If you’ve just experienced the gripping narrative of Planet of the Apes, you might find that the ideal follow-up isn’t its sequel, but rather the remarkably different science fiction classic, Soylent Green. In the iconic 1968 film, Charlton Heston delivers a memorable performance as George Taylor, an astronaut who inadvertently travels to a dystopian future on a ravaged Earth. Although this film led to multiple sequels within the Planet of the Apes franchise, which is now a household name, Heston’s portrayal of George Taylor was pivotal to the original’s widespread appeal. His compelling performance undoubtedly contributed to the franchise’s enduring legacy.
While George Taylor is often regarded as Charlton Heston’s most significant contribution to science fiction, it is by no means his only noteworthy role. Just three years following his return as Taylor in Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Heston starred in yet another remarkable sci-fi film: Soylent Green. Released in 1973 under the direction of Richard Fleischer, this film offers a strikingly different experience from Heston’s previous work, immersing viewers into a chilling vision of humanity’s future.
Dystopian Parallels Between Planet of the Apes and Soylent Green
An Unexpected Twist: A Homage to the Iconic Ending of Planet of the Apes
Both Planet of the Apes and Soylent Green plunge Charlton Heston into a grim vision of humanity’s future. While the former is set in a fully post-apocalyptic world, Soylent Green illustrates a society teetering on the edge of collapse. Although civilization has not entirely fallen apart, it is inescapably clear that it is gravely strained by issues such as overpopulation, resulting in critical shortages of food and water. The film’s setting in 2022, though intended as a depiction of the future when it was released, presents an unsettling reflection on societal stressors and their potential consequences.
The narrative positions many characters in dire circumstances, illustrating a stark contrast between wealth and poverty, with the affluent enjoying a lifestyle of luxury while the majority grapples with harsh realities. Yet, regardless of their social standing, both the rich and the impoverished rely on a singular corporation named Soylent Green for sustenance—significantly heightening the film’s tension.
Heston’s character, Detective Robert Thorn, is not an intruder into this bleak world; rather, he is a product of it. His role requires him to investigate the murder of a Soylent Green executive, leading him to unveil shocking secrets that could alter society’s very foundation.
Soylent Green: A Landmark in Charlton Heston’s Sci-Fi Career
Soylent Green: An Icon of 1970s Science Fiction
While Soylent Green might not hold the same iconic status as Planet of the Apes, it shares several qualities that make it an essential viewing for fans of science fiction. The latter film is celebrated for its captivating premise and outstanding performances, but it notably leaves viewers with the astounding revelation of the Statue of Liberty, which symbolizes the tragic irony of Taylor’s plight. In a parallel fashion, Soylent Green also captivates audiences with its shocking conclusion—one that similarly evokes a jarring epiphany for Heston’s character.
In the years between his roles in Beneath the Planet of the Apes and Soylent Green, Charlton Heston also starred in The Omega Man (1971), another dystopian sci-fi film which further solidified his status in the genre. While the ending of Soylent Green may not carry the same weight as the Statue of Liberty revelation, it remains iconic in its own right, frequently referenced in popular culture and ensuring its place in Heston’s extensive legacy as a celebrated actor.