Spock wishes Kirk a happy birthday

Copyright belongs to Paramount Pictures with all rights reserved

[wcarnold]

So much in this scene that is a minute in length.

1) The reference to Spock being dead was made because it had leaked that Spock would die in this movie. They had Spock die in the Kobayashi Maru to throw off the speculation.

2) The familiarity and chemistry between these two actors is great. The original TV series doesn't hold up as well today, but every single one of those episodes pays off in this movie and this scene.

3) Kirk is playfully teasing Spock, his friend, about his cadets destroying the simulator room.

4) Random person cleaning the floor. Why is he there? No reason, but the floors need to be cleaned. Gives the scene realism. Note Shatner paying attention to him like a real person would.

5) Two pieces of dialogue to set up the mystery about how Kirk passed the Kobayashi Maru test.

6) "I know of your fondness for antiques" -Spock. I have always loved this line. A nod to the aging of the Enterprise? They literally have to steal it from mothballs in the next movie.

7) Shatner is acting. The classic Shatner pauses, but toned down. "Oh, by the way, " PAUSE as he looks at the book and takes it in, "thank you for this." Listen how he drops the volume at the end, showing the hint of sadness that will show up later in the scene. Shatner may not be a master thespian, but he hits it out of the park in this movie.

8) Visually, the scene now sets up the fact that Kirk is having vision issues. Specifically the type of vision loss that comes with old age. They don't bring a huge amount of attention to it (McCoy will do that in a subsequent scene), but they set it up here.

9) Kirk's expression when reminded of his birthday. Just wonderful. Seconds later, watch his expression when he hears "Captain Spock, Captain Spock" over the intercom. He's resentful and angry that those calls don't come for him any more.

10) That pause when asked where he was going. "Home" It's a remorseful answer because it doesn't feel like his home... because it isn't. And we all know it. He says so much without saying anything.

11) The look from Spock as he finally realizes Kirk's sadness. This sets up Spock turning the Enterprise over to Kirk after the training mission turns into something else.

12) Virtually all of the themes of the movie are set-up in this simple, beautiful scene. As a reminder, this scene is ONE MINUTE LONG. There is no space battle, special effect, or over the top body horror in this scene and yet it is more Star Trek than everything under the Star Trek label from the last 5-10 years combined.

[phillytvdirector]

I watch this every year on my birthday...today is my birthday

[phillytvdirector]

my birthday Today... watching this. awesome!

[phillytvdirector]

And yet AGAIN its my birthday and i'm watching this!!!!

[psifla]

Kirk’s first line to Spock: “Aren’t you dead?”
Ouch...

[lazyhazeldaisy]

I love the fact that the only thing Kirk has with him is his present from Spock. Sweeet!

[phillytvdirector]

Today's my birthday and I'm watching this again...

[phillytvdirector]

Its my birthday again! And I'm watching this.

[phillytvdirector]

Its my birthdayAGAIN...and im watching this

[phillytvdirector]

Yes! And once AGAIN today is my birthday and I'm watching this!!!!

[amoryll]

The most endearing and respectful relationship ever 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[shadesalans]

it seems spock based on his facial expression at the end realizes kirk is not having a happy birthday

[danclark]

Each year you survive is a celebration. Yes we get older. To keep in mind those who died at young ages. Never having to experience life, never to have memories worth cherishing. So many that wont have that. We who do live within the average lifespan have those adventures of life. Certainly cause for celebration.

[phillytvdirector]

Today I'm watching this in honor of a friend, BIRTHDAY!

[Kennardy]

One of the best movies, in any genre, ever made.

[Aslam]

So much in this scene that is a minute in length

[peterp]

Spock’s a pretty bitchin’ friend. Birthdays are no big deal to Vulcans, but he buys his antique collecting friend what’s probably a 300-400 year old edition of a classic novel.

[phillytvdirector]

It's my birthday today and watching this!

[chrispeplinski]

Can't believe this movie will be 40 years old on June 4th

[Alaninbroomfield]

I loved Kirk's interactions with Spock in these movies as they both grew older, and their friendship stronger. GREAT characters and timeless themes of life we all face, (change, mortality, etc.)