In one image the whole aethetic of the film is captured so vividly. Set in a dystopian Los Angeles, with darkness and fleeting rain being a constant part of the scenery, our main characters shown in the poster, weave their way through the flowing current of 106 million people.
LA has been Japanified. neon lights are the main source of illumination. This allows the atmosphere to feel contemporary, rather than wildly futuristic. The sparsity of CGI also adds to the realism. This is a key feature of what makes the film so good. However, it is insteresting to think that the storyline is this conflict between the real human and the 'Replicant' - manufactured humans - who are only distinguished by subtle traits only really recognisable by an elaborate test. This is why Blade Runner Decker (Harrison Ford) has to be sure. Despite this, there is little remorse when a replicant is shot. Their funeral is a statistic.
This film has been growing in poignancy. Yes, the costume, sets and score are achingly beautiful - but very 80s. Nevertheless, the notion and development of cyborgs, humanoids and AI is increasingly contemporary. It is as if the computer engineers are all sci-fi fans and just appealing to our fictional desires. Is this a good thing?
Ridley Scott (Legend, Gladiator) - the director explores many philosopical and ethical questions. People; living, seeing entities are created by a wealthy businessman who holds the monopoly on Replicant creation. He in effect is God. In the 21st Century there are questions about IVF, embryo selection and our role in altering and creating life. If, like the Replicants, you are known to be a 'fake' human, will the normal population view you differently. Blade Runner explores this through romance, and the prejudice that is held overtly by the police force of Blade Runners, but more subconciously by Decker . The 6 hunted Replicants have turned violent however in the finale they cower in fear of themselves and of death. How far do they differ from humans? The last, departing soliliquy is haunting. I won't say anymore.
Rachael, is a stunning character whose wardrobe is uniquely 80s because of the her oversized shoulder shoulderpads and bold hair style. It takes inspiration from the New Romantics but also the more under-the-radar subcultures. She portrays a delicate classicism fused with futuristic shapes and materials. Ridley Scott sets up stunning shots in darkness with only a mustly light filtered through blinds; highlighting her ethereal cigarette smoke. Her image compliments the soundtrack which is hazy jazz on electro-saxophones and smokey synth presets.
This film is one of my favorites, and a visual spectacle. Full concentration is required for you to respect the beauty of Ridley Scott's masterpiece.
*****
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