The epitome of sci-fi masterpieces

Rating: 10/10 (19 January 2006)

Very few films in cinematic history have the power to live on through different new waves of cinema, and indeed the test of time. Most, like the special effects of the fifties, have in some way or another been out- done, forgotten or indeed re- made. None of these are ways in which 1982's Blade Runner has been affected by the test of time. If anything, Blade Runner has got better and better as time has passed since its release, and is now regarded as something of a lost gem of the otherwise bad decade of film- making, the eighties. The charm of this futuristic and deeply provocative science fiction film was much hated by audiences upon its release, and it is very difficult to see why. Douglas Trumbull's lushly dark and upsetting skylines and cityscapes are still as imposingly sinister as ever it was, and the man vs. machine storyline is perhaps the only sci- fi narrative that stays intact as a result. The sheer originality of the film, not succumbing to the confines of some more run- of the- mill narratives, is a depiction of film- making at its brilliant best, with the film noir influence painting a bleak image of a dystopian future world. So, if all these points about the film are true, then why was this film not more of a success? I believe it has very much to do with the presence of Star Wars still floating around, even five years after its release. Audiences were won over by the intergalactic battle between good and evil and idolised the role of Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, and indeed Darth Vader, the demonic leader of the dark side of the force. Quite rightfully so, as Star Wars in 1977 was definitely ahead of its time in terms of special effects and sheer scale, but here is where I get controversial. Blade Runner is better. It has all the charm and intelligence of Star Wars, and then some. The special effects are sublime and involving, and the story is way more complex and meaningful than Star Wars or indeed any other sci-fi film of the era. The beauty of Blade Runner is everywhere, from the meaningful and emotionally provocative script, the excellent acting and the dazzling special effects, to the way the film communicates with the audience on a much higher level than most films ever could. The sheer beauty of this film is not noticeable unless the viewer engages and understands just what the film is trying to tell them. Blade Runner is a very clever film in that it prophesises what the future could hold for mankind. If that is not a scary thought, given the content of the film, I don't know what is. Later next year, Blade Runner gets it's long awaited and indeed welcomed release on DVD, to celebrate the films' 25th anniversary, and I feel that for once, the film will get the attention and public welcome that it deserved upon it's release over two decades ago. Of course the film will have critics swarming over it, ready to pick any fault they can, but I think somehow that it was never intended to be that sort of film at all. It is a film that just needs to be heard as it gets its message across. I really feel that if people really listened on its release, we could now be talking about Blade Runner in a very different way. Maybe even with the same status as Star Wars has. But, I guess that it is down to public opinion, and preference, but surely that should not overshadow one of the great marvels of sci-fi? The debate about Blade Runner continues, with critics constantly mulling it over, reconsidering its status even twenty four years after it first graced our screens. But I think that this film will never be forgotten. Undoubtedly the best work to come from Ridley Scott yet, and a truly provocative and moving film, I think Blade Runner will be talked about for many more years to come, and as a result, the charm of it will never die. So remember don't judge a book by its cover. Go and see Blade Runner, and treat yourself to one of the greatest influences on modern cinema and arguably one of the best book to film adaptations you are ever likely to see.