Blade Runner

The third 'Film Night' film that we watched was Ridley Scotts epic Blade Runner, 1997. Based on the original novel 'Do androids dream of electric sheep?' by Phillip K. Dick the film tackles issues of 'clones', life and power. The film raises lots of questions for the viewer, and makes them think. For me the themes of the film are extremely interesting and evocative of lots of thought. Additonally the cinematography and mise en scene is exceptional. The artistic direction of Ridley Scotts vision of the future is iconic and has been imitated to this day. Standout settings are the Tyrell Corp building and the building used on the poster (hexangonal).

The main plot is that a 'Blade Runner' policeman, called Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) has to retire four replicants who have escaped an offworld colony to come to earth. They aim to get to Tyrell Corp to talk to Dr. Eldon Tyrell (Joe Turkel) himself and get their life span increased, because replicants are built with four year limited lifespans. While on this job Deckard starts to question his job, equality of replicants and life. With the reveal of memory implants the question arrises of who is or isn't a replicant? Is Deckard one? Replicants themselves do not know. Finding love with the replicant Pris (Daryl Hannah), Deckard gets more emotionally involved with replicants. Which builds up for a great last sequence. This includes an outstanding monologue by the replicant Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer) which really wraps up the film.

The films ending is highly debated as lots of questions are left unanswered and the future of Deckard is not clear. I think that this adds to the enigmatic style of the film. Overall I was very impressed by all aspects of Blade Runner, I thought it was very complete film because it was very well executed. This ranges from the mise-en-scene to the acting to the cinematoraphy, all of which are standout. I thought it was very well directed. Most importantly however, I really enjoyed watching it again because I noticed some things I had not before and because I appreciated lots of subtlties this time round.