RoboCop, I imagine, is a formative action film for people of a certain age. While it's of course badass, gory, and action-packed, it's also a sly and hilarious satire of American action movie excess and a harsh critique of Reagan-style "trickle down" economics. But, most importantly, it's buoyed by Peter Weller's great performance, as well as the iconic RoboCop suit itself.
Which is why we here at Arrow in the Head have unearthed and uploaded an old Entertainment Tonight clip promoting the original film, showing the arduous and painstaking steps needed to put Weller into the cumbersome suit.
Personally, I've always love behind-the-scenes stuff, especially when it reveals little tidbits you wouldn't normally consider. One of them is Weller complaining about having "stuff coming coming out of my ears", which is then revealed to be there so that there's enough space between his head and tight mask for the actor hear what's going on during filming. Not to mention the fact he had to stand for most of the suiting up process, which seemed brutal! At least the final product was worth it.
Here's the official synopsis for the original 1987 film.
In a violent, near-apocalyptic Detroit, evil corporation Omni Consumer Products wins a contract from the city government to privatize the police force. To test their crime-eradicating cyborgs, the company leads street cop Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) into an armed confrontation with crime lord Boddicker (Kurtwood Smith) so they can use his body to support their untested RoboCop prototype. But when RoboCop learns of the company's nefarious plans, he turns on his masters.
Meanwhile, you can see RoboCop – with Peter Weller reprising his role! – in the most recent MORTAL KOMBAT: AFTERMATH DLC, which is out for consoles and PC right now!
So what do you guys think? And what other retro film would you like us to dig old "behind-the-scenes" news clips for? Either way, sound off below!