'Starship Troopers' Q&A | Paul Verhoeven & Casper Van Dien

Director Paul Verhoeven and actor Casper Van Dien discuss their 1997 film 'Starship Troopers' before a screening at the Film Society of Lincoln Center.

Part comic book–style action adventure, part scathing satire of the military-industrial complex, Starship Troopers is one of the most subversive artistic acts ever perpetrated with a $100 million budget. Welcome to the 24th century, where fresh-faced, idealistic teens are encouraged to join up and become “citizens” by enlisting in the intergalactic army. They’ll grow up, see the universe, and, oh yeah, be slaughtered by the thousands as they battle giant, mutant insects threatening to wipe out mankind. Abetted by seamless special effects and impressively gory CGI carnage, Verhoeven delivers both a thrilling science fiction spectacle and a devastating takedown of jingoistic militarism.

The Film Society of Lincoln Center is devoted to supporting the art and elevating the craft of cinema. The only branch of the world-renowned arts complex Lincoln Center to shine a light on the everlasting yet evolving importance of the moving image, this nonprofit organization was founded in 1969 to celebrate American and international film. Via year-round programming and discussions; its annual New York Film Festival; and its publications, including Film Comment, the U.S.’s premier magazine about films and film culture, the Film Society endeavors to make the discussion and appreciation of cinema accessible to a broader audience, as well as to ensure that it will remain an essential art form for years to come.

[martindeewan]

I'm from Buenos Aires and here everyone loves Starship Troopers, obviously.

[dustinanglin]

Verhoeven is an under-appreciated genius. He makes delightfully schlocky movies that are surprisingly deep when you start to dissect them. It's good to see people are catching on to the satire in his films.

[ultimoguerreiro]

One of my all-time favorites. Funny and depressing at the same time, a critic of society, war, movie making, Beverly Hills 90210... Marvelous.

[ScytheSalinas]

Verhoeven is so humble. He even defends the sequels.

[rutgerb]

A funny things is that he speaks Dutch with an American accent and English with a Dutch accent

[Splattermelt]

Casper's Verhoeven impression is hilariously spot on!

[GSSSirius]

I have always loved Starship Troopers. I saw it again yesterday and it's still an amazing movie that holds up even today.

[TomOostenrijk]

Paul Verhoeven. Damn Legend. Hope he has a big movie left in him. God bless.

[deadpool]

It's sad that Caper's career never really took off after this film and 'Sleepy Hollow'.

[Tomherbs]

Verhoeven knows how to make a sci fi futuristic thriller

[nihilisticpoet]

I'd follow John Rico to any battlefield so long he quotes that one line that makes life worth living and dying for.

[danfors]

They should have Verhoeven to direct the next Star Wars. He's great with Sci-fi!

[petergabriel]

Carl in full gestapo uniform, overly hysterical commercials, Rasczak: "When you vote, you are exercising political authority, you're using force. And force my friends is the supreme authority from which all other authorities are derived." and people didn't get the satire the first time? Puzzles me!

[PeterMasalski]

Paul Verhoeven single-handedly created mid 80's/90's sci fi cinema.

[TricellFilms]

STARSHIP TROOPERS is one of my fav movies ever!! It's unique, amazing narrative and great actors involved.

[RuiLuz]

The movie aged well, 20 years later people finaly get the satire, the propaganda, the metaphors of war and politics.

[stcenturygirl]

What an eloquent, clever man. And that at 26:45 - precisely what I started doing to cope with present situation. I'm glad and encouraged that artist who made one of my favourite films did the same.

[dannyharrisonn_]

If they ever do a flashback scene in Game Of Thrones they should cast Casper as Rhaegar Targaryen

[kazuhiramiller]

casper van dien looks like to current bearded chad meme

[GandalfGreyhame]

An all-time favorite movie that I watch at least once a year!