Paula Hammond - Features EditorThe king of modern day sci-fi is undoubtedly Jeff Goldblum. Over the years, we’ve seen him battle aliens, dinosaurs, and even turn himself into a fly …To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of his turn as scientist David Levinso in Independence Day, join us for a run down of some of Jeff’s greatest sci-fi roles..
Invasion of The Body Snatchers (1978)
This 1978 remake of the classic 50s feature was adapted from a novel by Jack Finney and sees Goldblum as Jack Bellicec, a writer who begins to notice that something very strange is going on in San Fransisco. Goldblum’s extraordinary performance – displaying both intensity and vulnerability – charmed viewers and marked him as a star in the making.
The Fly (1986)
In another classic remake, Goldblum plays Seth Brundle, an eccentric inventor, bought down by his own creation. While this film famously had audiences fainting in the aisles, it’s more than just the gross-out factor that made The Fly so memorable. What stands out here is how Goldblum manages to convey the tragedy and humanity of a man slowly losing his identity.
Earth Girls Are Easy (1989)
Who knew that Jeff Goldblum had starred in a musical? Earth Girls Are Easy – which also starred Jim Carrey, Geena Davis and Damon Wayans – saw Goldblum as a blue alien whose ship crash lands into an Earth swimming pool. Needless to say romance and plenty of cheesy musical numbers follow…
Jurassic Park (1993) and The Lost World (1997)
Dinosaurs once ruled the word – and they do again in these Steven Spielberg-helmed monster classics. Goldblum plays Dr Ian Malcolm, a mathematician and chaos theorist who is invited to a preview the opening of a rather special theme park. Needless to say, with his leather jacket and shades, Dr Malcolm was an instant hit. Goldblum’s performance is both effortless and captivating.
Independence Day (1996)
In Independence Day, Jeff Goldblum plays David Levinso a satellite expert who discovers that aliens are about to attack the Earth. Cue some of the most iconic monument exploding scenes in cinema history. Mars Attacks! may have been funnier, but it didn’t have Goldblum’s self-mocking banter or obligatory bared chest.
Independence Day 20th Anniversary edition is out on Blu-ray and DVD on 30th May. Catch Independence Day: Resurgence in cinemas 23rd June.
