Plot
In a hermetically sealed post-apocalyptic urban environment several centuries hence, Logan 5 (Michael York) and his friend Francis 7 (Richard Jordan) lead unquestioning lives of hedonism. Entertainment comes in the form of casual sexual liaisons and gladiatorial games in which those who do not wish to undergo euthanasia at the age of 30 vie for the illusory chance of continued life. As "sandmen," Logan and Francis are charged with tracking down and killing "runners" -- those citizens who will submit to neither "renewal" (a peaceful death) nor "carousel" (a gladiatorial battle) when their time comes. When Logan grows intrigued by a beautiful young woman, Jessica 6 (Jenny Agutter), who plans to become a runner, he is forced to question the fundamental principles of his society. And when his superiors force him to pose as a runner himself to weed out Jessica's guerilla underground, Logan finds himself fleeing the city in search of a mythical place called Sanctuary, where people are allowed to live out their natural spans. ~ Brian J. Dillard, RoviReview
Taking its basic premise and characters' names but little substance from the 1967 novel by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson, Logan's Run appeared in the mid-'70s, after the grim sci-fi explorations of Stanley Kubrick, but before the populist success of George Lucas. Falling artistically as well as chronologically between those two directors' works, the film explores interesting sociological issues with more slickness than depth. As with many science fiction films, too much effort is spent explicating the scenario and too little is spent truly exploring the issues of morality and mortality inherent within. Brooding blond hunk Michael York plays the morally ambiguous protagonist with scowling proficiency, but fellow marquee name Farrah Fawcett manages to cram more wretched acting and non sequiter facial expressions into a brief cameo than most actresses could fit into a leading role. The action sequences involving York's and Jenny Agutter's characters as they flee the city prove gripping and well-directed even though the final act collapses under the weight of its own silliness. Still, the what-if premise of Logan's Run proved resonant enough that it spawned a short-lived TV series the following year. Stylish production design offsets special effects so dated that you can practically smell the mothballs when the film receives contemporary screenings. Compare this with David Cronenberg's contemporaneous Shivers for a more nuanced extrapolation of '70s decadence. ~ Brian J. Dillard, RoviCast
- Michael York - Logan
- Richard Jordan - Francis
- Jenny Agutter - Jessica
- Roscoe Lee Browne - Box
- Farrah Fawcett - Holly
Credit
Bill Thomas - Costume Designer, Michael Anderson - Director, Bob Wyman - Editor, Jerry Goldsmith - Composer (Music Score), Laurence Rosenthal - Composer (Music Score), Dale Hennesy - Production Designer, Ernest Laszlo - Cinematographer, Saul David - Producer, Robert de Vestel - Set Designer, L.B. Abbott - Special Effects, Jerry Jost - Sound/Sound Designer, Wiliam L. McCaughey - Sound/Sound Designer, Aaron Rochin - Sound/Sound Designer, Harry W. Tetrick - Sound/Sound Designer, Glenn Wilder - Stunts, Bill Couch - Stunts Coordinator, David Zelag Goodman - Screenwriter, George Clayton Johnson - Book Author, William F. Nolan - Book Author| Log Cabin Quilt (1989 Film), Loft (2008 Film) | |
| Logan's Run (2013 Film), Logan's War: Bound by Honor (1998 Film) |
Copyright © 2012 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Movie Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.
