Rick Deckard lives in the Los Angeles of 2019. It is dark, dreary and filled with many cultures. However, he is only looking for Replicants. They have the faces and bodies of humans but aren’t. The intelligence and strength of these creatures are far above mere mortals. However, they aren’t from the Gods but the design of Dr. Eldon Tyrell. His archetypes were a means to an end; they help with interplanetary colonization. Yet, it is flawed. They kill the colonists from Earth and returned back home.
Deckard’s true task is Blade Runner. He must Retire (not kill) these fugitives. Will he succeed? What will he find in them? Does he have a purpose besides this?
Blade Runner was based on Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. The film was mysteriously directed by Ridley Scott (Alien). Harrison Ford took a bold step away from Indiana Jones and Han Solo as Deckard. He was enigmatic and somewhat uncertain in dealing with a force greater than Nazis or Sith. The supporting cast included Edward James Almos, Sean Young, and William Sanderson.
The visual style captured an alternate Los Angeles that felt more like a mixture of Tokyo and Berlin before the Wall was crushed. Vangelis’ score was as cryptic as the Replicants themselves.
However, the scenes between William Sanderson, Darryl Hannah and Rutger Hauer felt the most organic and thought out in the film. The three actors shared great chemistry in a lair of creation that mimicked Gepetto’s workshop. Also, the end fight between Harrison Ford and Hauer was very effective as well.
Thirty-five years later, Viewers are still uncertain of Deckard’s humanity or lack thereof. It’s one of the great mysteries of this cult classic. We’re still trying to figure out how L.A. became so damned rainy. El Nino will only do so much.
In 2017, fans have been given a new vision with Blade Runner 2049. Ford has returned as Deckard but we’re uncertain of his intentions. However, we’ll always have monologues and electric sheep.
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