BP’s Top 100 Movie Challenge #78: Blade Runner, by Sarah Brinks
I decided to undertake a movie challenge in 2017. This seemed like a good way to see some classic movies that I have unfortunately never seen – the Battleship Pretension Top 100 provided just that challenge.
I’m hoping this is a safe space because I must admit that this was first time I had ever watched Blade Runner in its entirety. I had tried watching it once before and gave up. I feel like I had gleaned a lot of the plot from pop culture, but it was good finally see it. And just to be clear I watched the ‘Final Cut’ version of the film.
I had a mixed reaction to the film. I thought it was an engaging, thrilling science fiction film but I struggled a little with the world building. I feel like I had so many frustratingly unanswered questions. That being said, it was exciting to watch and the performances as well as the look of the film were great. The ‘Final Cut’ is a pristine transfer of the film and it was really gorgeous. I can understand why Blade Runner has built up such a strong following over the years.
Harrison Ford as the blade runner Deckard was really great. Ford has a way of bringing a realism to his characters; they feel lived-in. You have no doubt that Deckard has seen and done a lot in his time as a blade runner. I was impressed by how creepy all the Nexus 6 replicants were. Rutger Hauer has a real Arian, superior-race vibe to his performance that works particularly well, especially as he gets closer to retirement and starts to break down. Brion James is also really creepy. But Daryl Hannah might be the creepiest, especially at the end when she has the weird clown makeup on. I have a real fear of clowns so that might have affected me too but the scene when she is shot and freaks out, flopping around was incredibly disturbing.
Blade Runner tackles a topic that is endlessly fascinating and becomes more relevant everyday as AI and machine-learning improves. If a machine thinks independently, feels, and even loves, is it alive? How do we decide who/what deserves a chance at life and freedom? Blade Runner doesn’t answer those questions, it doesn’t even exclusively tell you who is a replicant but it does make you think. I appreciate any film that makes me ask questions beyond the world of the film.
I’ve decided to rate each film using an arbitrary scale based on the board game Battleship (lowest: Destroyer, Submarine, Cruiser, Battleship, highest: Carrier)
Blade Runner ranking: Cruiser