The action is fast and furious and often make you wince as the game unfolds. A great film and some excellent stunt work as well.
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Absolutely. There is so much to say about this film. And, as you pointed out, it’s more relevant now than it was in 1975!
I had to laugh when one critic called the film “vapid”. That comment didn’t age well.
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I like your insights into this movie. Good job!
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Thanks! This film is an underrated gem, wouldn’t you say?
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I’ve never heard of Rollerball, but it sounds interesting, hockey on rollerskates. I’ll look for it. Maggie
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Oh yeah, it’s a must for any Canadian. I hope you get the chance to see it. The games look thrilling on screen.
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I remember this one 🙂
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It’s one of those truly memorable movies, isn’t it?
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The barbed social commentary was and still is much needed.
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You said it, sister!
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I remember hearing about this movie, but haven’t seen it.
Now, I want to. It sounds frighteningly … um … real. Or unreal? 🙂
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Debbi, you MUST see this movie. There’s lots of 70s cheese – bad eyeshadow included – but it has a lot to say about authoritarianism. Plus, the sports scenes are so well done.
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I’ll have to be on the lookout for it!
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Great review!
I saw a rollerball several years ago and gritty is the right word for it! I remember being entertained and fascinated! When you mentioned the stunt people were often injured and even hospitalized, this does not surprise me! Your review definitely makes me want to rewatch it!
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Excellent! I’m glad to have encouraged you to see it again. My work here is done. *wipes hands*
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I’ve often said the early to mid-Seventies were a Golden Age for dystopian science fiction movies, and Rollerball certainly would seem to be proof of that! You are right. It does have its flaws, but it is definitely worth seeing. It might have been the first dystopian science fiction movie I ever saw–I caught it on television one night as a kid–and it has stuck with me ever since.
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It’s the kind of movie that really sticks with a person, isn’t it? I first saw it 3-4 years ago, and never forgot it. Despite everything, it resonates.
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I adore this movie—I think it’s what sparked my continued love of dystopian sci fi. Logan’s Run came out the next year and that just cemented it for me!
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Rollerball + Logan’s Run are an amazing Dystopian Duo.
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This was one of the first R-rated movies I ever saw; my dad loved this genre. (We also saw Logan’s Run together the following year…) Your great article makes me want to see it again!
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Someone else mentioned Logan’s Run. It’s been too long since I saw that gem. Thanks for dropping by!
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Excellent review of an underappreciated ’70s gem. Admittedly, it took me a couple of tries to warm up to this film, but now I appreciate it more than ever for its pointed social commentary. Thanks so much for joining the Futurethon!
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Thanks, Barry. This film doesn’t pull many punches, does it? I’m always so impressed with the footage of the actual game.
Thanks to you and Gill for co-hosting this blogathon. Might it become an annual event?
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Hmm… You never know. 😉
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I loved this movie! Loved your review too!
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Thanks! It’s quite a movie, isn’t it? It has a lot of things to say about our society.
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Wow – it looks and sounds intense! 🙂
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It is an intense movie. I think you might like it for its social criticism.
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I really need to see this movie: I simply love James Caan and I have seen Death Race 2000, Running Man and other movies that clearly have a debt with this one (many are being made still nowadays).
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Oh yes, Rollerball is a must see! James Caan hits the right note here, I think. He’s not an orator, so his sport becomes his podium. He’s no academic, but he’s also no dummy, and he’s incredibly brave. I think you’d like this film.
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I love the movie! It’s perceptive and very interesting. BTW, that third screenshot is creepy! And I think it is more relevant now than ever before — Disney Co. is going to end up owning everything! LOL!
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Ha! Yup, they probably are.
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Definitely interested in watching this film.
The description has me hooked.
Thank you for the informative post,
-James
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I hope you get the chance to see it. On the surface, it appears to be a cheesy 70s flick, but it’s gripping and memorable.
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Thank you. Would you happen to know where it would be shared, streamed or available for rent/ purchase?
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Aha, you’ve got me there. I either rented it on YouTube or watched it on Prime.
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“Rollerball” looks like an underestimated movie, and pretty intriguing.
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It is. I feel it’s a Must See, alrhough you have to get past some of the 1970s cheesiness.
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