Not all great books make great films

Rating: 9/10 (3 December 2001)

I suspect that not many people have actually read the book, which is, I must say, one of Philip K. Dick's easier-to-read stories. The translation to film often makes for a quite different experience, not always a happy one, but I think this is done superbly in this case. One example of where the film missed the point a bit for me is that there is nowhere near the sense of turmoil our 'hero' is going through, and his wife is nowhere to be seen in the movie. I suppose that was a matter of focussing on plot, but the fact she existed adds additional pressure on him with his antisocial job and the feeling of just how out of touch with everything in his world but the replicants he is.
Originally this film had a voice over (Harrison Ford), only much later the director's cut lost that and also adjusted a few scenes making for a slightly shortened film. I actually prefer the voice-over version as again it adds to the mood of the film and gives you further insight into Deckard.

Whichever you watch, this is a great sci-fi film which has been heavily borrowed from by just about everyone since then. The attention to detail is fabulous, and even now still looks great even though we seem to be almost at the point where their technology is here.