What's Happening?
One of Steven Spielberg's early science fiction contributions to television, an episode of 'The Name of the Game' titled 'L.A. 2017' which he directed in 1971, is currently impossible to watch. This episode, part of a crime drama series focused on investigative
journalism, saw Spielberg venture into sci-fi territory. The plot involved the magazine's publisher, Glenn Howard, crashing and waking up in a dystopian future characterized by corporate greed, totalitarian rule, and pollution. While 'The Name of the Game' is now considered a minor part of Spielberg's extensive filmography, the experience was crucial in preparing him for later career-defining films such as 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and 'Jaws'. His appointment to direct the episode was met with some controversy behind the scenes, with producer Dick Irving initially balking at the suggestion from Universal Television executive Sid Sheinberg.
Why It's Important?
The unavailability of 'L.A. 2017' means that a significant piece of early work from one of America's most influential filmmakers is inaccessible to the public and film historians. This loss impacts the comprehensive understanding of Spielberg's artistic development and the evolution of his directorial style. For film students and enthusiasts, studying his early projects provides crucial insights into the foundations of his later successes. The episode's themes of dystopia, corporate greed, and environmental decay were prescient for its time and remain relevant today, highlighting a missed opportunity for contemporary audiences to engage with these issues through a historical lens. The controversy surrounding his selection also offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by emerging directors in the television industry.
What's Next?
While the immediate future does not indicate a public release or restoration of the 'L.A. 2017' episode, its historical significance might prompt future efforts by archives or media companies to locate and preserve it. The ongoing interest in Steven Spielberg's career and the preservation of cinematic history could drive such initiatives. However, without specific plans for restoration or re-release, the episode will likely remain a 'footnote' in his filmography, known primarily through historical accounts rather than direct viewing. The broader trend of digitizing and making historical media accessible could eventually lead to its rediscovery and availability, but this would require significant effort and resources.
Beyond the Headlines
The situation surrounding 'L.A. 2017' underscores a larger issue within the entertainment industry: the preservation of early television content. Many early works, especially those from the nascent stages of prominent careers, are often lost or become inaccessible due to various factors, including storage issues, rights complexities, or perceived lack of commercial value. This highlights the fragility of media archives and the potential loss of cultural heritage. The episode's themes, particularly its dystopian vision, reflect societal anxieties of the early 1970s, offering a valuable cultural artifact that could provide context for understanding the era's concerns about technology, environment, and governance. Its inaccessibility limits scholarly research and public engagement with these historical perspectives.
