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Mind Meld: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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n a revealing 80-minute, unscripted conversation between two friends, the legions of fans who vaulted Star Trek to legendary status will get a chance to gain some insight about the show's stars, William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Filmed at Nimoy's home, each man asks the other questions that explore some of the most private moments throughout their 35-year relationship with the show and with each other.
There's never been a phenomenon like Star Trek, and both men are well aware that their lives were forever altered by their participation in it. Mind Meld takes the actors back in time to when they got hired for the series, their experiences while working on the show and the effect it had on their lives. Along the way, moments of surprising candor offer a glimpse into the lives of these two legends.
Shatner kicks off the conversation by asking Nimoy about his life as a struggling actor before Star Trek. From that point on, the conversation touches on Shatner's hiring as Kirk, his feelings about the death of both his father and his wife, and his bafflement over the resentment of other Star Trek stars. Nimoy explains his battle with alcoholism, his feelings about finally coming to terms with his experience on the series, and his thoughts about the stardom the show brought him.
Both men explore the few battles they remember having on the set, the personal cost to their families over the time they lost with their children and how the show may have cost them their marriages, and how they feel toward each other. They also delve into their thoughts about the loss of DeForest Kelley, their feelings about mortality and their plans for the future.
Mind Meld is the first in a series and was shot in a high-definition video/24 P format. It is presented in letterbox. The DVD has bonus features which include biographies of the stars and a discussion by Nimoy and Shatner about why they felt the time is right do Mind Meld.
Where neither man has gone before
In this legendary sit-down chat for the camera, what emerges most is the feeling of friendship between the two stars. While the discussion and revelations appear forced sometimes, Shatner and Nimoy provide insight into themselves, their relationship with Star Trek and their relationship with each other.
Surprising moments offer in-depth insight, not so much about the subjects that seem big, like the nearly nonexistent battles on the set, Nimoy's challenges regarding being involved with the show, or Shatner's personal losses; but about both Shatner and Nimoy's feelings about the other members of the Star Trek cast, Nimoy's Star Trek mementos and their regret at losing marriages and years of their children's lives by committing to the demands of a television series.
Some questions go unasked, such as how the stars felt about the cancellation of the series and their thoughts concerning the new popularity of the show in once it hit syndication. However, other questions are asked that could only be posed when two people know each other very well.
What emerges is a portrait of two very different men. Nimoy's path has gone from that of a struggling actor to someone who is at peace with himself. He appears to have conquered his demons. Shatner's path through life has taken him from easy success as an actor to a place where he still finds it hard to relax and enjoy his success.
They are two people who have nothing and everything in common. Nimoy's easy nature mixes with Shatner's gregarious personality, giving a hint at what lies behind their 35-year relationship. It's obvious the two men like each other. While it's certain some secrets and memories are left unexplored, viewers will come away with the feeling that they know these two icons just a little bit better.
Without a doubt, Mind Meld is a must see for Star Trek fans. However, don't buy it to find out more about Star Trek. Buy it to find out more about Shatner and Nimoy. — Kathie
Also in this issue: The One, The X-Files, Monsters, Inc., Buffy the Vampire Slayer—The Musical and The Tick
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