That’s right, Soylent Green is made of…
[kml_flashembed movie="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=1296155071179146825" width="400" height="326" wmode="transparent" /]
As its final scene, featuring the recently departed Charlton “from my cold dead hands” Heston, has become iconic, the rest of Soylent Green is frequently forgotten. That’s a shame, as there’s a damn good dystopian tale in the rest of this oft-referenced 1973 classic too. I, like so many others, had heard about, but never seen, the full movie. Until now.
Observe then, the entire film, loyal readers, for your viewing pleasure. Observe how you’ll know the rich by their bitchin’ ’70s decor and access to hot water. Witness an astonishingly effective combination of whodunit crime tale and dystopian nightmare! See riot cops in football helmets! Thrill to the scarf-wearing sweaty wonder that is Heston in his stilted prime! Wonder how dated-yet-oddly-relevant our own visions of the future may look in 35 years!
Enjoy. The hiatus will end soon.
April 29th, 2008 at 12:59 am
Mmm… Apple Jacks. Like most other fans of disco, I discovered this movie through Wumpscut’s top hit of the 70’s, Soylent Green. Rudy, you RUINED THE ENDING for me! Why!
April 29th, 2008 at 3:15 am
It’s because of this movie that I have my little heart set on growing some strawberries this summer. That scene where the old man is brought to tears by a smuggled can of strawberry preserves really stuck with me more than anything else from this film.
April 29th, 2008 at 5:26 am
It’s a great dystopian movie, even better when watched as a double feature with Rollerball.
April 29th, 2008 at 8:51 am
I always thought that was one of Edward G Robinson’s best roles – the feast scene was wonderful, and even now, thinking of the “going home” scene (even with Dick Van Patten in the room) makes me tear up.
I also use it as an example when folks start talking about the death of printed books, or “let’s digitize everything!” – the truth would never have been discovered in the film had it not been for a set of books….
April 29th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Nadya: Well damn, if that’s not just the thing (pic and music both) to help relax after a long day of trial coverage. I realize now that the famous final scene only sounds even more ominous when screamed in German. Thanks muchly.
Alice: I agree completely about that scene and Edward G. Robinson’s performance period, which brings me to
James: You beat me to it. His performance was the best part of the entire movie and gave it a lot of its tragic resonance. It was also his last, as he died very shortly after Soylent Green finished filming.
May 3rd, 2008 at 1:03 pm
i guess this was intended for the earth day green week whaterver entry. first time to actually see it through. Yes, Eddie G was da bomb.