Movie Review Of Soylent Green: Reflective Question

Movie Review Of Soylent Greenremember Reflective Question On The Bac

Write a review of the film "Soylent Green" that includes reflections on specific details presented in the movie. Address the following questions: Which Hampton Roads city is mentioned and why? Explain the significance of “furniture” in the film. Describe what would be considered a special treat. Summarize what occurs on Tuesday. Define what a “sanitation squad” is. Discuss the Soylent Green reports (the large books) and why they are important. Indicate where inventory is kept. Describe the location of trees. Explain why the priest was so disturbed. Clarify why they are trying to kill Thorn, the cop. Discuss why Saul “goes home.” Conclude with a reflective, one-page personal opinion. Consider how probable this kind of world is and whether you have noticed any relevant changes in your lifetime. Also, share your thoughts on the handouts about the rapid growth of dead zones and global re-engineering topics.

Paper For Above instruction

"Soylent Green" is a dystopian science fiction film set in a futuristic world plagued by overpopulation, environmental degradation, and resource scarcity. The film offers a grim vision of society's future, prompting viewers to reflect on current trends and possible extrapolations. This review will analyze key film elements, address posed questions, and provide personal reflections on its themes and relevance.

Hampton Roads City Mentioned and Its Context

The film references the Hampton Roads area, a well-known region in Virginia famous for its maritime activities and military presence. In "Soylent Green," this location is mentioned to underline the extent of environmental and societal collapse; it signals that even strategically important and resource-rich regions are not immune to the dystopian conditions. The mention serves as a reminder that the crisis depicted is global, affecting diverse areas, including those typically considered resilient or resource-abundant. The inclusion of Hampton Roads adds a layer of realism to the fictional future, grounding the science fiction in recognizable geography.

The Significance of “Furniture” in the Film

In the world of "Soylent Green," “furniture” often refers to discarded or repurposed items—symbolic of a society where resources are so scarce that even basic comforts are considered luxuries. The term reflects the re-use and recycling culture driven by food shortages and environmental collapse. People may use “furniture” made from unconventional or salvaged materials, emphasizing the decay of conventional manufacturing and the importance of resourcefulness. It underscores the theme of scarcity and the societal shift from consumption to survivalism.

A “Special Treat” in This World

Within the bleak context of "Soylent Green," a “special treat” could be something as simple as a small piece of meat or a rare food item, given the shortage of edible resources. It might also refer to a rare moment of leisure or comfort, such as a clean water source or moment of privacy, which are scarce commodities. The idea highlights how basic pleasures are valued and become extraordinary privileges in a world ravaged by overpopulation and environmental degradation.

The Events of Tuesday

Tuesday in "Soylent Green" is a day when certain societal activities or routines occur—possibly related to rationing or scheduled distribution of essentials. It may also symbolize a typical day of survival, when communities line up for food, workers coordinate operations, or authorities enforce restrictions. The specifics underscore the regimented and controlled nature of daily life in this dystopia, where normalcy is maintained only through strict routines amid chaos.

The Sanitation Squad

The “sanitation squad” refers to a governmental or societal organization responsible for cleaning, waste management, and possibly the disposal of bodies or hazardous materials. In the film, their role is crucial, given the environmental disaster and overpopulation. Their work likely involves managing refuse in a world where natural ecosystems have collapsed, and waste accumulates rapidly. The sanitation squad symbolizes societal efforts to maintain some semblance of order and hygiene in a devastated environment.

The Soylent Green Reports and Their Importance

The “big books” or reports about Soylent Green serve as crucial documents revealing the secret behind the food supply that sustains society. The reports contain information about the true origin of Soylent Green, which is revealed to be made from human remains rather than the supposed natural ingredients. Their importance lies in exposing the moral and ethical corruption at the heart of the society, as well as prompting the characters and viewers to question the true cost of survival. The reports act as a narrative device to unveil the shocking truth behind the food industry in the film’s world.

Location of Inventory

In the film, inventory is kept in designated storage facilities — possibly large warehouses or hidden facilities where resources are stockpiled or guarded. These locations are critical for controlling access to scarce supplies and maintaining societal order. The emphasis on inventory storage underscores the scarcity and control of resources in this dystopian society.

Location of Trees

Contrary to the lush forests of our present, trees in "Soylent Green" are scarce and mainly found in controlled or secretive areas, often located in isolated or protected zones. This scarcity underscores the environmental degradation depicted in the film, where natural vegetation has been decimated, and the world is mostly barren. The few remaining trees symbolize the loss of biodiversity and nature’s decline.

Why the Priest Was Disturbed

The priest’s disturbance reflects the moral and existential crisis brought on by the society’s dark secrets. Witnessing or discovering the truth about Soylent Green, or the suffering and moral decay around him, leads to his distress. His trauma symbolizes the loss of innocence and the spiritual crisis faced by individuals confronted with the horrors of their world.

Why Thorn is Targeted

Thorn, the cop played by Charlton Heston, is targeted because he uncovers or is close to uncovering disturbing truths about the society’s food supply and the secret behind Soylent Green. His attempts to expose or oppose those in power threaten the fragile societal order, making him a target for assassination or suppression by those who wish to conceal the truth and maintain control.

Reasons for Saul’s Return Home

Saul (or the character in question) “goes home” as a symbolic act of retreat or reconciliation, possibly driven by guilt, grief, or the desire for comfort amidst chaos. It may also be a narrative device showing the human desire for normalcy and safety in an unsettling world, or a spiritual seeking of peace after revelations or moral dilemmas.

Personal Reflection

"Soylent Green" presents a haunting vision of a possible future shaped by environmental neglect and overpopulation. While the specific conditions described may seem extreme, many aspects—such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality—are increasingly evident today. The film prompts reflection on the probability of such a world becoming reality, especially as global environmental issues intensify. In my lifetime, I have observed concerns about dwindling natural resources, pollution, and climate change becoming more urgent, suggesting that some elements of the dystopian world might be closer than we think.

Furthermore, the handouts discussing rapid growth of dead zones in oceans and global re-engineering highlight the current environmental crises that could propel society toward a similar dystopia if not addressed. Dead zones, caused by pollution and runoff, threaten marine life and disrupt ecosystems, consistent with themes in the film. Global re-engineering, including geoengineering efforts, pose potential solutions but also ethical and practical challenges that could either mitigate or exacerbate environmental degradation. Overall, "Soylent Green" serves as a cautionary tale to urgently address environmental sustainability and social justice issues to prevent such bleak futures.

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