No. 97: Blade Runner

It's hard to believe, but the era of 1982's sci-fi film "Blade Runner" is upon us. Set in 2019, what is now considered a cult classic can be described with many the same words we use to describe most futuristic science fiction works: "dystopian," "dark," and, at times, "really friggin' weird." In a Hollywood inundated with science fiction/action/"stick-it-to-the-man" themes, why should someone dig out a film from 30 years ago? Well. For one, I'm guessing this film is the reason for some of the basic tropes we see in our generation's sci-fi flicks. For two, it's also loosely based off the novel, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" which in my opinion, makes it worth anyone's attention. The film follows Rick Deckard (Han Solo-era Harrison Ford), a "Blade Runner." They're like cops, except all they do is track down robots, er, replicants. See, in the future (which is sorta now), big corporations created replicants of human beings. They look, sound, and act like humans. But, due to Matrix-like issues, their use on Earth was banned, so it is the job of the Blade Runners to find them and "retire" them. Deckard, who was a superstar of the Blade Runner community, is recruited to track down four specific replicants. He's not told why, just that if he doesn't, he'll die. This serves as sufficient motivation for him. As usual, there's more going on than just what the powers that be are telling, and, as usual, it's up to our hero to figure out what that is. It's like "I, Robot," except with a plot in place of 2,000 explosions. Though it uses what have become staples of the science fiction genre – cars that fly, voice-activated everything, etc. – "Blade Runner" also has a few things that help it transcend the typical robot film. As previously mentioned, a complex plot. Suspense. Interesting characters. And a fantastic creep factor with the replicant Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer). It's not a fast-moving film. And while the setting and plot points place it firmly in the science fiction genre, the thoughtful frames, suspense build-up and trench coats give it nuances of noir. More "Dragnet" than "Dr. Who." Deckard says little and thinks a lot, which doesn't always work well on the big screen, but Ford has the gravitas to pull it off. The relationship between him and Rachael is a little abrupt, and there are elements of it I find troublesome, but it's not a deal breaker. And Hauer brings both a viciousness and a vulnerability to Batty that makes him seem, less, well, batty. Watching this film in the 21st century in some ways might diminish the originality of "Blade Runner." However, director Ridley Scott's filming and casting have cemented it as more than just a cult classic - it's a quality film.