Questions appropriated from an interview with William Shatner by Allen Asherman in 1986 from Asherman's book, "The Star Trek Interview Book." The book is no longer in print but was originally published by Pocket Books.
Star Trek fans say: "In this book, he's interviewed 38 people connected with STAR TREK. Excellent book!"
Answers - circa 2006.
ALLEN ASHERMAN --
He's an actor, he directs, he writes, breeds championship horses, keeps Doberman pinschers, has hunted big game with bow and arrow, and he flies. About the only thing he lacks is spare time. He can be deadly serious one moment, and laugh at himself or just about anything the next. He's William Shatner-to millions of people, also known as Captain James T. Kirk.
Actually, it's the other way around. Captain Kirk is William Shatner. They share the same degree of intensity and purpose, qualities that have pushed Shatner to the forefront of his profession, and made Captain Kirk a legend.
Shatner's presence and style are responsible for much of the dramatic intensity and delicate balance of seriousness and self-parody that is the core of STAR TREK.
I first interviewed William Shatner with my friends and fellow writers Steve and Envin Vertlieb during the summer of 1969, when he was directing and starring in There's a Girl in My Soup in Pennsylvania. At that time, when asked if he thought whether man was meant to fly, he responded, "If man was meant to fly he'd have wings..." His face had not the hint of a smile until almost 15 seconds later when the ends of his mouth curled upward, and he added, "...But we are flying aren't we?"
Shatner took time out from the development of STAR TREK V for the following interview.
--------------------
AA -- Before MGM signed you to a contract, you were previously offered one by another studio. Why did you turn it down?
SARAH -- Wait, can I just ask about the part about the shooting big game with a bow and arrow? Is that a regular thing?
AA -- Do you have any regrets concerning any decisions you made earlier in your career?
SARAH -- Guess not - OK, I'm sure William Shatner probably doesn't regret much about the Star Trek years. Or maybe he does. Maybe he wishes he stuck to movies like "Judgment at Nuremburg." I can imagine it would be a trying life having to deal with all those Star Trek fans everywhere you go. As for me, the only regret I have about my career is the inability to settle on one thing to have a career about. But then again, it makes for an interesting career.
AA -- What are some of your recollections about working with Spencer Tracy?
SARAH -- Oh, yeah, see? Maybe he did regret not sticking to Kramer films. Well, I never worked with Spencer Tracy but I worked for a man who had a similar name.
AA -- Do you prefer to take the parts of heroes or villains, and do you feel that you've been typecast as a result of STAR TREK?
SARAH -- I prefer the parts of heroes. They taste better. And, when I tell people I watch Star Trek, yes, I think people typecast me as the kind of person who watches Star Trek.Kind of nerdy, maybe.
AA -- How did you become involved with STAR TREK?
SARAH -- I used to come home during lunch and watch the re-runs. No, that's probably not true - I FIRST became involved with it because I'm pretty sure my dad watched it when I was a kid. Although, he seemed surprised I liked watching the original Star Trek when I told him - he watches the newer versions.
AA -- How much of Captain Kirk comes from your own personality?
SARAH -- That's an interesting question. Well, I'd say that all people want to be Kirk. He's straight out of a "Hero with a Thousand Faces"-type archetype. I've never read that book but I want to. If you consider my personality to have many crossovers with others' personalities, since, obviously, the character of Kirk has nothing to do with my specific personality (I think the series was over before I was born), then I'd say that, aside from some of the kitschy-ness of Kirk, the character comes directly from humanity's desire to be completely in control, completely trusted and completely calm enough to always come up with the solution to the problem at hand at the absolute key moment.
AA -- Kirk and Spock both have characteristics that children have. Spock sometimes suggests a lost little boy, and Kirk often reflects a childlike energy level, a mischievous quality. Do you recognize such qualities in yourself?
SARAH -- Why yes. Except it would be a lost little girl. But, yes, you're also touching upon the archetypal possibilities of fictional characters.
AA -- Were you happy with those portions of the STAR TREK television series that relied on your contributions?
SARAH -- NO, absolutely not. Do you mean that new channel G4 that bought all the old Star Treks? And they have the factoids, the
"Spock Market," the trivia and the chat room, which I guess expect everyone to contribute to. But I haven't done that. Even when my laptop happens to be sitting next to the couch and they ask you to "Log on!" I haven't fallen for it.
