Logan's Run
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Movie Reviews of Logan's Run
Movie Review: 5 stars for cultural impact
Summary: 5 Stars
I've always had a soft spot for this movie, as it was the first film that I saw by myself as a child in 1976. No one has ever argued that it's high art, but after 25 years, it's clear that this movie has more impact on the American collective psyche than most people realize. If you ask someone about the film "Logan's Run", you might get a blank stare. But tell them it's the film with the palm crystals, everyone dies at 30 in a bizarre "carrousel" (sic) ceremony, then nearly everyone (over 30, ironically) knows the movie of which you speak.In reflecting why this is so, for a moment ignore the logic inconsistencies (if the computer is all-powerful, why doesn't it implant a timed poison pill to be released at age 30?) and the numerous continuity problems (there are four crystal age colors, but that doesn't neatly divide into 30, and "red" seems to last for 8 years???). Many have said that it was unusually dark for its period, but a screening of "Soylent Green", "Rollerball", and "Silent Running" puts that theory to bed. On the surface, it's just one more of a long list of early 1970s eschatological nightmares. But why the hell does a city near Washington (Baltimore? Alexandria?) have so many citizens with English accents?
So why is this film remembered when so many of its peers fade away? I think the answer lies in its indictment of youth oriented culture...we see that a culture based on the young is glamorous, but things don't work very well and break down (a theme from the William F. Nolan/George Clayton Johnson novel). For example, there is a slum in "Cathedral" and in the undersea city works that the all-powerful computer can't seem to repair. In a deleted scene, Francis off-handedly wishes a former lover luck as she participates in the Carrousel early in the film. We know from that encounter that adult relationships are incredibly shallow, and this is reinforced by the Sandman who "beam in" lovers for the evening.
After the initial luster of "Logan's Run" wore off, many remember it for its camp (unintentional) and its scathing spotlight on pop culture and youth worship. So it remains a de rigeur film to see on the eve of one's 30th birthday, and an interesting paragraph in the history of 1970s sci-fi.
The presentation of the DVD is fine. Audiophiles and videophiles may take issue with its dated sound and artifacting, but for most it's quite beautiful in DD 5.1 and TODD-AO glory. The director's commentary is interesting, but the great comments come from Michael York. Also included is a "making of" documentary, and the usual subtititles, language tracks, and bios.
Very strongly recommended!
Movie Review: Big budget sci-fi made its triumphant debut here
Summary: 5 Stars
Along with the 70's cultural phenomenon 'Star Wars' and the later monumental 'Close Encounters Of The Third Kind', 'Logan's Run' injected enduring respectability into the science fiction genre helping give way to the studios willingness to produce big budget sci-fi. Though there had been earlier successful financial ventures into the field of science fiction ('Planet Of The Apes', 'Westworld', etc.) the release of these three would push the genre over-the-top and open the door for all the mega-buck blockbusters that have followed.Distinguished by dazzling special effects for it's time, 'Logan's Run' continues to gather a strong cult following even within the core of today's sophisticated film fans. The combination of intelligent storytelling, a superb synthesized music score interpolated with some orchestral arrangements and both inspired set and scenic design prove too irresistible for nearly everyone. But perhaps what provides the movie it's biggest reason for longevity is the exemplary cast; featuring Michael York, Jenny Agutter and Richard Jordan in the three primary leads, their terrific performances propel this cinematic treat. Besides the star trio 'Logan's Run' also has memorable portrayals by Peter Ustinov as the "Old Man" and Roscoe Lee Browne as "Box" a robot sentry that York and Agutter encounter during their attempt to find the secret paradise of Sanctuary. The two veteran film actors steal every scene they're in; Browne is actually inside the robot mechanism making all those movements we see - and his resonating voice imbues the odd-looking sentry with a foreboding sense of evil. Ustinov reportedly adlibbed much of his own dialogue at the insistence of the film's director Michael Anderson. The "Old Man" will be etched into your mind forever once you see this remarkable performance. 70's pop culture sensation Farrah Fawcett appears briefly in the pivotal role of Holly, just prior to the launching of the television series "Charlie's Angels".
Since it's release in 1976 'Logan's Run' has been superceded by many science fiction and fantasy films of superior quality, aided immensely by the many technological advances in computer generated animation and all areas of special effects. Personally I find that only a few them achieve the same inestimable factor of entertainment that this film does. Also, like me the film's many ardent fans, most of whom have fond sentimental memories of this film, do not forget it's importance to this genre or fail to recognize it's influence upon several movies that have followed in it's wake.
