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. 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. The future of Mankind is always speculative. Hollywood has strived to put to film, books which depict the future. Some of their efforts are dreary, others are black and still many other are deadly and violent. This movie is called " Rollerball. " Originally a futuristic short-story written by William Harrison entitled 'Roller ball Murder' it morphed into a cinematic story of World domination by Corportate Executives. Accordingly, it became the story of a player named Jonathan E. (James Caan) Over the last decade, since he joined the Huston team, Jonathan has not only become very popular, but has become a national hero, in an era where Individualism and hero worship are not only discouraged, but frowned upon. Nearing the end of the season and his tenth year with the team he is summoned by Bartholomew (John Houseman) the C.E.O of the Corporate World, to discuss his retirement. He is reminded, the game is not designed to produce heroes, but the opposite. Opting to negotiate his retirement, the player states he wants his wife Ella (Maud Adams) back, whom he was forced to divorce. Bartholomew cannot deliver her yet reminds the player the game will be changed to force his retirement. Now the course is set, Jonathan will either quit or he will be killed and that includes his team. John Beck, Moses Gunn and Ralph Richardson offer memorable parts which in the end gives this futuristic movie Classic status. The dramatic roller action and over all physically combative scenes highlight what has become a cult film and a very surprising hit movie. **** In the future, the world is run by corporate monopolies after the corporate wars. Nation states have been long gone. Jonathan E. (James Caan) is the veteran star of the Houston rollerball team. Rollerball is a game with motorcycles and rollerskaters on a circular track that is played around the world. Corporate leader Bartholomew (John Houseman) tells him to retire. He refuses and tries to investigate the history of the corporations which has mostly been scrubbed. The rules of the game are relaxed and the games become more dangerous.<br/><br/>James Caan is great but this world is an unconvincing mess. If the world is such a dictatorial world, it should be easy to get rid of one man. Bartholomew's reason for his method is so academic that it makes no sense for the everyday Joe. This near-future world doesn't have enough realism. The film seems to be trying to make a point about individuality which is completely lost on me. The game itself is a chaotic vision of gladiatorial sports. It's fun violence but it does get repetitive. It's not like the rules are explained and the results matter. At least, it's more fun than the story.
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