AA -- To what do you attribute your boundless energy and your continued ability to portray physically demanding roles, to retain your youth?
SARAH -- I'm kind of down today, actually. My stomach is killing me. I think I ate banana cream pie this week too many days in a row. So, maybe if I stayed off the dairy and sugar I'd have more energy. I also have to get up really early every day. I try to stay awake but at about 3PM, I get really tired. You know, I bet the secret of boundless energy and youth is a nap every day.
AA -- When was the first time you realized that STAR TREK had a very large fan following?
SARAH -- Hmmmm.... I think my mom was making fun of someone dressed up like Spock at a Fourth of July fireworks display.
AA -- When did you get your first personal taste of being a media celebrity? Was it at a convention?
SARAH -- Media celebrity? Nope, haven't gotten there yet. Media celebrity doesn't sound very enticing, anyway. I'd rather be a cultural icon.
AA -- It must be strange being recognized while you're out with your family going shopping or just out for a stroll. Has being such an easily recognized celebrity had an effect on you?
SARAH -- That would be weird. That would be distracting. I can only relate to it that when sometimes I go over to a friend's party and there's someone there who says, "Oh, hey Sarah! How's in going?" and I have no idea who they are.
AA -- And while your privacy has been so greatly reduced, you have to recall that this is basically the result of your practicing your craft so well.
SARAH -- No, not remembering who people are is sort of retarded.
AA -- How does it feel to be part of a myth, known throughout the world?
SARAH -- A myth? Can you call a contemporary situation a myth? Sometimes I do feel like I'm in a myth. But that's why they're myths, tales about immortals that relate to mortals on a daily basis. You can't say that what happens on Star Trek happens in real life but the situations emotionally resonate on a smaller scale.
AA -- Do you read science fiction? And considering your schedule, do you have any time now to read at all?
SARAH -- I used to. I read all the William Gibson stuff, some Orson Scott Card.I read "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep." Then I think I got stuck on a book called, "The Zap Gun" and stopped with the sci fi. Then I moved on to books written in the 20s by white male authors that usually revolved around a man who lives in an apartment and is always hiding from his landlady. And, yes,my schedule's not so busy. I read a lot.
AA -- Other than STAR TREK V, would you rather appear in and direct films that are not science fiction?
SARAH -- Yes.
AA -- Are you enthusiastic about directing STAR TREK V, or are you nervous about it?
SARAH -- I would be nervous as crap about it, if I were to be about to do such a thing.
AA -- STAR TREK IV featured a generous helping of humor, as did some of the best episodes of the STAR TREK television series. Do you plan to feature the element of humor in STAR TREK V?
SARAH -- I didn't see Star Trek V, I don't think. I'm not sure - I saw one of the movies I think. I think it was the one with Ricardo Montalban. Or maybe it was just on TV. Anyway, no comment.
AA -- What are your goals with STAR TREK V?
SARAH -- My goals are not to watch it.
AA -- Have you had any feedback regarding your appearance on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, and your comedy routine regarding STAR TREK conventions and fans?
SARAH -- You know, Paul and I are actually watching a Roast of William Shatner on Comedy Central right now and they showed a clip from that. It looks like pretty much a no brainer. The nice thing about Trekkies is that no matter how many people tell them they're nerds, there's just no listenin'.
AA -- Do you think the television of today is better than it was in the 1960s, when STAR TREK was originally on the air?
SARAH -- If this roast is any example, then no. But actually, this is a little funnier than some of the network sitcoms I've flipped through. I just do not get this new trend of shaky cam, improvisational sitcom with their stupid cliches. Paul's laughing at this roast. I think I laughed once towards the beginning. There's probably something good like Star Trek on today, but I don't watch much scripted TV. So as far as I'm concerned, there's not. I've had little patience with network and standard DISH shows.
AA -- What do you think accounts for the popularity of STAR TREK?
SARAH -- As I sort of mentioned above, people relate emotionally to the heroism, the diversity, adventure, compassion and problem solving.
AA -- Is there anything you've ever wanted to say to the fans of STAR TREK, but have never gotten a chance to say?
SARAH -- The costumes are not necessary.
Questions Copyright ©1986 Allen Asherman.
Star Trek fans say: "In this book, he's interviewed 38 people connected with STAR TREK. Excellent book!"
Answers - circa 2006.
