Silent Running

Silent Running

Year: 1972

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Douglas Trumbull

Sci-FiDrama

In a future where Earth's ecosystems have disappeared, botanist Freeman Lowell dedicates himself to preserving the last vestiges of plant life. He and his crew maintain a space station housing these precious samples, but when orders arrive to abandon the mission, Lowell refuses to let the plants perish. With the help of his robot caretakers, he embarks on a defiant journey to safeguard the fragile beauty and ensure the survival of these vital specimens for future generations, even if it means confronting his fellow humans.

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Timeline & Setting – Silent Running (1972)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Silent Running (1972). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in a near-future dystopia where nature is on the brink of extinction due to human activities. This time reflects a critical turning point in humanity's relationship with the environment, showcasing the urgency of preservation and the consequences of neglect.

Location

Earth, Saturn

The movie begins on Earth, a planet grappling with environmental destruction, where the last remnants of forests are protected in cargo ships. Later, the journey takes place near Saturn, known for its stunning rings and celestial beauty, as the crew navigates the vast emptiness of space.

🌍 Earth 🪐 Saturn

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:07

Main Characters – Silent Running (1972)

Meet the key characters of Silent Running (1972), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Freeman Lowell (Bruce Dern)

Freeman Lowell is a passionate botanist and ecologist, deeply committed to preserving the last remnants of Earth's forests. His character displays resilience and determination, evolving from a caretaker to a rebel fighting against the destruction of his beloved arboreal life.

🌱 Protector 🔧 Innovator 🎖️ Rebel

Wolf (Ron Rifkin)

Wolf is one of Lowell's crewmates and represents the conflicting interests within the crew. He embodies the antagonistic forces of commercial exploitation, whose drastic decisions prompt Lowell's dramatic transformation and rebellion.

⚔️ Antagonist 🔥 Destructive 🎭 Complex

Huey

Huey is one of the service robots aboard the Valley Forge who assists Lowell in his quest. With a personality that resonates with humor and loyalty, Huey serves not just as a tool, but as an integral partner in Lowell's mission, showcasing the emotional depth that can exist within artificial intelligence.

🤖 Loyal 🎉 Humorous 🛠️ Helper

Dewey

Dewey is another service robot and companion to Lowell, notable for its protective nature over Huey. Dewey evolves alongside Lowell, reflecting the themes of companionship, showcasing how even machines can embody emotional connections.

🤖 Supportive 🎮 Playful ❤️ Companion

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:07

Major Themes – Silent Running (1972)

Explore the central themes of Silent Running (1972), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌳 Environmentalism

At its core, the movie emphasizes the importance of preserving nature against industrial greed. Freeman Lowell's dedication to nurturing the last forests symbolizes humanity's responsibility towards the environment, highlighting the dire need for conservation in a world facing ecological collapse.

🤖 Human-Technology Connection

The relationship between Lowell and his robotic companions illustrates an evolving bond between humans and technology. As he treats Huey and Dewey as family, the film explores themes of companionship, loyalty, and the blurring lines between organic life and machines.

💔 Sacrifice

A prominent theme in the film is sacrifice, seen through Lowell's ultimate decision to jettison the bio-dome to protect its contents. This act of selflessness signifies the lengths to which one may go to preserve what is precious, encapsulating the emotional weight of his mission.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:07

Unlock the Full Story of Silent Running

Don't stop at just watching — explore Silent Running in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Silent Running is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Silent Running Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Silent Running, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Silent Running Summary

Silent Running Timeline

Track the full timeline of Silent Running with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Silent Running Timeline

More About Silent Running

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Silent Running: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Silent Running

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