Tron

1982 - Disney
Directed By Steven Lisberger


SYNOPSIS

Fired computer programmer Flynn (Jeff Bridges) breaks into his former employer's computer system to retrieve a file that would prove he created the company's most profitable video games instead of company head Ed Dillinger (David Warner.) The master control program (MCP) sucks Flynn into the computer. Inside, Flynn meets Tron, a program created by (and looks like) his friend/coworker, Alan, (Bruce Boxleitner.) He must help Tron overcome and take down the MCP.

MY THOUGHTS

I've been geeking out about the upcoming sequel to Tron (Tron Legacy) and decided to revisit the original. I was never a huge fan of the film as a child. I found the film confusing (both plot-wise and all the jargon) and very boring except during the major effects sequences.

Upon my revisit, I found a very intriguing and intelligent film that was often misunderstood.
The plot is very simple. Look at it as a take on Spartacus. Flynn is taken from his normal life and made to become a gladiator in the virtual world, much like Spartacus. He teams up with an ally to create a better world.

Much of the jargon has become commonplace to anyone with a basic computer knowledge in today's world and that helps alleviate much of the confusion.


Tron was released the same year as the equally misunderstood and ahead-of-its-time Blade Runner. Both were similarly trashed by critics and turned up dead at the box office only to later gain a large following. Blade Runner is a deep film and Tron is no different. The real and virtual worlds of Tron create interesting parallels that are sealed by the closing time lapse shots of the city showing (ground and air) traffic moving along much like data moving along circuits. The corresponding actors in each universe help to show how both worlds are interrelated.

The performances are strong especially Jeff Bridges and David Warner as the villain. Bridges' badass Flynn keeps the film from getting boring (to a now older viewer!) Boxleitner has the thankless role as the bland all-good hero but still is able to create an unique character.

The then-groundbreaking special effects of 1982 don't equal the resolution and detail of  your average 2010 production, yet are still very effective today. They definitely create an otherworldly look that represents an abstract virtual world and still work as great eye candy today.


Tron is still a unique and different film in 2010 and hopefully it's sequel will be equally as groundbreaking and uniquely cool.

 Here's the trailer for Tron Legacy: