Blade Runner (1982)
As most other fans of science fiction, I have been heavily into this classic film and seen it many times. When The Final Cut released, I dived deeper with commentary tracks and the more than 3 hour documentary Dangerous Days. Being in science fiction fan forums and communities, it is impossible to avoid the discourse around this. Especially the whole question of whether Deckard is a replicant or not. The whole question and explorations of humanity is what makes this film great, but the whole meta-thing around this probably ruined this for me in some capacity. I like the ambiguity of it, but the consensus have over the years gravitated towards the conclusion that Deckard is a replicant. And of course Ridley Scott has said that it was his intention to convey just that message. He is the director, so in that sense that is the “correct” answer, but I personally think has done the film a disservice by removing the ambiguity. While I prefer the ambiguity, my personal opinion is that the film becomes less interesting if Deckard is a replicant. I prefer that he is human, even though it is in some objective notion the wrong answer, because if he is a replicant, then I think the film loses most of its meaning and humanistic message.
That is why I haven’t seen it in about 10 years and it was difficult to put all that negative baggage behind me, and just appreciate the film on its own merits. It is undeniably a very atmospheric beautiful made film. Stunning set design that gives a sensation that this world exists, and there is life beyond the frame as well. The theme of what makes humans human is an evergreen in the science fiction genre, and explored well here. Mostly through Batty’s story.
This is far from my personal favorite science fiction film, but it is in the top 20.
Rating: 4