In 1968, science fiction novelist, Philip “Phil” K. Dick (A Scanner Darkly, Minority Report) published a book titled, “Do Android Dream of Electric Sheep?” Set in a neo-noir dystopian world where animals are nearly extinct, a bounty hunter named, Rick Decker is assigned to track down six androids (Andy for short) who escaped from Mars. After the novel was published a few days later, a film adaptation was in the works. Philip read Robert Jaffe’s script, he didn’t like it. Nine Years Later, screenwriter, Hampton Fancher wrote a script. He presents it to Ridley Scott. The latter quit development of adapting “Dune” in favor of making a less complicated epic.
In 1980, one year after “Alien,” Ridley signed on to direct Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? He made some changes to the script like changing the android nickname Andy to “Replicants” and not bringing up Mars. Ridley changed the title to “Blade Runner” after another book by Alan E. Nourse, “The Bladerunner.” Both Phil & Alan’s books share zero connection.
Prior to his death, Phil wasn’t told about the film’s production. At first, he was worried Hollywood would butcher his stories. Suddenly, Phil read Hampton’s revised script and viewed Ridley’s storyboards. He trusts Ridley & Hampton’s for making his vision come true. Harrison Ford signed on to play Rick Deckard. One day, an audience test screening for a workprint of Blade Runner hated it. Forcing WB to modify the Theatrical Cut adding Rick’s narration, unused footage of “The Shining” and a Hollwoodized happy ending. WB never gave Ridley final cut privileges.
Released in 1982, (same year E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial came out) the Theatrical Cut earned divisive reactions and underperformed at the box office. Overtime, Blade Runner gained a cult following as a cornerstone of the cyberpunk genre gaining more praise for its themes, depiction of a futuristic city, ambiguity regarding Deckard if he’s a human or a replicant. A Director’s Cut came out in 1992 the way Ridley intended it to be. In 2007, a digitally restored twenty-fifth anniversary edition known as, The Final Cut was released on DVD/Blu-Ray. Ridley confirmed this is the definitive version.
Blade Runner influenced filmmakers, writers, game developers and their work listed below.
- Katsuhiro Otomo – Akira
- Paul Verhoeven – RoboCop
- Warren Spector – Deux Ex series
- The Wachowskis – The Matrix series
- Hideo Kojima – Snatcher & Metal Gear Solid
- Mike Pondsmith – Cyberpunk 2020 & Cyberpunk 2077
- Alex Proyas – Dark City
- Satoshi Kon – Paprika
- Alex Garland – Dredd
- Christopher Nolan & Jonathan Nolan – Interstellar
I saw the Final Cut when I was 14. At the time, I didn’t like it. Before “Blade Runner 2049,” I rewatched it. Boy, was I ignorant? Looking back made me change my view on why Blade Runner is a masterpiece. I’m fascinated with works set within the cyberpunk subgenre. If I had to pick which subgenre should be real over any other one, I choose cyberpunk. I’ll have you know I never read any book by Philip K. Dick. I’m fully aware of his work adapted to films like “Total Recall,” “Minority Report” & “A Scanner Darkly.”
Anyway, an upcoming mini-series titled, “Blade Runner 2099” starring Michelle Yeoh, will stream in the future on Amazon Prime. Keep in mind, I’m only reviewing the Final Cut. If you wish to learn more about different versions of the film, I highly recommend Chris Stuckmann’s YouTube video, “Blade Runner – Multiple Viewings Required.” One more thing, Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” will be released on November 22, 2024.
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Polished & Rusty Aspects
Polished: Harrison Ford, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, Daryl Hannah & Rutger Hauer all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Ridley Scott did a superb job directing. He mentioned Blade Runner as his favorite film he’s ever made.
- Fun Fact 1 – In 1993, (the year I was born) the Library of Congress selected Blade Runner for preservation in the National Film Registry.
- Fun Fact 2 – When WB forced Ridley to revise the Theatrical Cut’s ending, he contacted Stanley Kubrick about using unused aerial footage from The Shining.
- Fun Fact 3 – Blade Runner isn’t the only film that flopped at the box office in 1982. John Carpenter’s The Thing also had the same problem. This didn’t stop it from becoming a cult classic.
- Fun Fact 4 – “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” was the highest-grossing film of 1982. A big reason why Blade Runner and The Thing made less revenue.
Vangelis orchestrated the soundtrack. My favorite tracks are “Rachel’s Theme & “Romantic Theme.” Both of ’em earn Bonus Points.
Cinematography captures in-depth imagery of Los Angeles in an alternate futuristic 2019. Makes me wanna replay “Cyberpunk 2077” on PS5.
Practical Effects were heavily involved creating an immersive city, flying cars, a futuristic depiction of L.A. Way before Computer Animation.
The Final Cut retains scenes from the Director’s Cut as well as a few tweaks.
- Rick’s narration is removed. Mr. Ford hated narrating Rick’s thoughts. He has a point regarding “Show, don’t Tell.” At least Ridley didn’t hire Phil Collins singing about Rick’s thoughts. Does Disney’s Tarzan ring any bells?
- The Hollywoodized ending from the Theatrical Cut is omitted. Allowing the viewer to interpret the outcome. Like a “Choose Your Adventure” story branch.
- A glimpse of a unicorn. An implication if Rick’s a replicant.
- Final Cut changes the color grade. Translation, filter on the screen. Plus, it improves visuals and sound quality.
Primary Themes are Memory, Mortality & Ambiguity. Each one is handled carefully.
An Opening Text establishes the lore surrounding replicants.
Ridley mentioned the “Nighthawks” painting as an influence for the film’s tone. He even drew storyboards.
Unicorns symbolize replicants.
Roy Batty delivers his “Tears in Rain” monologue about mortality.
Rusty: Don’t expect Blade Runner as your typical sci-fi action flick. If you’re not into a slow-paced detective films relying on dialogue, this may not be your cup of tea. I on the other hand, didn’t mind the slow pace. I actually give a crud about the characters, immersive city and mind-blowing effects.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
I consider Blade Runner my favorite film from 1982. I think it’s Ridley Scott’s best work besides “Gladiator.” The Final Cut is the definitive version you must watch. If you wish to watch the Theatrical, Director’s Cut and Final Cut for comparison, so be it. What’s your favorite film from 1982? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 