A Masterpiece- But you have to watch it three times!

Rating: 10/10 (9 August 2010)

Even after watching the film in depth and doing significant research on the movie, im still torn inside whether i like it or not. There is no doubt that the film was an extra-ordinary masterpiece of special effects and philosophical predictions and messages. The aspect of the film im having trouble comprehending is the entertainment value. The slow moving scenes seemed to drag on and on with very little happening. The dialogue was stagnant while the acting wasn't anything extra-ordinary. There were points in the film where i felt bored. Maybe it was because you cannot appreciate fine art by looking at it from a distance. The confusion of the symbolic references and subliminal messages left the viewer trying to comprehend every little detail in the film. Apart from the slow dialogue there was not much else negative about the film. The occasional pointless scene popped up every now and then and the hidden clues left me feeling frustrated at times but the story line and messages the film portrays more than makes up for this. The attention to detail in the film is amazing. The lack of CGI during that time means this film was made by models. This to me is incredible. The graphic quality on the DVD means this film looks by no means outdated. The costumes were excellent. The prediction of the changes in fashion is almost spot on. The language that is spoken is also unique as it is a combination of many different dialects spoken today. Steering away from the graphic and entertainment side of the movie leaves us with meaning of the film. What is the meaning of the film you ask? What is the meaning of existence... So what is the meaning of existence? It is a question that can never be truly answered but this film is a sort of gateway into which the viewer can be taken into and given a reason to think about this question. The film gives very little assistance in this great dilemma but it gives plenty of opportunity to explore this concept through its many sub themes. The creation's triumph over its creator- This was very graphically depicted in the film. As Roy Batty's thumbs penetrated the brain of his creator he effectively eliminated the only thing that had control over him. The reason he killed JS Sebastian in such a brutal way leaves one to question Roy's morals and ethics. If he was truly human, would he have done such a violent act? Maybe thats not such an important fact but it leads to the freedom that Roy had been searching for. Personal Identity- The reason the replicants kill ruthlessly is to find out more about their own identity. The memories they have been given do not adequately fufilll their emotional needs. They have a burning desire to survive and the security of knowing where they come from will aid their mission. So what is life? Blade Runner makes you think about what is the true definition of life. Without a greater being determining what your meaning is, are you not pointless? There is no right or wrong answer but the important thing is that this films saves us from our ignorance and makes our grey matter work. My verdict of the film is... It is a masterpiece. Anyone who disagrees with this may have not grasped the full extent of the film and the subjects it incorporates. If the viewer decides rather to ignore the themes and continues to live in their ignorance, then maybe they are better off watching some B-Grade action flick.