“Soylent Green is people!” This iconic line from the 1973 science fiction film directed by Richard Fleischer has become one of the most famous movie quotes of all time. In a dystopian future where resources are scarce, Soylent Green provides a food source that turns out to be made from human beings. The quote is a shocking revelation that has remained in the public consciousness for decades.
But Soylent Green is more than just a line. It is a powerful commentary on overconsumption, environmental degradation, and the loss of humanity in a world driven solely by profit and greed. The film tackles complex themes and presents a bleak vision of the future, where the line between food and people is blurred.
This quote, delivered by Charlton Heston’s character Detective Robert Thorn, is a pivotal moment in the film. It exposes the dark secret behind Soylent Green and challenges the audience to think about the consequences of their actions. It serves as a warning and a wake-up call, urging us to examine the ethical implications of our choices and the impact they have on the world around us.
Memorable Quotes from “Soylent Green”
“Soylent Green is people!”
– Detective Robert Thorn
“You’ve gotta tell them!”
– Detective Robert Thorn
“How do we eat?”
– Shirl
“It’s people. Soylent Green is made out of people!”
– Sol Roth
“We’ve got a cemetery that’s bigger than the city!”
– Sol Roth
“What’s the difference? What’s the difference?”
– Detective Robert Thorn
“You’re the only one who knows, Thorn. You’ve got to tell them!”
– Sol Roth
“Is there anything on this earth that does not have a price?”
– Detective Robert Thorn
“How long can we keep on living on the planet when we are using up its resources?”
– Sol Roth
“They said food was scarce. They didn’t say people were going to starve.”
– Simonson
Iconic Lines from “Soylent Green”
- “Soylent Green is people!” – Detective Thorn
- “You’ve gotta tell them! Soylent Green is made out of people!” – Detective Thorn
- “How do they taste?” – Sol Roth
- “Like cow.” – Detective Thorn
- “Next time, you’ll listen to me, Thorn!” – Sol Roth
- “Those images – different houses… in different years.” – Detective Thorn
- “This sea contains no fish. It’s filled with human waste.” – Sol Roth
Unforgettable Dialogues from “Soylent Green”
1. “Soylent Green is people!”
This iconic line from Detective Thorn, played by Charlton Heston, has become synonymous with the film “Soylent Green”. It is a moment of shocking revelation that reveals the dark truth behind the mysterious food product.
2. “You’ve gotta tell them! Soylent Green is made out of people!”
In this scene, Detective Thorn passionately pleads with his friend Sol to expose the truth about Soylent Green. It is a desperate plea to bring justice and reveal the horrifying secret to the world.
3. “It’s people. Soylent Green is made out of people!”
This line, repeated by Detective Thorn while interrogating a high-ranking member of the government, highlights his determination to expose the truth about Soylent Green. It showcases his relentless pursuit of justice and his refusal to let the secret remain hidden.
4. “You know, when I was a kid, food was food. Before our eyes and our mouths and our noses told us what it was. Before science told us what was good to eat and what… we shouldn’t eat.”
Thorn’s conversation with Sol in this dialogue reflects on the changing relationship between humans and food. It raises questions about how society has come to rely on processed food substitutes like Soylent Green and the loss of natural and wholesome sources of nourishment.
5. “The oceans died, the plankton died, everything died. It was the greenhouse effect.”
This dialogue between Thorn and Sol highlights the devastating consequences of climate change in the fictional world of “Soylent Green”. It serves as a warning about the dangers of disregarding the environment and the potential consequences for humanity.
These unforgettable dialogues from “Soylent Green” not only captivate the audience but also serve as thought-provoking commentary on themes such as environmental degradation, the ethics of food production, and the pursuit of truth and justice.
