Review: Soylent Green

Soylent Green fares better than most 1970s science fiction movies in the anachronistic stakes - but it still feels like it's from another less demanding era.  Heston's slightly too old and hammy an actor for the part of determined future cop who's irresistible to women (who are nearly all "furniture").  Some of the riot scenes - especially those with the scoop - are near laughable.

But elsewhere there's some nice production design detail - in particular, the flat Heston's character shares with Robinson's.  It ably conveys the sense of two men living in quiet desperation - while "doing alright" in comparison to others.

And it is the scenes with Robinson which lift this dystopian police procedural above the mediocre.  His last scenes in particular rank with some of his best work and are sadly prophetic.

The final twist revelation remains as shocking - but only if you haven't had any prior exposure. My wife hadn't and the her realisation was delightful to watch.

Verdict: Not all that's green is good.