When it comes to directing, some filmmakers can tend to be aggressive and demanding when extracting the performances they need from the actors, one example being William Friedkin’s approach in The Exorcist. Many filmmakers also prefer to swing in the complete opposite direction by prioritizing the atmosphere on set, with Greta Gerwig being one prime example.
Jonatha Frakes falls into the latter, who made his directorial debut with Star Trek, and his fellow collaborator, Patrick Stewart, has nothing but nice things to say about the former’s directorial debut, especially its technical prowess.
Sir Patrick Stewart argued First Contact directorial debut puts every Star Trek movie to shame
Having been associated with Star Trek since making his debut in the role of William Riker opposite Sir Patrick Stewart, as of now, Frakes has cemented himself as one of the most esteemed filmmakers within the franchise. And amidst all of the Star Trek projects Sir Stewart has been part of, it’s Frakes’ directorial debut that remains near and dear to the X-Men star.
Not only did Stewart speak highly of his work ethic for maintaining a “positive atmosphere on the set”, the X-Men star was also in awe of his collaborator’s technical brilliance, including camerawork. In addition to singing praises of The Next Generation star’s directorial skills, Stewart also deemed First Contact the “best-looking ‘Star Trek’ film to date”.
In his memoir, Making It So: A Memoir (via Looper), he wrote:
Beyond his deft handling of the cast, he also demonstrated technical mastery, his camera capturing the intimacy of the film’s emotional scenes without being intrusive. ‘First Contact’ was also the best-looking ‘Star Trek’ film to date, a tribute to its excellent lighting design and sets, as well as Jonathan’s choices regarding camera movement and color palette.
While a bold claim, nonetheless, it’s easy to see where Sir Stewart was coming from, as given the fact that it was made on a budget of $45M, Frakes deserved all the applause he got for his directorial debut.
Gene Roddenberry fought to cast Jonathan Frakes in The Next Generation
Prior to jumping ship to the director’s chair, Jonathan Frakes almost lost the gig of Commander Riker, as originally, actors, Paramount was eying Billy Campbell for the gig. However, creator Gene Roddenberry, who identified with the role in question, which isn’t something new for the showrunner, was insistent on getting Frakes on board for the part. Moreover, according to Frakes, Roddenberry even fought through the suits’ decision.
He recalled (via Star Trek):
Gene called me directly. He, by that point, had spent so much time explaining the character and the 24th century and his vision of Riker. I think he had to fight for me. I’m not sure if he was pro-Billy Campbell or if people at the studio were, but I know that it was not a unanimous decision. I think Roddenberry saw a little bit of himself in Riker, or more than a little, and he told me that indirectly
Thanks to Roddenberry, not only was the fandom bestowed with a major talent onscreen, but Frakes’ contributions to the IP have extended past his acting roots, standing out as one of the franchise’s most reliable filmmakers.
Star Trek: First Contact is available to stream on Paramount Plus.
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