A Rare Gem of a Science Fiction Film

Rating: 10/10 (28 July 2004)

Kubrick's 1968 masterpiece: '2001: A Space Odyssey' proved that science fiction film-making did not require ray-guns, flying saucers and alien invaders. With stunning visuals, an ethereal and haunting musical score, and minimal dialogue Kubrick explored the idea that 'we are not alone'.
In 1982 Ridley Scott also offered us a mature science fiction movie in the form of 'Blade Runner'. Adapted by Hampton Fancher from science fiction great Philip K. Dick's novel: 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?', 'Blade Runner' tells us a cautionary tale of what can happen if we don't keep a check on our scientific creations.
When genetically engineered humans (called Replicants) are outlawed on Earth, a crack squad of police detectives is created to weed out any stray Replicant visitors. This is called the Blade Runner unit.
Det. Rick Deckard , played with great humility by Harrison Ford, is retired from the force but is drawn back in by less than idle threats form his former boss; "...if you're not 'cop' you're little people..." Deckard was the best at 'retiring' Replicants and the unit needs him back. A small group of Replicants - with Rutger Hauer as their super-strong, super-genius leader Roy Battey - has hijacked an off-world shuttle and come to Earth with one goal: extend their built-in four-year life span.
Deckard's pursuit of the illegally landed Replicants takes place through a rainy, gloomy future Los Angeles where the Earth is being depopulated in preference the for brighter pastures of off-world colonies. The city is always wet and soggy, cut through in sharp contrast by spotlights from floating advertisements for off-world colonization.
The film is sombre and foreboding, with the action as exclamation points throughout, as opposed to being the main focus. Vangelis provides an exquisitely appropriate soundtrack which exactly mirrors the overall mood of the film. And the visual effects shots can still hold up to even today's high-end CGI standards.
Dark, moody, damp, sombre...All words that one might not equate to an excellent science fiction film, but they certainly fit here. Scott gives us a glimpse of a future that seems bleak, where Mother Earth is no longer the focus of humanity. Within this is a detective story not unlike Mickey Spilane of a by-gone era; get the bad guys while trying to hold on to the girl.
From the editing to the pace, from the music to the special effects, I can find nothing wrong with this film. If you don't go into to it expecting Indiana Jones crossed with Alien, you will be treated to a rare gem of a science fiction film.