Silent Running Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A space hippie murders his coworkers to save some trees, then realizes he’s bad at gardening and relies on robots to do everything.

🍿 Silent Running: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Dying Earth, Last Hope in Space

In a future where Earth is barren of plant life, the planet’s last ecosystems are preserved in large geodesic domes attached to spacecraft orbiting Saturn. Botanist Freeman Lowell serves on the Valley Forge, dedicated to nurturing these forests and their creatures, dreaming of a day when they can be returned to Earth.

Orders to Destroy

The crew receives orders to jettison and destroy the domes, freeing up the spacecraft for commercial use. Lowell is devastated and refuses to comply, seeing the destruction of the forests as a tragic loss for humanity. He attempts to persuade his crewmates, but they are eager to return home.

Lowell’s Rebellion

Desperate to save the forests, Lowell takes drastic action. He kills his crewmates and fakes the destruction of the domes to mislead his superiors. Now alone, accompanied only by three service robots, he redirects the Valley Forge into deep space, hoping to protect the last vestiges of nature.

Caring for the Forest, Facing Disaster

Lowell renames the robots Huey, Dewey, and Louie, teaching them basic tasks and finding companionship in their presence. However, he soon realizes that the forest is dying due to a lack of sunlight, a critical oversight. As the Valley Forge drifts towards Saturn’s rings, Lowell races against time to save his beloved ecosystem.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Freeman Lowell (Bruce Dern): A botanist and astronaut who loves Earth’s last forests and takes extreme measures to protect them from destruction.
• John Keenan (Cliff Potts): A crew member on the Valley Forge who is indifferent to the mission and eager to return to Earth.
• Marty Barker (Ron Rifkin): A crew member on the Valley Forge who shows little respect for Lowell’s dedication to the forests.
• Andy Wolf (Jesse Vint): A crew member who along with Keenan and Barker clashes with Lowell.
• Dewey (Mark Persons): One of the three small robots who becomes Lowell’s companion and assistant in maintaining the forest.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Freeman Lowell: “It calls back a time when there were flowers all over the Earth… and there were valleys. And there were plains of tall green grass that you could lie down in – you could go to sleep in. And there were blue skies, and there was fresh air…” – Lowell expresses his longing for a lost Earth to his apathetic crewmates.
• Freeman Lowell: “Take good care of the forest, Dewey.” – Lowell says this to Dewey as he jettisons the last dome into space, entrusting the robot with its care.
• Freeman Lowell: “When I was a kid, I put a note into a bottle, and it had my name and address on it. And then I threw the bottle into the ocean. And I never knew if anyone ever found it.” – Lowell reflects on his childhood as he prepares to destroy the Valley Forge.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $1,104

💥 Silent Running Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching Silent Running as a kid and being profoundly moved by it. The image of those domes in space, the lonely astronaut, and those little robots stuck with me. The film’s message about protecting the environment is even more relevant today. I found the film’s ending to be incredibly poignant; it’s a reminder that even small actions can make a difference.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Sci-fi fans”
  • “Environmentalists”
  • “Fans of character-driven stories”
  • “Viewers interested in thought-provoking themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence (murder)”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Themes of isolation and despair”
  • “Sad or tragic moments”

Professional Reviews

• Sci-Fi Movie Review: “Silent Running is a unique and poignant science fiction film that explores themes of environmentalism and isolation. While the effects may seem dated to some, the underlying message and Bruce Dern’s performance still resonate strongly. It’s a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that is well worth watching.
• Movie Fanatic: “A bit slow-paced and preachy at times, but Silent Running’s message about environmental conservation remains relevant. The robots are charming, and Dern delivers a powerful, if somewhat over-the-top, performance. The film’s visuals and special effects for its time are remarkable.
• Retro Review: “Silent Running is a product of its time, with a strong environmental message and a folk-inspired soundtrack. The film’s visuals, especially the model work, are impressive, and Dern gives a memorable performance as the troubled botanist. It remains an important film in the sci-fi genre.

Audience Reactions

The emotional connection with the robot drones was surprisingly strong.: Viewers often highlight the film’s powerful environmental message and the emotional connection with the robot characters.

The film’s ending is incredibly moving and thought-provoking.: Many appreciate Bruce Dern’s performance, noting his portrayal of isolation and dedication to the environment as a highlight.

Overall Consensus: Silent Running is a thought-provoking science fiction film that still resonates with audiences due to its powerful environmental message and unique characters. While it may show its age in some aspects, its themes remain timeless.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The Valley Forge spaceship was actually the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45).”
• “The drones were operated by bilateral amputees to achieve their unique gait and movements.”
• “To keep costs down, Trumbull hired college students for model making and other special effects work. One of them, John Dykstra, went on to a distinguished special effects career of his own.”
• “Several American Airlines and Dow Chemical logos are prominently displayed throughout the film, reflecting the corporate presence and branding prevalent at the time.”

🖥️ How to Watch Silent Running?

As a cult classic, Silent Running isn’t widely available on major streaming subscription services. To watch, you’ll likely need to rent or buy it through digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or Vudu. Check these platforms for availability in your region. You can also find it for purchase on physical media, such as Blu-ray and DVD, through online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Silent Running, you might like these similar films:

• 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968): Features similar themes of isolation in space and philosophical exploration of humanity’s place in the universe.
• Dark Star (1974): Another sci-fi film dealing with the boredom and alienation of space travel, with a darkly comedic tone.
• Moon (2009): Explores the themes of isolation, identity, and corporate exploitation in a lunar setting.
• Solaris (1972): Presents a psychological drama set in space, delving into themes of memory, consciousness, and the human condition when confronted with the unknown.
• Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984): Shares similar environmental themes, portraying a post-apocalyptic world and the struggle to coexist with nature.

🛒 Silent Running Related Products

• Silent Running [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray release featuring remastered visuals and bonus content, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Drones Huey, Dewey and Louie Model Kit: Authentically detailed model kit of the robot drones Huey, Dewey, and Louie from the movie. Perfect for building and displaying.
• Silent Running Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original theatrical poster. A great addition to any sci-fi fan’s collection.
• Earthrise T-Shirt: 100% cotton T-shirt featuring a design inspired by the film’s ecological themes. Show your love for the movie and the environment.

🎧 Soundtrack

Silent Running features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Silent Running” – performed by Joan Baez
• “Rejoice in the Sun” – performed by Joan Baez
• “Main Title” – performed by Peter Schickele

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Edgar Wright on SILENT RUNNING

Ever wonder what a cool director like Edgar Wright thinks about Silent Running? He breaks down why this seemingly simple space odyssey is actually super profound and relevant today. I never thought about it that way before, but he totally changed my mind!

When Time Stood Still – By ELO (warning-Silent Running movie spoilers)

This is a pretty cool fan video! Someone mashed up Silent Running footage with an ELO song, and honestly, it’s way more emotional than I expected. Give it a watch, it’s a whole vibe!

1970s Sci-Fi Movies That Are Actually Still Worth Watching

Looking for more classic sci-fi after Silent Running? This video runs through a list of the best sci-fi the 70s has to offer, and I have to say, it’s pretty good. It’s a great watch if you want to find your next favorite movie!

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