Fragile 20Th Century Human Control Over Nuclear Power Essay Example

of the population. Screenwriter Stanley Greenberg constructs a captivating police plot inspired by Harry Harrison's novel "Make Room! Make Room!," which depicts a grim future. This science fiction story takes on the elements of a political thriller and film noir as Thorn and his old assistant Sol Roth delve deeper into their investigation.

Greenberg provides a brief explanation of the causes of the ecological disaster, while also depicting its devastating consequences. The text establishes a cause-effect relationship between environmental contamination and social disruption, illustrating a future world that is both asymmetrical and dehumanized. In this dystopian society, the wealthy class embodies immorality, while the masses are driven by despair. Individual dignity, human rights, and fundamental social structures, such as the family, have gradually been replaced by alienation, predation, and a focus on pure survival. The dialogue between Thorn and Roth exemplifies this bleak yet entirely possible future: "And now you will tell me that in the world of before everything was better."

- Don't think that people were only as bad. However, the world was more beautiful. If the script is good, Richard Fleischer's execution is even better. The director successfully captures the breathtaking dystopian setting through a compelling black police film approach that still manages to excite.

The combination of film noir and futuristic dystopia in this film creates an unavoidable sense of fatalism. The narrative is straightforward and constantly focused on the future. The driving force behind the story is Thorn's quest to uncover the mystery of Soylent Green. This mystery remains unsolved until the final sequences, generating suspense throughout the film. The unsettling nature of the movie can largely be attributed to Fleischer's skillful

use of realism as a key element.

The director intentionally used realism in order to make the audience of that time perceive the future depicted in the film as a real and terrifying threat. Unlike "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968), Fleischer deliberately chose a production design that evokes the 1970s, creating a specific time period for the story. This effect is further enhanced by the inclusion of drastic scenes, such as the destruction of chaos using excavator trucks, which symbolize the insignificance of individuals in the future society. However, from the opening credits accompanied by a shocking photo montage, Fleischer also highlights the central theme of environmental pollution. The film aims to raise awareness among both society and institutions about the importance of environmental protection, a pertinent topic then as well as today. The director sought advice from Frank R. Bowerman, president of the American Academy for Environmental Protection, to ensure a realistic portrayal of this crucial aspect. The careful planning of the film is evident, with particular emphasis placed on smooth camera movements and well-executed zooming techniques in certain sequences.

Fleischer skillfully uses various techniques to enhance the underlying message of the script. The use of low camera angles, particularly in scenes set in the police station or during Simonson's murder, creates a noir atmosphere. Close-up shots of Heston and Robinson's faces in their small apartment highlight their complicated relationship as a father figure and adult son, as well as the generation gap between them. Additionally, there are impressive depth-of-field shots, such as Robinson's figure seen through rows of bookshelves, symbolizing his journey into the archives where he will discover the crucial answer to their investigation.

Richard H.'s versatile color photography adds to the overall visual appeal of the film.

Kline demonstrates equal skill in capturing both grimy interiors and opulent apartments. This is exemplified in the exteriors as well, where the use of filters creates a suffocating yellowish mist, emblematic of pollution and overheating during daytime scenes. Many of the nighttime exterior shots are filmed in studio, allowing for a well-filtered lighting that beautifully highlights the scenes, albeit at the expense of the shadows' remarkable plasticity found in black and white films. The soundtrack, composed by Fred Myrow, utilizes music from the era, featuring elements of jazz, funk, and rock alongside classical music pieces such as Grieg's Peer Gynt, Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony, and Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony.

The use of classical pieces is particularly poignant, as they evoke the enchanting world that can never be revisited. Leading the cast are two iconic figures from classic Hollywood: Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson. Let me begin with the latter, as a homage, because in "Soylent Green" Robinson delivers his final memorable performance. Edward Robinson's character, Roth Sun, embodies the recollections and principles of the past.

The interpretation of the veteran actor is full of emotion and distills humanism. Roth remembers, reads, and evokes the beauty and daily pleasures of the past. One standout moment in his performance is the dinner scene with salad, steak, and apples. Robinson's interpretation is well-rounded, human, and emotional, serving as a fitting end to his remarkable career. While Charlton Heston is the main protagonist of the film, his portrayal of detective Robert Thorn is perfect. Thorn is a complex character, tough, cynical, and immersed in the amorality of his

era. However, he is also critical and capable of challenging the system, a determined and resolute professional who is hard to break.

An intense and physical character that perfectly suits the actor's interpretation style. Charlton Heston repeatedly portrayed several important characters in science fiction films during the early 1970s. I strongly recommend reviewing this film classic as it addresses current issues such as environmental threats, global warming, unethical practices of multinational companies, institutional corruption, and social precarity. These themes resonate strongly today. It appears that the dystopian future envisioned by Fleischer is not too far-fetched. So, if someone ever offers you a green cookie, seize the opportunity without hesitation.

Do not put it in your mouth.