Beauty and the Blues

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2017)

What can be said about this work of cinematic art that has not been said before? A piece of late 20th century cinema that left its fingerprints not just on the arts, but in the real world. Its production design a undeniable influence on the modern city, the Asian influenced neon, still THE touchstone for modern urban cool.
But just like Deckard descending to the ground in his Spinner, the real gifts to be given by this film are under its beautiful surface.Yes, its in the profound human sadness that drives the heart of the movie. Its a modernist blues song -Or Miles Davis "Blue In Green" done with a camera.
The tale of sentient life forms that are treated as slaves, owned like property, and not worthy of humanity, comes straight from the blues. Deckard, a deeply unhappy "individual" living like most of the population in this hi tech, but spiritually void, and cruel world.That he finds a spiritual connection with Rachel, and they both desperately hang on to each other, is such a heartwarming thought - And Deckard being a replicant, or not, has NO effect on this. They are simply two lost, and confused beings that have found warmth together in the cold world - Who cant feel that?!!
Add all the other layers, and of course the incredibly beautiful score by Vangelis, and you have one of the greatest films ever made. I like a lot of musicians have been heavily influenced by this movie my whole life - Heres a link to my music for those who are interested: https://neonvandal.bandcamp.com