Logan's Run is a 70's sci-fi movie that fell slap bang between the intellectualism of the earlier 2001: A Space Odyssey and the later action-adventurism of Star Wars. It seemed to allude to the past while hinting at the future that sci-fi was about to take. As a result, it is very satisfying. Its mix of dark dystopian conundrums with fast-paced action works very well.
It's set in an enclosed world in a post-apocalyptic Earth. The inhabitants lead hedonistic, care-free lives. But the catch is that everybody has to submit to forced euthanasia at the age of thirty. The vast majority of the brain-washed populace, however, believe what they are told by their overlords and think that they will be renewed to live their lives again. The story tells of a sandman (a state hit-man) who starts to have doubts about this and is sent on a mission to the outside world to find a place called Sanctuary.
Over and above everything, what makes Logan's Run such a delight is the excellent set-design and detailed model work. The colourful large interiors of the domed world are extremely attractive, while the ice caves and overgrown Washington D.C. are very well done also. The model work may look like, well, model work but it's beautifully designed and adds a certain charm. The story itself is good enough; although things do slow down somewhat once the characters leave their city and venture outside leading to a rather unsatisfying ending. But there is enough quality beforehand to make up for this. The film benefits from its two principal actors, Michael York and Jenny Agutter. York is as reliable as always, while Agutter probably steals the show as the beautiful and mysterious Jessica 6.
It's set in an enclosed world in a post-apocalyptic Earth. The inhabitants lead hedonistic, care-free lives. But the catch is that everybody has to submit to forced euthanasia at the age of thirty. The vast majority of the brain-washed populace, however, believe what they are told by their overlords and think that they will be renewed to live their lives again. The story tells of a sandman (a state hit-man) who starts to have doubts about this and is sent on a mission to the outside world to find a place called Sanctuary.
Over and above everything, what makes Logan's Run such a delight is the excellent set-design and detailed model work. The colourful large interiors of the domed world are extremely attractive, while the ice caves and overgrown Washington D.C. are very well done also. The model work may look like, well, model work but it's beautifully designed and adds a certain charm. The story itself is good enough; although things do slow down somewhat once the characters leave their city and venture outside leading to a rather unsatisfying ending. But there is enough quality beforehand to make up for this. The film benefits from its two principal actors, Michael York and Jenny Agutter. York is as reliable as always, while Agutter probably steals the show as the beautiful and mysterious Jessica 6.