Charlton Heston’s Dystopian Classic: Watch Soylent Green and Uncover Its Shocking Twist

by

A great choice for what to watch next after seeing “Planet of the Apes” isn’t its sequel, but rather “Soylent Green,” a distinct science fiction film starring Charlton Heston from the original movie. In 1968’s “Planet of the Apes,” Heston portrayed George Taylor, the iconic astronaut who inadvertently lands on a post-apocalyptic Earth. This film gave rise to numerous other “Planet of the Apes” movies, and despite Heston only being involved in two of them, his character, George Taylor, is crucial to the franchise’s lasting popularity. In truth, it’s debatable whether “Planet of the Apes” would have achieved its current status as a beloved classic without Heston’s captivating performance.

George Taylor, portrayed by Charlton Heston in the “Planet of the Apes” series, is undoubtedly his most memorable performance in the science fiction genre, yet not his sole impactful one. Just three years after a brief return as George Taylor in “Beneath the Planet of the Apes,” Charlton Heston took on another sci-fi role in 1973’s “Soylent Green.” Directed by Richard Fleischer, this film may not feature Heston battling ruthless, ape-like killers or time travel, but it delivers an experience that should resonate with fans of his initial science fiction movie appearance.

Like Planet Of The Apes, Soylent Green Is A Great Dystopian Movie Starring Charlton Heston

It Also Has A Shocking Ending Twist Reminiscent Of Planet Of The Apes’ Statue Of Liberty Scene

Just like how I find myself drawn into the world of Planet of the Apes, the film Soylent Green also takes me on a journey into a dismal future for mankind, although not quite as post-apocalyptic as in Planet of the Apes. Instead, it subtly unveils that the world portrayed in Soylent Green is far from optimistic. The story doesn’t show civilization crumbling as it does in Planet of the Apes, but the signs are there – society seems to be teetering on the edge of collapse. From the very beginning, it becomes clear that overpopulation, along with other pressing concerns, has ravaged our planet, leaving the vast majority of people struggling due to global food and water scarcity.

As a film enthusiast engrossed in the world of “Soylent Green,” I can’t help but notice the stark contrast between the living conditions of its characters. The lower class struggles daily with grimy, almost unlivable environments, some even reduced to a life akin to slavery. A chasm so vast separates them from the opulent lives led by the wealthy and powerful. Yet, despite their disparate realities, there’s one shared experience that bridges this divide—their dependency on Soylent Green. This enigmatic company is the lifeline for civilization’s primary food source, a resource so vital it bears the very name of the film itself.

In the movie “Soylent Green,” Charlton Heston plays Robert Thorn, a New York City police detective who investigates the murder of an executive from the Soylent Green food processing company. As he delves deeper into the case, Thorn uncovers a shocking secret that could change the world. Unlike his character George Taylor, in “Soylent Green,” Heston’s role is not that of an outsider but rather someone who has grown up and lived within this dystopian society, struggling with poverty and food scarcity as it’s controlled by Soylent Green.

Soylent Green Is Charlton Heston’s Second Best Science Fiction Movie

Soylent Green Is One Of The Best Sci-Fi Movies Of The 1970s

As a film enthusiast, I may not rank Soylent Green on par with the timeless sci-fi masterpiece that is Planet of the Apes, but it certainly holds its own against the iconic film in several aspects. The originality of the concept and the exceptional acting performances in Planet of the Apes are undeniable, but what truly sets it apart is the unforgettable twist at the end – the moment when Taylor realizes his heart-wrenching truth that he never left Earth. Similarly, Soylent Green offers a shocking plot twist in its climax, one that leaves Heston’s character shattered by a discovery that redefines reality as we know it.

Although not as profoundly as the Statue of Liberty scene in “Planet of the Apes,” the ending of “Soylent Green” is memorable in its unique way, earning numerous cultural references long after its debut. This lasting impact has secured a distinctive spot for it within Charlton Heston’s film career legacy.

Read More

2025-05-18 00:49