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Logan's Run (1976)
Rate:
6
Viewed:
2/17
2/17:
Logan's Run is a compelling sci-fi picture that's hampered by problems.
First of all, there's no way people can survive without sun. Being enclosed in a dome for all of one's life is okay, but
it's not healthy. Everybody needs the sun in order to live. Plus, not knowing what a sun is isn't possible, and it heats any
planet.
If it's 2274, then the spoken language will have to be drastically different from 1976. This always happens. You only need to
check out Shakespeare's plays for confirmation. Then, take a look at anything from the 19th century, and read some more
from the 50's. Language does change a lot.
All I saw in the world of Logan's Run is white people. I guess they're essential to survival. No fatsos,
people with disabilities, or anybody of color, it's like When Worlds Collide all over again. When Logan and
Jessica discovered the ruins of Washington, D.C., I'm immediately reminded of what happened at the end of
Planet of the Apes. Why couldn't the filmmakers come up with something original?
Richard Jordan, who plays Logan's friend Francis, was Learned Hand's grandson. He died of brain tumor in 1993 at the age of
56. His role was intended for William Devane, but he dropped out to replace Roy Thinnes in Alfred Hitchcock's final picture
Family Plot. Like everybody else, Michael York does an okay job. The truth is
that he's never been a great actor, just serviceable enough not to ruin the picture.
Highlighted by the cinematography and visual effects despite the apparent look of a miniature set, the story is
interesting to follow, and I like it when the writers take the time to explain the terminology such as sandman, runner, and
Carrousal. I had to figure out the meaning of the colors which represented differences of age groups. Why people must
die at age 30 for the purpose of population control makes sense. The reason for the runners is that they want to live past 30,
knowing full well the concept of "renewal" is fraudulent.
Yes, Logan's Run is painfully dated for 1976. The fact of matter is that it was in development hell, starting in
1968, and thus missed the wave of successful sci-fi pictures. Star Wars came out a year later, and the difference between
these two was night and day.
All in all, Logan's Run is a worthwhile sci-fi picture, but it drags a lot and the plot needs more meat.