The early to mid 1970s were inundated with dystopian science fiction. In fact, it was virtually the only kind of science fiction being made. I have a theory that the enormous success of Star Wars was due partly to the huge sense of relief at FINALLY seeing a SF film without a morose, downcast, "we're all doomed and the future is not something to look forward to" viewpoint. I know I felt that way. Going to the movies became fun and exciting again. Technology had a sense of wonder, instead of being sinister. Star Wars had caused the dystopian wave to recede.
This movie is part of that dystopian wave. It's anything but fun and exciting. There's no sense of wonder, no deep philosophical message. Just some unlikable schmuck scrounging for food and sex in a dank, dark, depraved, dilapidated setting. Not any kind of hero. The telepathic dog gimmick is the only "SF" element of note. The dog's voice and personality are obnoxious. Come to think of it, the obnoxious lack of likability matches that of the writer of the story, Harlan Ellison, who was an arrogant jerk who treated women very poorly.
This movie is part of that dystopian wave. It's anything but fun and exciting. There's no sense of wonder, no deep philosophical message. Just some unlikable schmuck scrounging for food and sex in a dank, dark, depraved, dilapidated setting. Not any kind of hero. The telepathic dog gimmick is the only "SF" element of note. The dog's voice and personality are obnoxious. Come to think of it, the obnoxious lack of likability matches that of the writer of the story, Harlan Ellison, who was an arrogant jerk who treated women very poorly.