"More Human than Human"

Rating: 10/10 (12 May 2005)

The motto of the Tyrell Corporation. A catchy one for a company that makes human-like replicants or skin-jobs. To me, this is my all-time favorite movie. I will admit to liking the original theatrical release better than the directors cut. Ridley Scott is a great director, but I still feel that both versions should have been included on the DVD.
My first viewing of this film was on VHS in the Undergraduate library at UNC Chapel Hill in about 1984. It was a distracting place to watch a movie like this. I have to say, I was left with a feeling of confusion, but also a desire to keep watching this one until I got it. This movie is layered is such a way as to be confusing to the casual viewer. My advice to a first-timer is to turn off the cell phone and concentrate on the film. Take in the incredible set design, costumes, music score, sound effects, lighting...everything. The acting and story will take care of itself.
The book this movie is based on by Phillip K. Dick "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" has some significant differences from the movie. Deckard is married in the book and Rachael is not even a possible love interest. Anyone that read the book first can understand my feeling when Deckard enters his room and slowly reaches down to Rachael. My heart was pounding as my first thought was that she would attack him or he would shoot, or...
The acting is superb in this masterpiece of science fiction. Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer are at their best. The physical aspect of their interaction is heightened by the ability to put just the right amount of dialog in the scenes to keep you on the edge of your seat when the time is right. Hauer plays the angry, but fragile Roy Batty with what I think is his best performance. Sean Young I don't think has ever again had a role to fit her like Rachael. Cold and distant, and later frightened and vulnerable. Even Walsh puts in a fine performance as the crusty policeman.
I am glad William Saunderson has found his way back to stardom with Deadwood. He has always been great at this type of role.
All in all there just isn't anything wrong enough with this film to give it even one bad comment. I just can't think of ONE. If you have seen it once keep watching it. You will get more each time (to me the mark of a great film).