Rollerball

Main Plot

"Rollerball," directed by Norman Jewison, is set in a dystopian future where a violent sport called Rollerball dominates society. The game, a brutal mix of roller derby and gladiatorial combat, is used by powerful corporations to control the masses and suppress individuality. The story follows Jonathan E., the star player of the Houston team, who becomes a symbol of resistance when he refuses to retire despite pressure from the corporate elite. As Jonathan continues to excel in the increasingly deadly matches, he begins to uncover the sinister motives behind the sport and the corporations' desire to maintain their grip on power. The film explores themes of free will, corporate control, and the human spirit's resilience against oppression.

Characters

• James Caan plays Jonathan E., a star athlete who challenges the oppressive corporate-controlled society by excelling in a violent sport, becoming a symbol of individualism and resistance.
• John Houseman plays Mr. Bartholomew, a corporate executive who manipulates the violent sport to maintain control over society and suppress individuality.
• Maud Adams plays Ella, Jonathan E.'s ex-wife, whose departure was orchestrated by the corporate executives to manipulate and control Jonathan's emotions and performance.

Ending Explained

In the 1975 film "Rollerball," directed by Norman Jewison, the conclusion centers around the final, climactic match of the violent sport of Rollerball. The protagonist, Jonathan E., played by James Caan, defies the corporate powers that control the sport and society. Throughout the film, the corporations attempt to force Jonathan into retirement to maintain their control and prevent any individual from becoming too powerful or influential. In the final game, the rules are altered to remove any time limits and penalties, essentially turning it into a brutal fight to the death. Despite the escalating violence and the deaths of many players, Jonathan survives. He ultimately stands alone on the track, symbolizing his triumph over the oppressive corporate system. The film concludes with Jonathan skating around the arena, basking in the crowd's adulation, as the screen fades to black. This ending underscores the themes of individualism and resistance against dehumanizing corporate control, leaving the audience to ponder the implications of Jonathan's victory in a dystopian world.