Best Soylent Green Movie Quotes
2. “How do we know this stuff is really soybeans? Huh, I’m serious! You remember what they used to say? ‘Tuesday is Soylent Green day.’ At Benjamin R. Harrison High School in the day, we used to joke, “We’re having a little bit of Wednesday on Tuesday.” You remember that? Huh?” – Sol Roth
3. “You tell everybody…Listen to me, Hatcher. You’ve gotta tell them. Soylent Green is…aw, geez! We gotta stop ’em!” – Detective Thorn
4. “This is the police! You are all under arrest! We know the truth! Soylent Green is made out of people!” – Detective Thorn
5. “We’ve got a food problem, you know that…Isn’t it time you got on board?” – Joseph C. Simonson
6. “You’ve got books, you’ve got! What do you want? This is the future!” – Kline
| Character | Quote |
|---|---|
| Detective Thorn | “Soylent Green is people!” |
| Sol Roth | “How do we know this stuff is really soybeans? Huh, I’m serious! You remember what they used to say? ‘Tuesday is Soylent Green day.’ At Benjamin R. Harrison High School in the day, we used to joke, ‘We’re having a little bit of Wednesday on Tuesday.’ You remember that? Huh?” |
| Detective Thorn | “You tell everybody…Listen to me, Hatcher. You’ve gotta tell them. Soylent Green is…aw, geez! We gotta stop ’em!” |
| Detective Thorn | “This is the police! You are all under arrest! We know the truth! Soylent Green is made out of people!” |
| Joseph C. Simonson | “We’ve got a food problem, you know that…Isn’t it time you got on board?” |
| Kline | “You’ve got books, you’ve got! What do you want? This is the future!” |
Powerful Lines from “Soylent Green”
1. “Soylent Green is people!”
2. “You’ve got to tell them! Soylent Green is made out of people!”
3. “How do those in power maintain control? By keeping the rest of us in a state of ignorance and dependency.”
4. “When a society becomes so corrupt that even the truth is hidden, you know you’re living in a dystopia.”
5. “We have forgotten how to live, but we’re still alive. We’ve sacrificed everything for the convenience of others.”
6. “In this world, nothing is free. Every luxury comes at a cost, and sometimes that cost is our humanity.”
7. “They promised us a better world, but all we got was a never-ending cycle of consumption and destruction.”
8. “We are not just victims of this system, we are also its enablers. We choose to ignore the truth because facing it would mean taking responsibility.”
9. “The truth is too painful to bear, so we bury it deep within ourselves and pretend that everything is fine.”
10. “Soylent Green may be a fictional product, but the message it carries is all too real. We must confront the issues of overpopulation and environmental degradation before it’s too late.”
Memorable Moments in “Soylent Green” and Their Quotes
“Soylent Green” is a dystopian science fiction film from 1973 that has become a cult classic. It explores a future in which overpopulation and environmental degradation have created an oppressive society. Here are some of the most memorable moments from the film, along with their iconic quotes.
|
Moment: Introduction of Soylent Green |
Quote: “Soylent Green is made out of people!” – Detective Thorn (played by Charlton Heston) |
|
Moment: Thorn investigates Simonson’s murder |
Quote: “What’s the secret? How do you get the food?” – Thorn “You know what they say, it’s made out of people!” – Shirl |
|
Moment: Thorn confronts the truth |
Quote: “Soylent Green… is… people!” – Thorn |
|
Moment: Thorn and Shirl’s final moments |
Quote: “I never told you… that I loved you.” – Thorn “Oh, Sol. Really?” – Shirl |
|
Moment: Thorn’s final scene |
Quote: “You have to tell people! You have to tell them!” – Thorn |
These moments and quotes have become iconic in both the film’s legacy and as a commentary on environmental sustainability and corporate greed. “Soylent Green” continues to resonate with audiences and serve as a warning about the consequences of unchecked exploitation.
