Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner is an interesting film. Released in 1982 to mixed reviews and little success, it has since become heralded as one of the most influential sci-fi movies ever created.
Its unique vision of the future–dark, dirty and integrated with technology of new and old– was wholly original for its time.
Before the film was released, test audiences struggled to understand it, so, in response, the studio asked star Harrison Ford to record a voiceover to clear up the plot.
Legend has it that Ford, who thought the film was easy enough to understand on its own, phoned in the recording, but they ended up putting it in the final cut of the movie anyway.
Blade Runner has since been re-edited and re-released several times. The newest and most definitive version was released in 2007 under the moniker “The Final Cut.”
I saw Blade Runner for the first time two years ago, and, at the time, I didn’t really understand the praise around it. I found that Ford’s performance in the role of Rick Deckerd came across as dry and dull, and the only stand-out, Rutger Hauer as the replicant Roy Batty, wasn’t on screen enough for me to really care.
The film looked interesting enough, but the mind-numbingly slow pace and the wooden acting from most of the cast made me view it as just a product of its time.
Recently, I watched the original Blade Runner again in preparation for the new film, and while many of my criticisms still hold true, (there’s a fun scene where Ford says the word “enhance” 17 times as a camera slowly moves around: riveting stuff) I was able to appreciate the film even more. It’s extremely well paced and simple, and the set designs hints of a world gone to ruin are subtle and effective.
Blade Runner is a film that has been extremely impactful, so it was to be seen if the new film could match the heights set by its predecessor.
In Blade Runner 2049, Officer K, portrayed by actor Ryan Gosling, is a Blade Runner. A Blade Runner, in both the original film and the new one, is a man assigned to hunt down and “retire” replicants. Replicants appear to be human but are synthetic beings that are abnormally strong and agile.
Officer K throughout the film uncovers a mystery that leads him to cross paths with Rick Deckard, portrayed by Ford, the Blade Runner from the first film.
Although Blade Runner 2049 is a sequel, you don’t need to see the first film to understand it. Unlike modern sequels to older movies like Jurassic World or The Force Awakens, Blade Runner 2049 isn’t interested in cheap call-backs and references.
Director Denis Villeneuve has crafted an extraordinary film that improves upon its predecessor in every single way, while having its own unique identity.
From the opening shot, Blade Runner 2049 is one of the best looking movies I have ever seen.
The cinematography by 13-time Oscar nominee Roger Deakins impressed and wowed me.
Every frame from this movie could be a poster on your wall. As incredible as the cinematography is, the production design behind the film is equally as impressive.
Every single location and set is marvelously assembled. From the cityscape and beyond, the world the filmmakers have created seems lived-in and authentic.
Blade Runner 2049 is a film that benefits from not knowing much about the plot going in. From the very beginning, details about the plot and characters are revealed that I had no idea were in the film.
It’s incredibly refreshing to watch a movie without having it spoiled by a trailer. For that reason, I am keeping this review as vague as possible.
The acting is all top-notch. Gosling continues to impress, while Ford gives one of his best performances in years.
Reprising his role from the first Blade Runner, Ford shows real humanity and vulnerability, traits absent from his roles of late.
The real scene stealer, though, is Sylvia Hoeks. I won’t go into her character, but she has a presence that echoes throughout the entire film, even when she isn’t on screen.
Blade Runner 2049 is a film with action in it, but it’s not an action movie. The 2-hour-and-40-minute film moves slowly but is far from boring.
Every scene has something new uncovered about the plot or the characters, and the gorgeous visuals are just an added bonus to the exceptional story. It takes its time and is all the better for it.
Blade Runner 2049 is a film you do not want to miss. Villeneuve has created an incredible film that entertains and challenges its audience.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCcx85zbxz4]
