Review of Silent Running (1972) by Alasdair B — 28 Oct 2014

"Silent Running'' is one of those rare scifi films that not only has beautiful imagery and stunning effects, but also has an emotional story at it's core. Many films like it tend to be lifeless and desolate of any human emotion. 2001 is a brilliant film, but one of its main flaws is that it lacks any emotion or coherent story. It's very empty. 2013's Gravity was also very void of any story and emotion. This film is quite the opposite, while somewhat.

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Freeman Lowell (Bruce Dern) lives on an spacecraft with three others. Their task is to keep the forests alive in the domes. Lowell is very much a Grizzly Adams of the future. He cares for the animals and the forest. He believes it is essential the last remnants of Earth be preserved. After they are ordered to abandon their mission, Lowell does what he believes is necessary. Eventually, he ends up all alone, floating amongst the stars with only the company of two little drones. Together they must keep the beauty alive, in hope that one day things can go back to what they were.

The thing that stood out right away was how beautifully shot this film is. The cinematography is so clever. You can tell each shot was well thought out. Each shot was unique. The second was the production and the props. The props in this film are astounding. From the drones to the go-carts, the computers to the futuristic tools, every detail is noticeable. Third and finally, the emotion and simplicity of the film. Many scifi films are visually resplendent yet lack any story or emotion. This film had great visuals, a simple story, and had a great central character. The emotion felt through the drones reminded me of R2-D2.

"Silent Running'' is one of the most underrated scifi films of all time. It is truly a beautiful film, filled with emotion and thought provoking themes. It's simplicity in story and genuineness of emotion make it a superior scifi film. And such an inventive and charming soundtrack.