Whichever cut, there is a splendid mystery underneath

Rating: 9/10 (30 July 2009)

In 2019 Blade Runner Deckard (Ford) is hired to track down and retire numerous replicants, slaves who have come to earth seeking their constructor.
Almost 30 years on Blade Runner is renowned as a classic, despite bombing in theatres when first released, but significantly all the attention is what happened behind closed doors for this sci-fi smash.
There have been riffs between Scott and his apparent distance to his crew, the central star argued whether Deckard was human or not but what is most debated still is this whole business with specific cuts.
First there was an unapproved director's cut, and then in the early 90's Scott did his own version with the latest cut and apparent finale being released two years ago.
Having watched the director's cut, and my first viewing of the film, a few months previously I was left spellbound by the attractive graphics, the gritty and mind conceptual nature of the sharp scripting amongst the usual bravado performance by the Star Wars hero Harrison Ford.
One of the debates is the inclusion of Ford's narration. Now the final cut does not include any of this apparent narration and I am unable to recall how much was included in the director's cut but ultimately from my perspective the absence is a powerful thing as we are left to work out the complexions of Deckard's nature.
The opening sequence explains the facts regarding replicants and Blade Runners with a soulful futuristic vibe playing in the background. We then open to a futuristic Los Angeles with numerous towers on fire and a splendid montage of a fiery eye that sets the tone for a noir styled futuristic film.
After a sharp murder Deckard is hired to kill the remaining replicants and is soon on a detective style trail to exploit the activities of their creator with Rachel (Young) applying the necessary rivalry and challenge for Deckard.
Amongst all the terms and relevance of the time, this is quite a silent movie with Ford's masculine figure saying what he only needs to and creating that soulful presence he does so well. Young balances the actor with her inside numbness whilst Hauer is perhaps the most intriguing character, being evil but with a purpose and significance.
Ridley Scott's direction takes in mind the complexity of reality for the future with the crowded streets, the development of the replicants and working a constricted tale for Deckard to try and master.
This is all about the humanity in the future and how machines hinder our options and possibilities. It is relative but also highly enjoyable and exceptionally exciting also.
Blade Runner is certainly stunning in visuals, but looking deeper it is a cleverly woven narrative about humanity against machine and whichever version, is worth watching.