What's Happening?
One of Steven Spielberg's early directorial works, the 1971 science fiction episode 'L.A. 2017' from the crime drama series 'The Name of the Game,' is currently impossible to watch through legal channels. This episode, which saw Spielberg take the investigative
journalism show into dystopian sci-fi territory, features publisher Glenn Howard waking up in a future plagued by corporate greed, totalitarian rule, and pollution after a crash. Despite Spielberg's later success with acclaimed sci-fi films like 'Jurassic Park' and 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' this particular early contribution to television remains largely inaccessible. Spielberg's ambition for the episode led to clashes with executive producers over budget and overtime, highlighting his early dedication to his creative vision.
Why It's Important?
The inaccessibility of 'L.A. 2017' is significant for film historians, Spielberg enthusiasts, and those interested in the evolution of science fiction in television. It represents a missing piece in the early filmography of one of Hollywood's most influential directors, potentially obscuring a formative period of his creative development. This situation also underscores broader issues within the entertainment industry regarding the preservation and legal availability of older television content. For a director whose later works became cultural touchstones, understanding his initial forays into genres like sci-fi provides crucial context for his thematic interests and directorial style. The challenges Spielberg faced during its production also offer insight into the creative tensions that can arise in television, even for a burgeoning talent.
What's Next?
The current legal unavailability of 'L.A. 2017' suggests that without a concerted effort from rights holders or a shift in distribution strategies, the episode will likely remain out of reach for general audiences. Future efforts to digitize or re-release classic television series could potentially bring this episode back into circulation. However, given its status as a single episode within a larger, less-remembered crime drama, it may not be prioritized for restoration or re-release. The situation highlights the ongoing need for comprehensive archiving and accessible distribution models for historical television content, especially works by significant filmmakers.
Beyond the Headlines
The case of 'L.A. 2017' touches upon the broader cultural and legal implications of media preservation in the digital age. As streaming services and digital platforms become dominant, the fate of content not deemed commercially viable for modern distribution often remains uncertain. This raises questions about intellectual property rights, the responsibility of studios to maintain their archives, and the public's right to access historical artistic works. The episode's themes of unchecked capitalism and dystopian futures, which resonated with Spielberg, also suggest a continuity in his artistic concerns that could be further explored if the work were more widely available, offering a deeper understanding of his long-standing social commentary through cinema.
