Solid, multi-layered science fiction (spoilers)

Rating: Null/10 (8 September 2004)

Numerous books, magazines and essays have appeared on "Blade Runner" (1982), a flop on its initial theatrical release, and one that it's star player Harrison Ford despised making. But the film, which appears on the surface to be just a straightforward science fiction thriller about evil robots, is in fact a far deeper tale about creation and humanity.
In mid-21st century L.A, Deckard (Harrison Ford) makes routine cullings of rogue 'replicants', human-like robots engineered for slave purposes on Earth and off-world colonies. A small group of these robots, led by the charismatic Batty (Rutger Hauer) have infiltrated L.A. and it is up to Deckard to track them down and 'retire' them before they can do any damage...
That at least, is the thrust of the story, which has one or two minor problems. The set-up to the final shoot-out is clumsily handled, and the final 'happy ending' feels out-of-place with the rest of the movie. However, there are many interesting depths to this picture.
Batty's encounter with his doomed creator Tyrell (Joe Turkel) has a strong parallel with man destroying God in the pursuit of life. Deckard's affair with Tyrell's assistant Rachel (Sean Young), herself revealed to be a replicant, places his own humanity in an ambiguous light. Parallels are made between the replicants and their human creators in that the questions they both have are the same: who am I? where do I come from? where am I going? how long have I got?
The backdrop to this is laid out in fantastic production design that blends futuristic technology (and some now dated corporate logos) with old style buildings. Deckard's apartment and Tyrell's high-rise office are influenced in their own way by the designs of Egyptian pyramids. This is accentuated beautifully by Vangelis's music score, including the touching Deckard/Rachel love theme.
Ford is good in a role that is considerably more cowardly and stolid than some of his other action parts. Young radiates innocence and vulnerability as the gentle Rachel, and Rutger Hauer and Darryl Hannah are excellent as the two chief replicants, the former getting a memorable scene where she batters Harrison Ford with her thighs.
Love it or hate it, "Blade Runner" is a cult classic and should remain so for as long as films exist.