Based on the awesomely titled 1968 novel, "Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?"
by Phillip K. Dick, this dystopian sci-fi film opened in theaters in June of 1982, where
it edged out a small profit against its $28-million dollar budget.
Director Ridley Scott crafted the adaptation with expert precision, even if the film didn't
turn out how he wanted for another 25 years.
Indeed, seven separate versions of this picture have been screened as a result of controversial
changes made by the executives.
The most recent is known as "The Final Cut"; released in 2007, it is the only version that
Scott had complete artistic freedom over, and so, it is the copy I'll be reviewing.
Harrison Ford stars as the title character, a retired police officer in the year 2019
who is tasked with tracking down and eliminating four lifelike bioengineered beings known as
replicants - and destroy them.
While Ford is perfectly capable in the lead, delivering his dialogue with a cold whisper
or a defeated shout, it's his mechanical counterparts that really shine.
Rutger Hauer plays the lead antagonist; a creepy and powerful replicant hell-bent on
tracking down his maker.
Sis a frightened vixen-like adversary who hides behind layers of make-up, while Edward
James Olmos, M. Emmet Walsh, and William Sanderson contribute effective performance in the smaller
parts.
The film's primary detective-investigation thread is precise to the point of boredom,
as every lead and tiny clue is examined in unnecessary detail.
A secondary plot involving Sean Young as a beautiful replicant is far more intriguing;
as she discovers her true nature.
"Blade Runner" is a richly thematic motion picture, but this thread about self identity
is perhaps its most important: what truly defines the authenticity of life?
If we can feel, laugh, breathe, and think... is it only the uniqueness of memories that
divides us, or is it something less tangible than that?
These introspective questions that are demanded of the viewer is what really makes this R-rated
story so thought-provoking.
A powerful scene arrives when Hauer finally meets the man who created him, who explains
his decision to give his android children a shortened lifespan by quoting an ancient
Chinese proverb, "The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long."
Hauer's violent response to this line is hardly reasonable, but intimately disturbing.
A drawn out cat-and-mouse chase that closes out the picture is weirder than it is suspenseful,
but its culmination is a beautiful and haunting monologue from Hauer.
The Oscar-nominated art direction and set design show-offs a vibrant world filled with
shadows and smoke - where bright search lights constantly probe into buildings.
This is an oppressive and uncomfortable environment, gorgeously filmed with neo-noir visuals.
Very impressive model and matte-painting work complete this palate with convincing effects.
A synth-heavy score from Greek composer Vangelis provides for a somber and futuristic mood
throughout the 117-minute film.
Demanding your full attention, this is the type of layered and complex narrative you
could write a thesis about.
I don't watch movies to be reminded about school work though, and a great deal of this
picture is detrimentally slow.
For the patient however, this is a fantastic blend of neo-noir and science fiction.
While it may not always entertain, it often makes you think - and at 30 years old, that's
the mark of a truly well-made production.
This isn't necessarily a movie I'd want to rewatch, but thanks to its many intricacies,
you almost have to see it twice just to soak it all in.
"Blade Runner" contains beautifully imagined allegories within a plodding story.
Here now are some of your thoughts.
Praising its premise and groundbreaking visuals, you thought "Blade Runner" was AMAZING.
I definitely appreciated this movie more on a second watch, but its slower pace makes
it really hard to stay invested.
I though it was GREAT.