Star Trek Legend Shares Thoughts on Space Movies and a Heavy Umbrella
When: January 30 – February 28
Where: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
A Journey Through the Cosmos on Film
George Takei, legendary Star Trek star, opened the museum’s month‑long celebration of space travel in cinema. The lineup spans classics and modern masterpieces, including:
- Star Trek IV – the film that brought Leonard Nimoy to the director’s chair
- The Right Stuff – the daring story of America’s first astronauts
- Solaris – a philosophical voyage into the unknown
- Interstellar – humanity’s push beyond our solar system
A highlight is the Contact screening on February 22, featuring actress Jodie Foster and astrophysicist Nivedita Mahesh.
Takei on Nimoy, Direction, and the Art of Storytelling
Takei reflected on his collaboration with Leonard Nimoy:
“Nimoy was a careful director who listened to the cast and trusted our skills. He’d give subtle cues like ‘look over there’ or ‘think about this.’ I admired his sensitivity and diplomatic approach.”
Their shared history dates back to three seasons of the original Star Trek series and early film work together.
From Parade Floats to Cosmic Dreams
- Tournament of Roses Parade: Takei rode the “Space For Everyone” float, enduring a cold, wet ride with a flimsy umbrella that weighed fifteen pounds in the rain—“I nearly fell,” he laughed.
- Science Fiction Philosophy: Takei stresses that sci‑fi is “all about imagination and exploring new frontiers,” whether in outer space or the human body. He mentions a relative heading to UCSF to study the mind and body, warning that inner dangers can be as destructive as cosmic ones.
Why This Series Matters
The Academy Museum’s showcase invites audiences to:
- Revisit iconic space narratives that have shaped our imagination.
- Contemplate future adventures beyond Earth, inspired by both film and real science.
Don’t miss the chance to experience these stellar stories and reflect on humanity’s endless curiosity.
