Questions
When did Soylent Green come out and who directed it?
It was released on April 19, 1973 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and was directed by Richard Fleischer.
Is Soylent Green based on a book?
Yes, it is loosely based on Harry Harrison’s 1966 science fiction novel Make Room! Make Room!
What year is the movie set in?
It is set in the year 2022, in a dystopian future ravaged by overpopulation, pollution, and food shortages.
What is the famous twist in Soylent Green?
Detective Thorn discovers that the Soylent Green food ration is secretly made from human corpses, leading to his desperate cry that Soylent Green is people.
Where does the line Soylent Green is people rank among famous movie quotes?
The line ranked 77th on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 greatest movie quotes.
Who starred in Soylent Green?
Charlton Heston played Detective Robert Thorn, alongside Edward G. Robinson, Leigh Taylor-Young, Chuck Connors, Joseph Cotten, and Brock Peters.
Was this Edward G. Robinson’s last film?
Yes, it was his 101st and final film. He died of cancer on January 26, 1973, only a couple of months after filming wrapped and before the movie was released.
Is there a real emotional story behind Robinson’s death scene?
Robinson’s character dies in a euthanasia clinic, and it was reportedly the actor’s final scene filmed, with the cast aware of his failing health.
Did Soylent Green win any awards?
Yes, it won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film and the Nebula Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, and it earned a Hugo Award nomination.
Is it true the film features an early video game?
Reportedly, a Computer Space arcade cabinet appears in the film, often cited as one of the first video games shown in a movie.
Who made the film’s opening montage?
The opening montage depicting population growth and environmental decline was created by filmmaker Charles Braverman.
What are the Soylent products in the story?
Soylent Green is the newest and most sought-after ration, marketed as being made from ocean plankton, though the truth turns out to be far more disturbing.
How was Soylent Green received by critics?
It holds a 71% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, and Roger Ebert gave it 3 out of 4 stars while Gene Siskel gave it 1.5 out of 4.
Did Soylent Green inspire anything in real life?
Yes, a real meal-replacement product was named Soylent, and the film is still referenced for its early warnings about environmental collapse.
