The Unique Inspiration Behind the Star Trek: The Motion Picture Uniforms

When Star Trek: The Motion Picture hit theaters in 1979, the starship Enterprise crew was dressed in a set of uniforms that broke away from traditional military styles. This article delves into the creative process and unique aesthetics behind these iconic outfits, drawing from an interesting excerpt from Empire Online.

From Military Wardrobes to Natural Fabrics

The original Star Trek series, which aired in the late 1960s, featured crew members in a classic combination of high-tech styling and military grooming. However, for a movie set in a future where humanity is united in space exploration, creator Robert Wise sought to avoid any semblance of military influence. The The Motion Picture uniforms were imbued with a prevailing philosophy: to steer clear of anything that could be mistaken for military attire, aiming instead for a look that was decidedly un-earthly and thoroughly unique.

Unnatural Aesthetics Inspired by Costumes

One of the key features of the The Motion Picture uniforms was the emphasis on "natural" fabric textures that seemed almost alien. The designer, Harald Michelson, played with a spectrum of colors from light blue to a disturbingly flesh-like beige and brown, creating outfits that were both functional and exceptionally unflattering.

These colors were chosen with purpose. According to the source, the hues were meant to provide a sense of unease, further enhancing the futuristic yet alien atmosphere of the film. Beyond the color choices, the various materials and shapes used in the wardrobe served to make the uniforms look as unnatural as possible. This included the use of jumpsuits and surgical scrubs, which contributed to the overall aesthetic of discomfort and non-conformity.

The Uncanny Valley of Costumes Revealed

The process of designing the costumes can be summed up as a gradual descent into an "uncanny valley." In costume design, the uncanny valley describes the tendency for objects that are similar to humans to appear repulsive at certain points of resemblance. The The Motion Picture uniforms achieved this effect by seeking to create a costume that looked, albeit in a strange and unnatural way, like it was from another world. This was a deliberate choice by the creators to ensure that the uniforms served as a peak of their own unique aesthetic.

Harald Michelson and his team achieved this by combining different fabric textures and minimalist designs. The result was a uniform that highlighted functionality but didn't mimic the familiar comforts of Earth-based attire. In fact, the very nature of these jumpsuits and scrubs made them look somewhat unwieldy and ill-suited for even the most basic tasks aboard the Enterprise.

Conclusion: A Perfect Blend of Futuristic Style and Unnatural Aesthetics

In conclusion, the uniforms in Star Trek: The Motion Picture stand out as a perfect blend of futuristic style and an unsettling aesthetic. Created with the intention of portraying a world far removed from conventional military uniform design, they succeeded in achieving a look that was alien, uncomfortable, and unflattering. These unique outfits were a testament to the ingenuity of the costume designers and became a defining element of the film.

Next time you watch Star Trek: The Motion Picture, take a moment to appreciate the creative efforts behind the seemingly bizarre and uncomfortable uniforms. They are a key feature that contributes to the overall sense of otherworldliness and adds to the film's immersive experience.

Keywords:
- Star Trek uniforms
- Motion Picture
- Costume Design