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Silent Running (1971)

Silent Running (1971)
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Bruce Dern stars as the caretaker of a greenhouse located on a group of space stations that are sent into orbit. The Earth has been stripped clean of foliage, and the greenhouse contains the last remaining greenery from the planet. Dern's staff includes three human beings and a trio of endearing robots named Huey, Dewey, and Louie. When word arrives, from the powers that be, that the greenhouse is to be destroyed (the space station is more valuable to man when hauling cargo and not "preserving the ecology of the universe"), Dern decides to ignore the order. He also decides to go it alone, "circle the wagons" with his robots, and fend off all outside attempts to eliminate his ecological paradise. Special-effects maven Douglas Trumbull directs, Michael Cimino was one of the screenwriters, and Peter "PDQ Bach" Schickele wrote the musical score. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Bruce DernCliff Potts, (more)
Director(s):
Douglas Trumbull
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Silent Running

Bruce Dern stars as the caretaker of a greenhouse located on a group of space stations that are sent into orbit. The Earth has been stripped clean of foliage, and the greenhouse contains the last remaining greenery from the planet. Dern's staff includes three human beings and a trio of endearing robots named Huey, Dewey, and Louie. When word arrives, from the powers that be, that the greenhouse is to be destroyed (the space station is more valuable to man when hauling cargo and not "preserving the ecology of the universe"), Dern decides to ignore the order. He also decides to go it alone, "circle the wagons" with his robots, and fend off all outside attempts to eliminate his ecological paradise. Special-effects maven Douglas Trumbull directs, Michael Cimino was one of the screenwriters, and Peter "PDQ Bach" Schickele wrote the musical score. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
90 mins

Complete Cast of Silent Running


Director(s):
Douglas Trumbull
Writer(s):
Steven BochcoDeric WashburnMichael Cimino
Producer(s):
Michael GruskoffDouglas Trumbull
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG(Questionable for Children, Mild Violence)
Categories:
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
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Member Reviews
 
Angela N.

Although this was done in the 70s, it still has a relevant message about saving nature for generations to come. The acting starts out pretty bad in the beginning, but does get better. It's also a little slow with very little action, but it is watchable and holds your interest. Special effects are fairly good given the time period, and you do get a sense that they are out in space. It's an interesting character study to see the main character's decent into a sort of madness when he sees that no one cares about preserving what little nature is left. There is a little bit of violence that wouldn't be appropriate for all ages, but overall it's mostly tame. Definitely watch the behind the scenes stuff. They did a great documentary back when they filmed the movie; a rarity in those days. The previous reviewer was right in that it's cool to see how they used amputee actors to play the parts of the robots. It's a good movie to watch.

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Adam S.

Although this sci-fi film doesn't have the action that many people expect from the genre (think Star Wars, Matrix, I Robot), it is a good character study and has a great message. A little predictable, maybe a little slow, but really neat to think about and to see unfold. Worth it just to see where George Lucas took some of his inspiration...make sure to watch the bonus material, too, that explains how Trumbull employed amputees to portray Huey, Dewey and Louie. Fantastic!

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Karen A.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I found this film dull, slow-moving, and predictable. It was overacted and the "message" was delivered with a sledgehammer. Now I know why I had never heard of this film, even though I'm a sci-fi fan.

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