Silent Running (1972) Part 2

After creating many of the innovative special effects for 2001: A Space Odyssey, Douglas Trumbull tried his hand at directing, and 1972's Silent Running marked an impressive debut. (In addition to creating the visual effects for Close Encounters of the Third Kind and directing 1983's Brainstorm, Trumbull later turned to the creation of high-tech cinematic amusement park rides.) One of the best science fiction films of the 1970s, Silent Running stars Bruce Dern as Freeman Lowell, a nature-loving astrobotanist aboard the Valley Forge, a gigantic spaceship in a small fleet that carries the last surviving forests of the Earth, which has fallen victim to overpopulation and ecological neglect.

Freeman's name reflects his nonconformist philosophy, which runs counter to the prevailing recklessness of his three ill-fated crewmates, who are eager to jettison their precious payload and return to the bleakness of Earth. Before they can sabotage the forests, Freeman does what he must, and spends the remainder of his mission with three robotic "drones" as his only companions, struggling to maintain his sanity in the vastness of space. Dern is superb in this memorable role, representing the lost soul of humankind as well as the back-to-nature youth movement of the 1960s and the pre-Watergate era. (Appropriately, Joan Baez sings the film's theme song.) A rare science fiction film that combines bold adventure with passionate social conscience, Silent Running will remain relevant as long as the Earth is threatened by the ravages of human carelessness.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Silent
• Running
• Bruce
• Dern

[BUDDY6414724297]

One of my personal favorites. I love this film. It is a miracle it was even ever made.

[SilentRunningMovie]

I saw it when I was about 10 years old and it changed my whole view of ecology, stopping pollution, and destruction of the planet. I hope many people especially the younger generation of today see it.

[Ayevee39]

I came here just to hear him say "what about the forests"

[YuriKimmer943]

Well at least the developing countries will out number the developed by population. That means if our top business continue to hire cheap labor in those developing areas, then we will lose our spot in the world. But I am thankful that Obama had cracked down or announce the isssue in his State of the Union Address. But regardless I believe that the United States will not be #1 during the Tribulation Era. Even scriptures show no evidence of us still being a super power.

[zammmerjammer]

@DarkTemplR The Western population may be growing old (though some segments like Aboriginal people and Latinos are experiencing a baby boom right now) but that is far from the whole world. The UN shows the world pop. hitting 10 billion by 2100 so I don't know where you think we're going to arrive at "half of what it is today" by 2150.

Pulling stats out of your ass is fun isn't it, but it's not very helpful. And it doesn't make you seem smart.

[trilateralmxo]

Considering American Airlines couldn't manage to fly a load of rubber dogshit outta Detroit, the recall order makes perfect sense.

[MrBruceg52]

@Domzdream Look up! Hay Kido; there be a whole hell of a lot of a sky out there, only a little bit of dirt!

BRUCE!

[SiegmundHildebrand]

GREAT movie.I also love those 70's hair styles.Men looked like they should be:)

Anyway,i also recomend other 70's Science fiction movies like "Logan Run"(i heard that the book is better)and Clockwork Orange.

[hudemac]

I was seven year's old when I first saw this film...it is probably more relevant today in 2011 as it was back in 1972. Awesome story, awesome acting, awesome special effect's, awesome cinematography...what more can I say...5 out of 5 star's!!!!

[Domzdream]

GUYS! All of you. Check out Caveman (on the left). Now that's a brilliant movie!

[AnubisEvalyna]

He should use those idiots as fertilizer for the plants.

At least they would be usefull for once. ;)

[MithrilDwarf81]

Also, another truth about forests, considering this movie, is that it would be important to keep a habitat of wildlife with it. A forest without wildlife cannot florish alone.