Review of Soylent Green (1973) by Rebekah S — 28 Aug 2008

Although there may be content that would stimulate "interesting" conversation, I'm not sure I know anyone who actually sits through this whole thing taking it very seriously. Kitschy, futuristic drama, so stuck in the 70's (as far as fashion, technology, and even acting style go) that it becomes more of a historic piece.

I was first introduced to SOYLENT GREEN by a parody that SNL did a long time ago. When I saw it was coming on TCM with no commercial interruptions, I thought, "why not?".

What incredibly ironic timing to watch this in a presidential election year... flipping to this little missal of pop-culture prophecy right after hearing politicians make their promises --promises so grand and glowing, but begging the question: 'how are they going to do that?'.

Well the punchline (or twist as some call it -- if they haven't already heard the oft-quoted final line which basically gives away the ending of the movie) demonstrates the irony that anything is possible... however, when the promises of provision are delivered upon, the answer to the question of 'how' could open up an whole new disturbing can of worms.

Probably not the "feel good" movie of the year... or maybe it was back in '73. Hmmm.