A classic.... but then so is Mary Poppins

Rating: 7/10 (19 September 2001)

Not that I try to draw comparison with the two films, mind.
OK. Fact is, when you watch the film later in life its really not as good as you remember. Sure it looks spectacular, even by todays standards and production value shows in every shot. But the actual plot, portrayal of emotions and script do leave certain aspects to be desired.
Lets take for example, how does a man who is so obviously sensitive to the world get a job essentially killing ('artificial') people. It seems to so contrast with his character. In an early scene he voices (albiet in the over dubbed version) criticism of a police man being racist (the 'skin jobs' comment). Yet we are talking about a man who executes them. Surely I'm the only person to find this rather odd.
But am I nitpicking? Its more of a visual film than truly philosophical and the added 'noir talk over' does nothing but simplify the action for the easy viewing audience.
At least the 'directors' cut went someway to rectify the faults. No happy ending shot (to open car on a strangely clean and pollution free country road....). Plus the re-introduction of the idea that Rick Dekkard is a replicant himself, via the vehicle of the unicorn as dream content, metaphor, and finally, modeled in silver paper.
Having said that, the book wasn't terrific either. So what can you say?
Over rated? Yes.
But still not a bad film in any sense of the word.
The problem is that Science Fiction as a genre has been so badly served by its movie incarnations that people clutch at the better ones and escalate their worth. In my mind, that one truly superb Science fiction film has yet to be made.
Somebody add some thought provoking script to the visuals of Blade Runner and run the film at the speed of "The Matrix" and then we'll be talking.
One last rant. In the voice over version he say "Sushi, that's why my wife calls me. Cold fish".
Only problem is that Sushi means 'seasoned rice dish' or just 'rise dish'. It's Sashimi that's actually cold fish. You'd have thought he knew this.... woundn't you.