120. Blade Runner

"I think, Sebastian; therefore, I am."

Plot: In 2019, "replicants," androids that resemble human beings, have been outlawed on Earth. Those that return to Earth from the outer colonies are hunted down and "retired" (killed?) by "blade runners." A retired blade runner, Rick Deckard, decides to come back to track down one last rogue group of replicants.

Woohoo! We've got some sci-fi on the list! And directed by Ridley Scott, a personal favorite, no less.

In the world of sci-fi, Blade Runner is a pretty big deal. As much as Star Wars taught us that sci-fi can be fun, Blade Runner taught us that it could be taken seriously as well. A pretty popular choice for film classes, it brings in religious, ethical, and Ancient Greek themes. It makes us question what truly defines humanity. Who is more human? Rachel, an android who falls in love, or Rick, a violent man who retires countless replicants?

This is the first movie on the list so far that deserves a special shout-out for costumes (Michael Kaplan and Charles Knode) and production design (Lawrence G. Paull). Both create the neo-noir (film noir style with modern elements) look and feel of the film. Jordan Cronenweth's dark, shadowy cinematography also is notable.

Harrison Ford gives a solid performance as the brooding Deckard, Daryl Hannah is delightfully creepy as Pris, and Sean Young is, well, fair as Rachel. But the real star of the show is Rutger Hauer as the replicant Roy Batty. Philip K. Dick, whose book Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? provided the main plot for the film, described Hauer as "the perfect Batty--cold, Aryan, flawless." The man was absolutely terrifying. When I ask others what they think of the film, the most common answer I get is: "It was pretty boring, but that android guy was awesome." True story.

And speaking of boring, that's usually the #1 complaint about the film from both critics and audiences. I confess that when the roomie and I first tried to watch this at 9:00 one night, we both started falling asleep. It's slow. That's true, and it does hinder the re-watchability of it. But it adds to the noir style, and I really wouldn't change it.

I do have two minor complaints: I was not a fan of Harrison Ford's narration (it was removed from later version of the film) or the soundtrack by Vangelis (who also did Chariots of Fire). The soundtrack was just too 80's for my taste.

Overall, I like the movie, and I'm glad that I've seen it. But, like I said, it's not one that I can watch over and over in a short period of time. In another five years or so, I'll give it another view. I have a feeling it'll be one of those where you find something new in it every time you see it. It's not for everyone, but if you don't mind slow pacing, I'd suggest giving it a try.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

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