Not to all tastes, but brilliant in itself

Rating: 9/10 (1 March 2009)

Is a film great because you really like it, or because it is technically brilliant? I love Star Wars - I've watched it more than any other film ever - but, deep down, as much as I struggle to admit it, it is really not very good (effects aside). Some give it 8, 9 or 10 out of 10, yet by any real assessment of overall technical criteria (acting, plot, narrative, depth etc) it cannot possibly justify this. The same applies to music. I don't like Queen, but grudgingly recognise the quality of their music; I happen to 'like' Beethoven, while also recognising that his music is truly and almost timelessly great (albeit some will not appreciate it or like it). Blade Runner falls into that category of film that is technically great yet will divide opinion, more than many films, at the personal or emotional level. I can quite see why it will leave some cold (and hence scored at 1, 2, or 3 out of 10). There is little action as such; the plot requires imagination and reconstruction on the part of the viewer; the moral ambiguity requires a deeper, almost philosophical, level of understanding and reflection. In many ways, it is like listening to a symphony; or rather it requires a similar mode of appreciation. It could quite easily leave one cold and/or confused. I guess the usual accusation of 'elitism' or 'snobbery' or 'emperor's new clothes' might be raised at this point - i.e. I am appearing patronisingly critical of those who dismiss the film because they 'don't get it'. Actually I'm not. I return to my opening question. A fair few people won't like this film - any more than some people don't like Queen, or Beethoven, or Star Wars - and no-one denies their right to express their dislike. But, technically, deep down, this is a great film... like it or not!