Gene Hackman’s Forgotten Sci-Fi Movie Predicted a Major Real-Life Space Mission

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As I pen this review, I can’t help but reflect on the indomitable spirit of the legendary Gene Hackman. The captivating biography, “Gene Hackman: The Life and Work” by Peter Shelly, sheds light on a fascinating tale of resilience. In the 1950s, at the Pasadena Playhouse, Hackman, along with his companion Dustin Hoffman, were ironically deemed the least likely to succeed. This prophecy only served to stoke their determination.

Swinging between screen and Broadway roles, Hackman persevered, undeterred by initial rejections. The 1960s proved to be a more welcoming era for him. A pivotal moment came when he was turned down for a part in “The Graduate” due to his youth, only to land the breakthrough role in “Bonnie & Clyde,” a performance that earned him his first Oscar nomination. From there, his career soared to new heights.

Hackman’s 1960s space-themed film is usually overlooked due to his preference for genres other than science fiction. Apart from the Superman movies, he seldom explored anything that didn’t have a basis in reality. Marooned, a sci-fi movie released in 1969, is Hackman’s only notable foray into this genre. Despite underperforming at the box office, it made an impression on real life by predicting the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project, the first joint space mission conducted by the United States and the Soviet Union.

‘Marooned’ Is a Standard Space-Mission-Gone-Wrong Movie With an Interesting Twist

The film “Marooned” portrays a space mission that often seems to go awry, reflecting Hollywood’s depiction of such missions. From the very start, you know the characters are in dire straits. The story unfolds around three American astronauts: Buzz Lloyd (played by Gene Hackman), Jim Pruett (Richard Crenna), and Clayton “Stoney” Stone (James Franciscus). They form the initial crew of an experimental space station, embarking on a prolonged mission that was meant to last seven months. However, they’ve been stranded for five months already, causing tension and stress. As time passes, Buzz begins behaving unpredictably, prompting NASA officials to consider cutting the mission short prematurely.

Unfortunately, matters take a turn for the worse when the “Ironman One” main engine on the Apollo spacecraft fails, leaving no fuel to either return the astronauts to Earth or dock with the station and wait for rescue. This means they’re stranded in orbit. To make things even more dire, it’s discovered that their oxygen supply will only last for two days.

Is it possible for NASA to dispatch a rescue mission in time before the incident occurs? Behind the scenes, bureaucratic maneuvers unfold. The Director of Manned Spaceflight at NASA expresses reservations about utilizing a U.S. Air Force lifting body due to doubts about its efficiency, while proposals for a new crewed mission encounter resistance from multiple parties.

As a cinephile, I found myself on the edge of my seat as the President intervened, bypassing standard protocols and financial constraints to orchestrate a daring rescue mission. The astronauts’ spouses were even granted access to witness the launch and speak with their husbands in a poignant moment. Yet, it wouldn’t be a gripping film without adding a twist, would it?

A hurricane threatens to disrupt the launch as it approaches just moments before the mission is set to commence. Consequently, the team must abandon their plans altogether. In space, friction among the astronauts escalates. Suddenly, a Soviet Voskhod spacecraft comes into view. The American astronauts are dismayed, realizing they might have to seek aid from their rivals. However, with the Soviet Union eager to dominate the space race, will they extend help or lead the entire U.S. crew on only to leave them stranded?

‘Marooned’ Partly Inspired the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project and the Famous “Handshake in Space”

Prior to the release of the movie “Marooned”, it was believed that cooperation between the United States and the Soviet Union was unattainable. However, as time went on, both nations recognized the need for a shift in their relationship. The book “The Partnership: A History of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project” discloses an interesting detail – during the planning phases of the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project, discussions about the Gene Hackman film were held.

During the Cold War, both superpowers were seeking an emblem of relaxation or thaw. The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was therefore conceived as a means to attain a peaceful goal and simultaneously advance and test the abilities for international space rescue missions.

Or:

In the midst of the Cold War, both superpowers were searching for something that could symbolize a lessening of tensions. The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was thus proposed as a way to achieve a peaceful end and also progress in the development and testing of international space rescue capabilities.

The mission was made up of six space explorers: Thomas P. Stafford, Deke Slayton, Vance D. Brand from America, and Alexei Leonov, Valery Kubasov from the Soviet Union. These teams conducted a mix of shared and individual space research tasks, such as an event where America’s Apollo module blocked the Sun to enable cameras on the U.S.S.R.’s Soyuz to capture images of the solar corona during an eclipse. This mission paved the way for subsequent cooperative American–Russian space missions like the Shuttle–Mir program and the International Space Station.

‘Marooned’ Is a Frustrating Film for Gene Hackman Fans and Space Buffs

The movie “Marooned” is showered with praise for its clever foreshadowing, reminiscent of “The Simpsons”. It’s not quite on par with Kubrick’s genius, but it still manages to impress. After all, matching Kubrick’s greatness is a tall order. The film won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects, and rightfully so. It masterfully portrays the claustrophobic sensation of being within a spacecraft, with authentic set design (the genuine boilerplate of the “Block I” Apollo spacecraft was utilized) and accurate terminology. Furthermore, it offers an up-close look at the bureaucratic swamp and frustrating political maneuverings that supposedly characterized NASA and global governments during that era.

Apologies for any discrepancies, but I must share my thoughts about a science fiction movie that seems to have missed the mark on some space facts. For instance, it’s quite puzzling how a rocket could make a hissing noise in a vacuum – sound waves need matter to travel through, not emptiness. Furthermore, it’s hard to fathom an astronaut safely gazing at our radiant sun without protective gear; the intense heat and radiation would surely cause harm.

In the movie, there are several instances where individuals converse with astronauts in outer space. However, as stated on the NASA website, only CAPCOMs (astronauts) and astronauts’ spouses are authorized to communicate directly with the spacecraft. Personnel from the Mission Operations Control Room (MOCR) and Air Force Launch Control Center (AFLCC) can only interact via the internal network or with behind-the-scenes teams. Interestingly, the movie lacks a flight director, who is a crucial figure in any space mission.

To add on, fans of Hackman may find him dislikable in this role due to a drastic departure from his usual “self-assured character” persona. This Buzz is anything but soothing; he’s a character that can be incredibly frustrating. Astronauts are expected to be steady and dependable, but Buzz is a whirlwind of frustration, fear, impatience, and ineptitude, all wrapped into one. He frequently makes rash decisions, has numerous emotional outbursts, and puts his peers in danger. Hackman has portrayed villains before, but none have been as detestable as Buzz.

The character isn’t malicious; instead, he’s incredibly irritating. Observing Hackman’s role in this piece is like watching young children playing with matches. Although it’s tough to condone his actions given the endless mistakes, we can understand that circumstances have led him down this path. If we feel any frustration, it should be directed towards the screenwriter.

In a simpler, more conversational style: Hackman remains unchanged – he’s exceptional in the main role and holds this lesser-known thriller together with the intensity you’d anticipate. His character is deeply portrayed through facial expressions rather than words, yet every emotion his character experiences resonates with vulnerability and authenticity. Few performances in space films can match his.

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2025-03-11 01:02