The Captains is a documentary produced and directed by William Shatner, in which he travels around the country and to England to interview all the actors who have played Star Trek captains from Patrick Stewart to Chris Pine. When I first added this film to My List on Netflix, I was skeptical about watching it, not knowing exactly how it would play out. And frankly, I was afraid it be too much Shatner. I was pleasantly surprised.
The film is a very candid look at the experiences of these actors during the filming of their TV shows and movies, as well as the effect of the work itself and the Star Trek phenomenon on their personal lives. All the actors are quite different people, something that is well-reflected in their interviews. For instance, Kate Mulgrew spoke of how the experience affected her as a woman, and Avery Brooks sang most of his answers while playing jazz piano. Scott Bakula had a different perspective on science fiction TV due to his run on Quantum Leap, while Chris Pine brought the viewpoints of a new generation.
My favorite interview, though, was between William Shatner and Patrick Stewart. I always enjoy watching Patrick, simply because he is such a gentleman, but I also enjoyed this interview because there seemed to be a connection between the two, not as much present with the other captains. Maybe its because they worked together, or maybe its because they are closest in age. All I know is that it worked.
In all of the interviews, Shatner put forth his own viewpoints and feelings about the franchise, but he was really forthright during the sessions with Patrick. For part of this interview, Patrick was talking and Shatner responding and for part, Patrick was responding to Shatner in almost an avuncular fashion.
Shatner’s openness during this interview, and to some extent for the entire film, is very important for two reasons. First, it seems to answer much of the criticism that he has endured over the years. For instant, that he is arrogant, doesnt care about the fans, and (yes) that he overacted on Star Trek TOS (The Original Series). Second, it makes us look at him in a new way.
An exclamation point on this film was footage of a Las Vegas Star Trek convention, where he seem walking through an open room, talking to attendees and getting into pictures without being asked. This, in addition, to his talk with Patrick Stewart, make me believe that either his arrogance has been exaggerated, or that he himself, as he recounted, changed as a result of preparing for that interview.
Other highlights of the film were filmed interviews with one other member of each cast (except TOS), which shed more light on the captains, and also Shatners humor (as when he waited in a cardboard box on the streets of New York for the interview with Kate Mulgrew.)
I would highly recommend this film and am hoping to attend the next convention in Las Vega myself. Maybe William Shatner will stop me in the lobby for a photo op.