Soylent Green

Soylent Green

Year: 1973

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Richard Fleischer

Sci-FiMysteryThrillerCrime

In a severely overpopulated and resource-depleted New York City, Detective Thorn investigates the suspicious death of a Soylent Corporation executive. As he pursues the case, he uncovers a disturbing secret about the company's popular food product, Soylent Green, and its origins. His investigation leads him into a dangerous confrontation with powerful figures, forcing him to question everything he thought he knew and ultimately leading him to a shocking revelation about the state of the world.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Soylent Green (1973)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Soylent Green (1973). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2022

The year 2022 is characterized by severe climate change and resource depletion, leading to dire living conditions. With temperatures consistently above 90°F and an unemployment rate near 50%, society has fractured. This period reflects a grim future where humanity faces the fallout of environmental negligence and societal collapse.

Location

New York City

New York City in 2022 is a shadow of its former self, grappling with a staggering population of 40 million. The city suffers from extreme overcrowding, with streets filled with homeless individuals and dilapidated housing becoming commonplace. Once a symbol of vibrancy and opportunity, the city now presents a dystopian landscape marked by desperation and decay.

🏙️ City 🌆 Dystopia

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:23

Main Characters – Soylent Green (1973)

Meet the key characters of Soylent Green (1973), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Robert Thorn (Charlton Heston)

Detective Robert Thorn is a hardened investigator striving to solve a high-profile murder amid societal chaos. He is resourceful and determined, often navigating ethical gray areas to seek justice. His character reflects a deep frustration with the corruption surrounding him and a relentless spirit in the fight against oppression.

👮 Detective 🔍 Investigator

Solomon 'Sol' Roth (Edward G. Robinson)

Sol Roth is an elderly former college professor and Thorn's roommate, offering wisdom and insight from a time of abundance. His nostalgic tales provide a stark contrast to the bleak world around him, embodying the loss of hope and knowledge. Roth's character adds emotional depth and complexity to the storyline.

📚 Wise 👴 Elderly

William R. Simonson (Joseph Cotten)

William R. Simonson is a wealthy lawyer whose mysterious murder serves as the catalyst for the story. His position in society and connections to the powerful reveal the dark underbelly of corruption that Thorn must confront. Simonson's character is pivotal in illustrating the disparity between wealth and the grim realities faced by the average citizen.

⚖️ Lawyer 💰 Wealthy

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:23

Major Themes – Soylent Green (1973)

Explore the central themes of Soylent Green (1973), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The quest for truth and justice drives the narrative forward, as Detective Robert Thorn navigates a complex conspiracy. His determination to uncover the truth about the murder and the nefarious practices of the Soylent Corporation highlights the struggle against systemic corruption. The theme is emphasized through Thorn's relentless pursuit amidst societal decay and moral ambiguity.

🌍 Environmental Decline

The movie poignantly addresses the theme of environmental decline, showcasing the devastating impact of climate change and resource depletion. The oppressive heat and scarcity of food demonstrate the consequences of humanity's choices. This theme serves as a chilling warning about the future of the planet and the fragility of civilization.

🥺 Desperation

Desperation permeates the film as characters confront the harsh realities of survival in a collapsing society. The scarcity of food and the reliance on processed rations lead to violent riots, and the protagonist's struggle against overwhelming odds signifies the fight for dignity and truth. This theme evokes empathy and reflection on human resilience.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:23

Unlock the Full Story of Soylent Green

Don't stop at just watching — explore Soylent Green 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 Soylent Green is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Soylent Green Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Soylent Green, 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.

Soylent Green Summary

Soylent Green Timeline

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

Soylent Green Timeline

More About Soylent Green

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Soylent Green: 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 Soylent Green

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