Blade Runner (Final Cut)

The original Blade Runner is one the most discussed, debated, and referenced movies of the last 40 years. After a notably over budget production and constant clashes between Ridley Scott, the studio, and Harrison Ford, the film originally releashed into theaters was a spectre of the version film and sci-fi geeks would come to adore including an ill-advised voice over from Harrison Ford and cut scenes that removed the narrative's ambiguity. Since then six more cuts have shown up and been collected in a mammoth DVD/Blu-Ray set, including Ridley Scott's definitive version The Final Cut, as the debates about the film's themes and meaning rage on. So before the long-awaited sequel Blade Runner 2049 hits theaters, we;re diving into Scott's signature version to see why this film is considered a sci-fi classic.

Our story follows Deckhard, a former blade runner, whose job consists of hunting and killing human-like androids known as replicants. Though retired, Deckhard is brought back in after four replicants escape a worker colony and begin a torrid tour of violence in an effort to extend their four year life span. But as Deckhard pursues his subjects he begins to question its morality and the purpose of life itself.

So I'm going to go ahead and say that Blade Runner is one of the most oversold movies in history. Not because the film isn't good, in fact it's a near perfect version of what it wants to be, but because it's often advertised incorrectly. As such, I'm going to break down what the casual sci-fi fan can and can't expect from this movie.

Don't Expect: Stunning Action Scenes

When your movie is sold as, harden cop hunts killer androids you're bound to think of a bunch of brutal throwdowns between a regular guy and a superior opponent. And while the movie does have Deckhard face off against Replicants, I couldn't call this an action movie. All of the film's violence is chaotic and messy, rather than slick or stylish. Hell our hero seems to survive most of his encounters through sheer luck. Granted this all makes sense within the context of film and its messaging but for an audience used to seeing Harrison Ford kick-ass and Ridley Scott deliver R-rated action scenes this might surprise you.

Do Expect: Stunning Visuals

It's hard to make a sci-fi film with worlds this big that holds up this well over time, and this is at the top of the list. From the cityscape shots to the interiors, this is one of the most visually appealing movies put to screen. The set design varies between technological Egyptian opulence for the wealthy to to neon dunked slums with flying cars for the poor. The costumes all feel old, but new. The visuals in this film have been referenced and ripped off in everything from The Fifth Element to Akira and there's a good reason for it. It's gorgeous.

Do Expect: Sci-Fi Noir

As explained by this awesome Lessons from the Screenplay video, Blade Runner uses tropes of the noir genre in a sci-fi setting. Deckhard is the equivalent of a private eye, we've got a couple of femme fatales, and the moral murkiness that comes from dealing in death. It's a movie where no one is completely right. Deckhard is legally allowed to "retire" replicants, but considering their shortened life-span and humanoid brains is it really right to kill them? Our villain Roy Batty may commit murders, but considering his slave-like existence isn't his anger justified? Like many of the best noirs, Blade Runner asks its audience what the right course of action is or who's really to blame.

Don't Expect: Deep Characterization

One of the tropes of noir is stock characters, withe back-stories that are either explained by their general demeanor or in brief bits of dialogue. Blade Runner is no exception. Outside of his distaste for his work and "I'm so over this" demeanor we know very little about Deckhard's past. All we know of the replicants is what they tell us. Admittedly this is kinda the point considering the genre and the film's themes about identity, but it's hard to find a character to latch on to in this one.

Do Expect: A Moody Reflection on Existence

In reality, Blade Runner is far less about technology than it is about mood and the existential search for meaning in a limited lifespan, be it human or android.  Everything from the score to the script's languid pace as all in service of this core theme. Could this be more overt? Sure. I'm fairly certain that's why the studio put in a voice over. But letting the audience feel Deckhard's depression through sights and sounds works much better.

Verdict: Overrated But Right For The Pensive Sci-Fi Fan

While undoubtedly influencial and gorgeous to look at, Blade Runner can't help but disappoint audiences looking for a life-changing experience, who have already seen films that ripped this off, and action junkies. But if you like the sci-fi noir approach, heady themes, and stunning visuals Blade Runner does the trick. Find out for yourself.