Hippies Dig Horror Flicks, Too

In the 1970s, the environment was in a scary state. Rivers caught on fire, toxic waste poisoned neighborhoods, and the air was so polluted that breathing was like smoking a cigarette. Things were so bad that President Richard Nixon (not exactly known for his tree-hugging ways) agreed to create the Environmental Protection Agency, and we kicked off the first-ever Earth Day.

This monster mashup—billed as the Eco-Horror Spooktacular at Portland, Oregon’s Hollywood Theater—showcases classic horror movies of the ’70s that speak to our twisted relationship with nature. Global pollution and corporate conspiracy team up in Soylent Green to spawn a human-feeding machine. A poison gas-spewing beast fuels itself on toxic waste in Godzilla vs the Smog Monster, and genetically engineered, flesh-eating fish devour swimmers in Piranha (now brought to you in 3-D). And finally, who could forget Jaws, with its outstanding visual effects (well, for back then) and a musical score that kept beachgoers wary of the water for decades (and unfortunately didn’t do shark-conservation efforts any favors). 

OK, OK…these films may be more kitsch than contemplative, but the fears they express remain relevant today. The rise of Big Ag and its minions of drug-resistant superbugs, the infestations of alien species that eat through ecosystems, and the biggest boogeyman of them all—climate change—will be keeping us up at night for years to come. Pass the popcorn.

onEarth provides reporting and analysis about environmental science, policy, and culture. All opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of NRDC. Learn more or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.