ALLEN ASHERMAN --
He's an actor, he directs, he writes, breeds championship horses, keeps Doberman pinschers, has hunted big game with bow and arrow, and he flies. About the only thing he lacks is spare time. He can be deadly serious one moment, and laugh at himself or just about anything the next. He's William Shatner-to millions of people, also known as Captain James T. Kirk.
Actually, it's the other way around. Captain Kirk is William Shatner. They share the same degree of intensity and purpose, qualities that have pushed Shatner to the forefront of his profession, and made Captain Kirk a legend.
Shatner's presence and style are responsible for much of the dramatic intensity and delicate balance of seriousness and self-parody that is the core of STAR TREK.
I first interviewed William Shatner with my friends and fellow writers Steve and Envin Vertlieb during the summer of 1969, when he was directing and starring in There's a Girl in My Soup in Pennsylvania. At that time, when asked if he thought whether man was meant to fly, he responded, "If man was meant to fly he'd have wings..." His face had not the hint of a smile until almost 15 seconds later when the ends of his mouth curled upward, and he added, "...But we are flying aren't we?"
Shatner took time out from the development of STAR TREK V for the following interview.
--------------------
AA -- Before MGM signed you to a contract, you were previously offered one by another studio. Why did you turn it down?
SARAH -- Wait, can I just ask about the part about the shooting big game with a bow and arrow? Is that a regular thing?
AA -- Do you have any regrets concerning any decisions you made earlier in your career?
SARAH -- Guess not - OK, I'm sure William Shatner probably doesn't regret much about the Star Trek years. Or maybe he does. Maybe he wishes he stuck to movies like "Judgment at Nuremburg." I can imagine it would be a trying life having to deal with all those Star Trek fans everywhere you go. As for me, the only regret I have about my career is the inability to settle on one thing to have a career about. But then again, it makes for an interesting career.
AA -- What are some of your recollections about working with Spencer Tracy?
SARAH -- Oh, yeah, see? Maybe he did regret not sticking to Kramer films. Well, I never worked with Spencer Tracy but I worked for a man who had a similar name.
AA -- Do you prefer to take the parts of heroes or villains, and do you feel that you've been typecast as a result of STAR TREK?
SARAH -- I prefer the parts of heroes. They taste better. And, when I tell people I watch Star Trek, yes, I think people typecast me as the kind of person who watches Star Trek.Kind of nerdy, maybe.
AA -- How did you become involved with STAR TREK?
SARAH -- I used to come home during lunch and watch the re-runs. No, that's probably not true - I FIRST became involved with it because I'm pretty sure my dad watched it when I was a kid. Although, he seemed surprised I liked watching the original Star Trek when I told him - he watches the newer versions.
AA -- How much of Captain Kirk comes from your own personality?
SARAH -- That's an interesting question. Well, I'd say that all people want to be Kirk. He's straight out of a "Hero with a Thousand Faces"-type archetype. I've never read that book but I want to. If you consider my personality to have many crossovers with others' personalities, since, obviously, the character of Kirk has nothing to do with my specific personality (I think the series was over before I was born), then I'd say that, aside from some of the kitschy-ness of Kirk, the character comes directly from humanity's desire to be completely in control, completely trusted and completely calm enough to always come up with the solution to the problem at hand at the absolute key moment.
AA -- Kirk and Spock both have characteristics that children have. Spock sometimes suggests a lost little boy, and Kirk often reflects a childlike energy level, a mischievous quality. Do you recognize such qualities in yourself?
SARAH -- Why yes. Except it would be a lost little girl. But, yes, you're also touching upon the archetypal possibilities of fictional characters.
AA -- Were you happy with those portions of the STAR TREK television series that relied on your contributions?
SARAH -- NO, absolutely not. Do you mean that new channel G4 that bought all the old Star Treks? And they have the factoids, the
"Spock Market," the trivia and the chat room, which I guess expect everyone to contribute to. But I haven't done that. Even when my laptop happens to be sitting next to the couch and they ask you to "Log on!" I haven't fallen for it.
AA -- To what do you attribute your boundless energy and your continued ability to portray physically demanding roles, to retain your youth?
SARAH -- I'm kind of down today, actually. My stomach is killing me. I think I ate banana cream pie this week too many days in a row. So, maybe if I stayed off the dairy and sugar I'd have more energy. I also have to get up really early every day. I try to stay awake but at about 3PM, I get really tired. You know, I bet the secret of boundless energy and youth is a nap every day.
