As film fans know, the ultimate testament to a movie’s importance is how it survives the test of time.RoboCopis a sci-fi masterpiece that it’s on its way to turning 40, and the themes presented by the movie are still relevant. This is what the four-part docuseriesRoboDoc: The Creation of RoboCopwill break down.Screamboxallowed Collider to unveil an exclusive clip ahead of the premiere, and we can now share with you the clip that highlights how a combination of elements made the movie’s visuals so distinct.
Many people don’t realize it, butRoboCopis a powerful franchise. The first movie,which premiered in 1987, was revolutionary and ambitious both from a storytelling and a special effects standpoint. The concept was deceivingly simple: A cop badly injured on duty gets “resuscitated" as a robot – meaning that, in theory, he’d be a perfect blend ofone-man armyand a human that can make judgment calls to protect the innocent.
The problem with filmmaking in the 80s (and before) is that there wasn’t that much reference that the visual effects team could pull from, especially for adystopian filmwith a tiny budget. But, as we all know, this type of situation forces people to get creative, and luckily for usRoboCophad people willing to work for next-to-nothing because they believed in the vision of directorPaul Verhoeven(Benedetta) and screenwritersEdward Neumeier(Starship Troopers) andMichael Miner(Deadly Weapon).
‘RoboCop’ Was a Trailblazer — And It Remains Relevant
RoboDoc: The Creation of RoboCopwill explore every aspect of the universe ofRoboCopwith insights from the people who were there to help bring it to life, including Verhoeven, Neumeier, Miner,RoboCophimselfPeter Weller(Rabbit Hole), special effects legendPhil Tippet– who earned the title by creating unforgettable practical effects for movies likeStar Wars: The Empire Strikes BackandJurassic Park– and special makeup effects geniusRob Bottin, who came up with some truly amazing effects forThe ThingandTotal Recall.
Another amazing thing aboutRoboCopis that the dystopian story remains a timeless tale: The movie’s themes includetechnology, ethics, violenceand how they all interconnect. Every new step that technology takes fits into theRoboCopnarrative, especially when you factor in police brutality and bias in the treatment of potential criminals. The franchise was modernized in 2014, and afterAmazon bought MGM Studiosearlier this year, it was announced thatRoboCopis set to make its way back to our screens both in TV series and movie formats.
RoboDoc: The Creation of RoboCoppremieres on Screambox on August 29. you may watch the exclusive clip below:'