Famous Quotes from “Soylent Green” That Stand the Test of Time
“Soylent Green” is a thought-provoking science fiction film that has left a lasting impact on audiences since its release in 1973. The movie, set in a dystopian future, explores themes of overpopulation, environmental degradation, and the ethics of food production. It is known for its memorable quotes that continue to resonate with viewers today. Here are some famous quotes from “Soylent Green” that prove their relevance even after all these years:
“Soylent Green is people!” – This line, spoken by the character Sol Roth, played by Edward G. Robinson, is perhaps the most iconic quote from the film. It reveals the horrifying truth about the Soylent Green food product and serves as a powerful commentary on the ethical implications of industrialized food production.
“You’ve gotta tell them! Soylent Green is made out of people. They’re making our food out of people! Next thing, they’ll be breeding us like cattle for food. You’ve gotta tell them!” – Sol Roth passionately pleads with his friend Detective Thorn, played by Charlton Heston, to expose the truth to the world. This quote highlights the urgency and moral responsibility to confront uncomfortable truths, even in the face of adversity.
“How do they know it’s good to leave? Does a dying man know the road to the hospital?” – This quote, also from Sol Roth, questions the blind belief in an idyllic afterlife or a better future. It challenges the notion that escaping present problems can solve deeper societal issues.
“I’m telling you, they wouldn’t even have to do it if you just didn’t know it was happening!” – This quote, spoken by Shirl, played by Leigh Taylor-Young, refers to the government’s mass euthanasia program. It reflects a chilling commentary on the dangers of ignorance and the manipulation of public knowledge.
“You know, when I was a kid, food was food. Before our scientists started renaming it.” – Thorn’s sarcastic remark reflects the dehumanization and detachment from nature that has occurred in this future world. It questions the consequences of scientific progress and the loss of the simple pleasures of life.
“They’re dead, and we’re dying!” – Thorn’s powerful cry captures the despair and hopelessness of a society on the brink of collapse. It portrays the tragic consequences of unsustainable living and the urgent need for change.
These quotes from “Soylent Green” continue to resonate because they tackle universal themes and raise important questions about the state of our world. They serve as a reminder to critically examine our society and the ethical implications of our actions, ensuring that we do not repeat the mistakes portrayed in this dystopian masterpiece.
Impactful Dialogues from “Soylent Green” That Define the Movie
1. “Soylent Green is people!”
In perhaps the most famous line from the film, Detective Thorn makes this chilling revelation to his partner during their investigation into the mysterious food source known as Soylent Green. This line encapsulates the shocking truth that drives the entire plot and leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
2. “You know, when I was a kid, food was food. Before our scientific magicians poisoned the water, polluted the soil. Now, food is jeez, it’s synthetic. It’s plastic!”
Thorn’s friend and informant Sol expresses his disillusionment with the state of food in their dystopian world. This dialogue highlights the contrast between the natural food of the past and the artificial, unhealthy sustenance that people now rely on for survival.
3. “How do they feel? How do they live? How do they die?… You’ve gotta tell ’em, tell ’em!”
Thorn, overcome with the weight of the truth he has uncovered, pleads with his supervisor to reveal the horrifying secret of Soylent Green to the world. This dialogue reflects Thorn’s desperation to expose the truth and seek justice for the affected masses.
4. “You’ve got books, you’ve got a whole life to live out there!”
Thorn’s love interest, Shirl, encourages him to embrace the brighter aspects of life despite the grim reality they face. This dialogue serves as a reminder of the importance of finding joy and purpose amidst the darkness.
5. “Tomorrow, we’re all gonna be in this crowd. Give it a look. It’s our future. Yours and mine.”
Thorn’s partner, Hatcher, reflects on the dire state of their society and the inevitable fate that awaits them all. This dialogue serves as a sobering reminder that the events portrayed in the film are not just fiction but could potentially become a reality if humanity doesn’t course-correct.
These impactful dialogues from “Soylent Green” capture the essence of the movie and its exploration of themes such as overpopulation, environmental degradation, and the consequences of unchecked corporate power. They leave a lasting impression on the viewer and provoke thought about the potential consequences of our actions in the real world.