When you think about movies where the characters fight in outer space, it’s likely that “Star Wars” and “Star Trek” come to mind. After all, they’re massive sensations. But what about “Starship Troopers,” the 1997 science fiction satire?
These days, it’s clear to recognize that director Paul Verhoeven created a blockbuster hit with this film. Here are a few reasons why “Starship Troopers” fares better over 20 years later.
1. An Unknown Newbie Cast
In the late 1990s, actors such as Robin Williams, Tom Cruise, and Denzel Washington had soared to stardom. You’d think a major action film would cast some pretty big names, but Verhoeven headed down a completely different path. Instead, he decided to enlist many faces audiences hadn’t yet seen. “Starship Troopers” was only the fourth movie that Neil Patrick Harris completed.
Many executives like to choose unknowns because they’re a safe bet. That said, this movie revolves around war, so it’s clear that Verhoeven picked these actors because his goal was to create a personal experience. In reality, we don’t know everyone who’s affected by battle—these individuals could be anybody. Now, we can look back and appreciate this approach.
Of course, at the time, a lack of star power could’ve caused the movie’s downfall.
2. Plenty of Political Satire
A scene from “Starship Troopers” (1997).
On the surface, “Starship Troopers” doesn’t seem like a commentary on anti-imperialism or militarism—but that’s a critical point. The entire movie reflects on the ideas of war-savvy governments, where violence has to be the answer. “You kill bugs good,” a comment that stands out amongst a few others, leads us to consider the ways soldiers talk about their enemies. It’s not hard to miss the Nazi-esque uniforms, either.
A native of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Verhoeven lived amongst German rule through World War II, so it’s clear he took notes from his childhood. At the end of the movie, the characters return from one battle only to walk back into another. This scene presents a world where heroism takes the cake, a stark contrast to the book’s pro-war sentiment.
3. Award-Worthy Visual Effects
At the time of its release, “Starship Troopers” wasn’t exactly a fan-favorite amongst audiences or critics. Still, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nominated this film for ‘Best Visual Effects.’ Why? At the time, it was up to par with several popular movies, but viewers weren’t as impressed. The flick called on Phil Tippett to create its action sequences—and the man behind “Jurassic Park” and “Robocop” performed.
When you watch the Arachnids leap into the air at 50 times their body length, there’s no lie there. Tippett put his magic to use throughout this movie, as it stands up against many of today’s modern action films.
4. Uncommon Gender Equality
Dina Myers as ‘Dizzy Flores’ in “Starship Troopers.”
By the 1940s, some American women could join the military as members of the Women’s Army Corps. That said, it wasn’t until 2013 that they could serve on the front lines. For decades, women have endured harassment and stigma perpetuated by their male co-workers. It’s not a stretch to say this shame carried throughout the time when “Starship Troopers” saw its release.
Fortunately, Verhoeven didn’t cast a group of men to serve as his main characters. Instead, the story follows Pvt. Isabella “Dizzy” Flores and Lt. Cpt. Carmen Ibañez. There’s also the famous co-ed locker room scene, which alludes to the idea that within the United Citizen Federation, all soldiers possess equal rights. In the book, Dizzy’s character isn’t a woman.
5. Its Parody of Mass Media
Throughout the movie, you’ll catch examples of mass media techniques that promote the war against the Arachnids. For instance, like “The Hunger Games,” citizens can tune into live war footage as if it’s their favorite show. There’s also a commercial that highlights how soldiers have “done their part” to serve their country. A little boy pops his head out to say the same, and everyone laughs, calling a prominent message to attention.
Today, some people argue that 18-year-olds shouldn’t be allowed to enlist, let alone put their lives at risk. Additionally, propaganda still exists throughout the 21st Century—and it’s only gotten worse.
This Satirical Action Flick Was Ahead of Its Time
If we look back on “Starship Troopers” through a modern lens, it’s clear this move was ahead of its time. With commentary on war and media, plus an entirely unknown cast and stark visual effects, “Starship Troopers” deserves recognition as a cult hit.
