Cody, Robert, and Nat take on youth culture in 1976’s LOGAN’S RUN.
LOGAN’S RUN is based on the novel of the same name written by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson. After the fallout of the 1960s and in the midst of the “Me Generation” LOGAN’S RUN was a big hit in 1976 and is largely credited with saving MGM from bankruptcy. Set in the 23rd Century, LOGAN’S RUN features a seeming utopia of freedom and hedonism. A utopia where there’s a price to be paid, forced euthanasia at age 30. Logan (Michael York) is a “Sandman”, a cop that enforces those laws, until ordered to go undercover to discover the location of Sanctuary. Along the way, he falls for Jessica (Jenny Agutter) and they both make a run for it.
With an exceptionally attractive cast featuring the likes of Michael York, Farrah Fawcett, Jenny Agutter, and Richard Jordan, LOGAN’S RUN engages with the “trust no one over 30” idea to an extreme end. It’s also noteworthy for its technical acclaim at the time of release, winning a special Oscar for its Special Effects and being nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction.
But, that was in the pre-STAR WARS era of 1976. The film has been largely forgotten since then. The number of people under age 50 that remember it is small and it’s seen as something of a dated artifact. It might be most notable today for being Farrah Fawcett’s first big break.
And perhaps that’s a fair assessment. It certainly has a high concept, but there are more than nits to pick with the conception of a future utopia / dystopia in LOGAN’S RUN. There are surface level joys and frustrations on a deeper level. We have a lot to say in regards to the film, especially its flaws.
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Time tracks:
LOGAN’S RUN Discussion: 0:00 to 58:24
Next Film and Outro: 58:24 to End
Next month, we tackle one of the big names in science fiction with Andrei Tarkovsky’s SOLARIS. Plus, we’re hoping to bring Bill Ackerman along for the ride. We hope you’ll join us.
