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Ever watch something that was so clearly kitsch try to take itself too seriously? If not, then behold Logan’s Run, another adaptation of a grim novel that jettisons everything but the most skeletal basics. There’s a compelling idea there but it’s buried under poor acting (from normally solid actors), questionable writing, and environments that have aged poorly since 1976.
Logan’s Run keeps the central premise of the novel: the utopian ideal of this hermetic future world is built upon a disturbing secret – everyone must die by a certain age to maintain societal equilibrium. There’s also a large section where Logan 5 (Michael York) goes on the run with a sexy sidekick/love interest (Jenny Agutter), and that’s about where the novel and movie converge. The rest of the movie gives way to additions, much of it added by Stanley R. Greenburg, the screenwriter of Soylent Green, another grim novel that went misshapen in its transition to the screen.
The entire thing looks like what would happen if The Jetsons got revamped with a disco groove – lots of curved, clean lines and spaces occupied by shag haircuts, neon lights, and a “Me generation” sense of entitlement. There’s a wealth of good material to explore here (ageism, hedonism, technology run amuck, overpopulation), but a lot of it seems like pearl-clutching reactionary measures from an older generation to the waning countercultural movement. Consider it a case of frustrated ambitions.
Much of the film’s emotional journey hinges on Logan’s journey from cog in the machinery to individual stating that is more important that the people be free to live and be. A little bit of flower power, for sure, but not an inherently incorrect assumption as at least parts of this utopia seem nicely progressive. (Homophobia appears to be a thing of the past.) Although, much of Agutter’s Jessica journey is away from liberation and into something resembling heteronormative complacency. Agutter and Farah Fawcett essentially exist to provide jiggly cheesecake in skimpy gowns that barely close or contain much fabric.
Sure, the world of Logan’s Run resembles that of a shopping mall in feather-haired shagginess and mini-skirted glory, but there’s still times when the sense of camp and fun overpowers the awkwardness. Things do seem to improve when we move beyond the city and into the wild world of the rebels, including Peter Ustinov going full ham in his minor role. The entire thing plays a bit like Solid Gold: Armageddon. Make of that what you will.