Movie Review: A bit excentric, but absolutely worth watching.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an awsome movie, even by today's standards. Granted the special effects can sometimes look corny or cheesy, but for the time when this movie was produced, the effects were top notch. The story line goes like this. It is the year 2275. Disasters have forced what remains of civilization into a self contained, domed city. No one goes outside the city becuase they all beleive it to be a barren wasteland, incapable of supporting life. This is because it WAS that way when the city was founded, but that was over a hundred years ago. Since the city was founded, there was realised a great need to maintain the population to acceptable levels. So, it is determined that at age 30 you will "terminate". If you do not want to end your life at 30, you can participate on the "Carosel" on your "Last Day" (30 years to the day of your birth). The recorded message basically says that if you have a strong enough desire to renew, you will. Renewing gives you an unstated amount of extra time. If you are ready to end, you don't have to participate on Carosel. However, there exist a few people who don't want to follow the rules. They "run" from their fate. To prevent people from running (as well as for general law enforcement) there are a group of cop like folks. Each is refered to as a SandMan. It is their responsibility to enforce law in the domed city, and to track down anyone who decides to run, and terminate them.
Now meet Logan 5. He's a sand man, and he loves his job. But one day when he is doing his job and terminates a runner, he finds an Ankh on the runner. He doesn't think much of it. So he picks it up with the rest of the runner's belongings, and heads back to HQ to be "debriefed". But the central computer DOES recognise the Ankh. It is determined to be a symbol associated with a legenday place called Sanctuary, where runners can go and hide and live out their life normally (as you and I would consider normal). The computer determines that Sanctuary must be either right on the inside of the dome, or outside the city. Logan 5 is assigned to find sanctuary, and destroy it.
And so begins his Grand adventure, during the process of which he leaves the city, Falls in love with his "partner in crime, Jessica" (which is strictly forbidden in the city), Finds a man who has more cats than I could count, and returns to the city to try and stop the madness.
A very good movie on all counts. It should have been more popular.
Movie Review: Renew! Renew! Renew!
Summary: 5 Stars
LOGAN'S RUN is a thinking person's sci fi outing with all the trappings of 70s cinema. Michael York and Farrah - the names alone tell you this is the height of 70s chic. Unisex haridos and costumes, location shooting in a MALL, models of a city and its transportation that aren't going to fool anyone, and gorgeous matte paintings that won an OSCAR. All wrapped around a cautionary tale of technology gone awry in a culture that only values beauty and youth. The story revolves around domed cities of the future where people live after a nuclear catastrophe ravages the ecosystem. Population control is a concern, and the solution is a 30 year lifespan for all citizens. This is enforced by a custom called CAROUSEL where one hopes to "RENEW" but seems to just explode in a firey death. Michael York plays Logan, a sandman who is assigned to find out what is happening to runners - people who try to escape CAROUSEL at 30 and live on. It's a cult classic that came out a year before STAR WARS, and the odd thing is look at the effects. STAR WARS really made lightyears jumps in how Sci Fi looked!
The DVD is a wonderful bargain. You get featurettes, trailers, and a commentary with directors, designers, and Michael York himself. Oddly he takes credit for Farrah Fawcett's career - he claims to have discovered her. It's so much fun to listen to!
Differences from the book? In the novel people died at 21, and they were just sent to crematoriums (no eerie CAROUSEL!), and to escape Logan plans to board a spaceship! Seems the whole planet is run by machines. Many differences were made from the novel because of technical concerns. York was too old to be 21, the domed cities were easier to film, and CAROUSEL was a spectacular way of dying! I've heard rumors of a remake - evn one where Leo was involved as Logan, but nothing concrete. Until then enjoy the 70s camp!
Movie Review: A visually stunning sci-fi spectacle
Summary: 5 Stars
I have fond memories of seeing "Logan's Run" in the theaters many years ago, and am delighted to see this film getting a fine presentation on DVD. Directed by Michael Anderson, the film takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where humans live a hedonistic life in the shelter of a domed city. There's just one catch to this pleasure-oriented utopia: nobody is permitted to live past the age of 30. The title character, played by Michael York, is a Sandman: an elite policeman assigned to kill those who flee the birthday death sentence. But a surprising assignment takes Logan on a voyage that will change him profoundly."Logan's Run" is an adventure tale, a love story, a crime drama, a social satire, and a sumptuous visual spectacle all in one. The whole package is superbly enhanced by Jerry Goldsmith's inventive and varied score. This is one of the most visually stylish science fiction films ever made; it's full of scenes that are truly unforgettable.
The film is really grounded by the performances by the superb cast. Michael York and Jenny Agutter make an absolutely enchanting screen couple; the evolution of their characters' relationship is one of the key pleasures of the film. Richard Jordan brings complexity and intensity to his role as a fellow Sandman. And Peter Ustinov is delightfully warm, funny, and loveable in a critical supporting role.
The DVD includes a vintage "making of" featurette, as well as a full-length audio commentary by actor York, director Anderson, and costume designer Bill Thomas. The three discuss casting, stunts, special effects, Peter Ustinov's ad-libbing, and other aspects of making the film. They reveal some fascinating and delightful bits of trivia along the way. This is one of those great commentary tracks that makes you appreciate the film even more.