Soylent Green (1973, Richard Fleischer)
In the year 2022, Planet Earth is overpopulated and food becomes scarce. Scientists have created an alternative food source called soylent green, which is made out of plants taken from the ocean. But behind the production of soylent green, there is a huge conspiracy, which cop Charlton Heston is forced to investigate. Over the years, Soylent Green has gained an ardent and very vocal cult following. It is easy to see why. I find this post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie very effective.
It is a great combination of noir and sci-fi – a sort of lite version of Blade Runner (1982). More than anything, the film reflects the social concerns of the time in which the film was produced. But the narrative deals with these important moral issues in a non-sanctimonious way. My favorite aspect of the film is its production design. I love the matte work seen throughout the film – this kind of art form is much more pleasing to my eye than modern CGI work. The claustrophobic look of the film serves the story well. The sets suggest a disturbing dystopian atmosphere.
The cast is very good too. Chuck Heston is a great as the worl-weary hero. Edward G. Robinson (memorable in his last film role) is outstanding as Heston’s sidekick. The lovely Leigh Taylor youngJoseph Cotten, Brock Peters, and Chuck Connors are effective in supporting roles. Soylent Green is not perfect but it is fun nevertheless.
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