Review of Silent Running (1972) by Jarkko S — 13 Aug 2010

A bizarre little, early 70s sci-fi gem that may disappoint those looking for action-packed SF cinema but will delight those who enjoy hearfelt, emotional works of science fiction. Silent Running's overall message is a very basic one about humankind abandoning nature in favor of technology--it is an environmental moral that could come across as cheesy.

And, at times, when the soundtrack features cheesy Joan Baez songs (trust me, I like Joan Baez and these are cheesy) it does become somewhat lame. But overall it sparkles with geunine feeling especially in its depiction of the love and comradery that can develop between humans and robots.

A film about passion, convictions, and friendship as much as it is about the environment. Directed by special effects legend Douglas Trumball, Silent Running features impressive robots and spaceships and is a departure from run of the mill sci-fi that will delight on a level few sci-fi films do.