AA -- When was the first time you realized that STAR TREK had a very large fan following?
SARAH -- Hmmmm.... I think my mom was making fun of someone dressed up like Spock at a Fourth of July fireworks display.
AA -- When did you get your first personal taste of being a media celebrity? Was it at a convention?
SARAH -- Media celebrity? Nope, haven't gotten there yet. Media celebrity doesn't sound very enticing, anyway. I'd rather be a cultural icon.
AA -- It must be strange being recognized while you're out with your family going shopping or just out for a stroll. Has being such an easily recognized celebrity had an effect on you?
SARAH -- That would be weird. That would be distracting. I can only relate to it that when sometimes I go over to a friend's party and there's someone there who says, "Oh, hey Sarah! How's in going?" and I have no idea who they are.
AA -- And while your privacy has been so greatly reduced, you have to recall that this is basically the result of your practicing your craft so well.
SARAH -- No, not remembering who people are is sort of retarded.
AA -- How does it feel to be part of a myth, known throughout the world?
SARAH -- A myth? Can you call a contemporary situation a myth? Sometimes I do feel like I'm in a myth. But that's why they're myths, tales about immortals that relate to mortals on a daily basis. You can't say that what happens on Star Trek happens in real life but the situations emotionally resonate on a smaller scale.
AA -- Do you read science fiction? And considering your schedule, do you have any time now to read at all?
SARAH -- I used to. I read all the William Gibson stuff, some Orson Scott Card.I read "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep." Then I think I got stuck on a book called, "The Zap Gun" and stopped with the sci fi. Then I moved on to books written in the 20s by white male authors that usually revolved around a man who lives in an apartment and is always hiding from his landlady. And, yes,my schedule's not so busy. I read a lot.
AA -- Other than STAR TREK V, would you rather appear in and direct films that are not science fiction?
SARAH -- Yes.
AA -- Are you enthusiastic about directing STAR TREK V, or are you nervous about it?
SARAH -- I would be nervous as crap about it, if I were to be about to do such a thing.
AA -- STAR TREK IV featured a generous helping of humor, as did some of the best episodes of the STAR TREK television series. Do you plan to feature the element of humor in STAR TREK V?
SARAH -- I didn't see Star Trek V, I don't think. I'm not sure - I saw one of the movies I think. I think it was the one with Ricardo Montalban. Or maybe it was just on TV. Anyway, no comment.
AA -- What are your goals with STAR TREK V?
SARAH -- My goals are not to watch it.
AA -- Have you had any feedback regarding your appearance on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, and your comedy routine regarding STAR TREK conventions and fans?
SARAH -- You know, Paul and I are actually watching a Roast of William Shatner on Comedy Central right now and they showed a clip from that. It looks like pretty much a no brainer. The nice thing about Trekkies is that no matter how many people tell them they're nerds, there's just no listenin'.
AA -- Do you think the television of today is better than it was in the 1960s, when STAR TREK was originally on the air?
SARAH -- If this roast is any example, then no. But actually, this is a little funnier than some of the network sitcoms I've flipped through. I just do not get this new trend of shaky cam, improvisational sitcom with their stupid cliches. Paul's laughing at this roast. I think I laughed once towards the beginning. There's probably something good like Star Trek on today, but I don't watch much scripted TV. So as far as I'm concerned, there's not. I've had little patience with network and standard DISH shows.
AA -- What do you think accounts for the popularity of STAR TREK?
SARAH -- As I sort of mentioned above, people relate emotionally to the heroism, the diversity, adventure, compassion and problem solving.
AA -- Is there anything you've ever wanted to say to the fans of STAR TREK, but have never gotten a chance to say?
SARAH -- The costumes are not necessary.
Questions Copyright ©1986 Allen Asherman.
Shatner was great as Captain Kirk because he was so believable. He loved his ship and his job. He was in command. He was always ready. Duty-bound. He, like Spock, had to fight his humanity and appeal to his intellect. Unlike Spock, he could never fully suppress his all too human instincts. But those instincts often served him well. He had to continually confront and overcome his fear, his ego, his libido, and finally become his better self - all while being watched by his doting crew. Kirk like Shatner needed an audience.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview Babycakes. We are in a myth.
xo PG