Blade Runner is a philosophical journey into a sci-fi underworld, steeped in rain, darkness and philosophy.
I consider the 80's-90's the science fiction revolution - advances in technology and computers, along with the formation of major studios such as Lucasfilm gave us films like Alien, TRON, The Terminator, Star Wars, Dune, Brazil, The Fifth Element, I could go on. But among them is Blade Runner, a film that completely flopped upon its first release, but is now worshipped both in and out of film circles as a classic of the neo-noir genre.
There's a very specific reason I simply adore Blade Runner so much - its vision of the future. Well, the future at the time - I am writing this review in 2022, meaning that according to Blade Runner, "the future" was three years ago. Either way, in a genre that's usually filled with colourful fantasy, Blade Runner is as noir as they get - mysteries that need solving, dark skyscrapers at night, rain, violence, all wrapped with a wonderfully-executed dose of brain-bending existentialism that makes us wonder what being human means.
The film's pacing is languid, and I've noticed that brought up a lot. I mean, in general, I wouldn't say that this is the easiest film to love. The first time I saw it a few years ago, I had no idea what was going on, the storyline confused me, and the slowness of everything really didn't help. But upon a recent rewatch, that slowness is what really leaves time to appreciate the film in and of itself. Honestly, I feel like the miniature skyscraper shots could have an entire separate film dedicated to them, and Vangelis's soundtrack is probably my favourite piece of film music of all time. I guess that Blade Runner really is a bit of an acquired taste.
Speaking of the visual effects, I don't think I'll ever stop praising them. I miss old science fiction, back when visual effects were hand-crafted and took care and time, as opposed to now, when everything has been replaced by computer renders and green screen. And honestly, the miniatures in this look better than half of the commercial green-screen garbage that we get nowadays anyway. I wish science fiction could go back to a simpler time.
I watched the Final Cut, so I don't know what it's like with the voiceover or the "happy ending", but I'm honestly kind of glad that I don't. I enjoy the way that Ridley Scott's final vision throws us into this world of darkness with no explanation, and I like that ambiguous ending that keeps you wondering.
In conclusion, even though I do agree that appreciation of a film such as Blade Runner is acquired, it's definitely a must-see science fiction classic.
-Sasha.
I consider the 80's-90's the science fiction revolution - advances in technology and computers, along with the formation of major studios such as Lucasfilm gave us films like Alien, TRON, The Terminator, Star Wars, Dune, Brazil, The Fifth Element, I could go on. But among them is Blade Runner, a film that completely flopped upon its first release, but is now worshipped both in and out of film circles as a classic of the neo-noir genre.
There's a very specific reason I simply adore Blade Runner so much - its vision of the future. Well, the future at the time - I am writing this review in 2022, meaning that according to Blade Runner, "the future" was three years ago. Either way, in a genre that's usually filled with colourful fantasy, Blade Runner is as noir as they get - mysteries that need solving, dark skyscrapers at night, rain, violence, all wrapped with a wonderfully-executed dose of brain-bending existentialism that makes us wonder what being human means.
The film's pacing is languid, and I've noticed that brought up a lot. I mean, in general, I wouldn't say that this is the easiest film to love. The first time I saw it a few years ago, I had no idea what was going on, the storyline confused me, and the slowness of everything really didn't help. But upon a recent rewatch, that slowness is what really leaves time to appreciate the film in and of itself. Honestly, I feel like the miniature skyscraper shots could have an entire separate film dedicated to them, and Vangelis's soundtrack is probably my favourite piece of film music of all time. I guess that Blade Runner really is a bit of an acquired taste.
Speaking of the visual effects, I don't think I'll ever stop praising them. I miss old science fiction, back when visual effects were hand-crafted and took care and time, as opposed to now, when everything has been replaced by computer renders and green screen. And honestly, the miniatures in this look better than half of the commercial green-screen garbage that we get nowadays anyway. I wish science fiction could go back to a simpler time.
I watched the Final Cut, so I don't know what it's like with the voiceover or the "happy ending", but I'm honestly kind of glad that I don't. I enjoy the way that Ridley Scott's final vision throws us into this world of darkness with no explanation, and I like that ambiguous ending that keeps you wondering.
In conclusion, even though I do agree that appreciation of a film such as Blade Runner is acquired, it's definitely a must-see science fiction classic.
-Sasha.