Science on Screen: SOYLENT GREEN with Russ Professor Gerri Botte

Watch Trailer Director: Richard Fleischer
Writer(s): Stanley R. Greenberg (screenplay), Harry Harrison (novel)
Cast: Charlton Heston, Edward G. Robinson, Leigh Taylor-Young

Science on Screen pairs films with science and technology experts to highlight the rich and varied connections between science/technology and film. This event marks the 1st National Evening of Science on Screen. Seventeen independent theaters across the county will participate in this evening, which will feature a unique film and speaker presentation at each venue as part of its Science on Screen program.

Richard Fleischer directed this nightmarish science fiction vision of an over-populated world, based on the novel by Harry Harrison. In 2022, New York City is a town bursting at the seams with a 40-million-plus population. Food is in short supply, and most of the population’s food source comes from synthetics manufactured in local factories — the dinner selections being a choice between Soylent Red, Soylent Yellow, or Soylent Green. When William Simonson (Joseph Cotten), an upper-echelon executive in the Soylent Company, is found murdered, police detective Thorn (Charlton Heston) is sent in to investigate the case. Helping him out researching the case is Thorn’s old friend Sol Roth (Edward G. Robinson, in his final film role). As they investigate the environs of a succession of mad-from-hunger New Yorkers and the luxuriously rich digs of the lucky few, Thorn uncovers the terrible truth about the real ingredients of Soylent Green.

Dr. Botte is a professor of chemical engineering in the Russ College, as well as director of CEER (Center for Electrochemical Engineering Research at OU). She is also a member of the National Academy of Inventors and her “pee-to-power” work has been noted in international media, from Rolling Stone to NBC.

Dr. Botte and her students will be exhibiting a “Farm of the Future” demo booth at in the lobby. Stop by to see how her research is applied!