A Great Mixture Of Science Fiction And Noir

Rating: 10/10 (31 October 2013)

When contemporary critics and audiences discuss about their favorite sci-fi films and they usually contain the same films; and one of those films include Blade Runner. I do think that Blade Runner is a fantastic science fiction film but I also think it ranks up with the best neo-noir films of all time.
Blade Runner's screenplay is written by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples, and it is based on Philip K. Dick's novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?". This film definitely progressed Peoples' writing career, attached with films like Unforgiven and 12 Monkeys. I have not read Dick's novel, so I came into this film blind. The film's plot takes a story that seems to touch familiar ground in previous noir films but putting a sci-fi twist to it, and I think it's intriguing and had me constantly thinking about the social and political structure of the film's world. Fancher and Peoples has written a protagonist that doesn't tell or show much and it had me curious on what his view is of the current situation and the world. I did find some of the dialogue a little vague and lacking texture but it does achieve in driving the hardboiled tone that Ridley Scott was going for. I also wished that there was more depth in the story, allowing us to explore the comprehensive world that Deckard is in.
Ridley Scott directed this film, who amazed me with his previous film "Alien". Scott approached Alien in a more straightforward kind of way, focusing more on the terror and the need for survival. Blade Runner on the other hand is much more complex and walks on the tight rope between two completely different genres. Scott was able to balance both noir and sci-fi, which made this film very unique for its time. I felt that Scott was held back in achieving his true vision as some moments feel a bit empty and need a bit more time to achieve it's true potential. The film is a major step forward in special effects and the scope of what effects can do. The film's effects are clearly influenced by other sci-fi films that preceded it, which includes Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Star Wars.
Blade Runner's director of photography was the late Jordan Cronenweth. The cinematography is one the main areas that convey the noir-ish tone of the film. The film definitely feels stylish which is one of the main reasons that attracted me to the film again and again. Cronenweth's use of shadows and the use of low key lighting accentuate the dark emotional weight of the film's story. The exterior scenes, which is filled with neon lights and rain, look gorgeous and keeps the audience feeling mesmerized. The film's photography has influenced future films like Total Recall (2012) and Minority Report.
Blade Runner's score is composed by Vangelis, who previously worked on Chariots of Fire. I really like the score of this film as it incorporates the futuristic sound of synthesizers and electronic while also keeping that classic noir sound, music driven by either saxophone or piano. It definitely sounds more personal and intimate in comparison to big science fiction films like Star Wars, which is operatic and grand.
Harrison Ford is definitely great in this film but cannot say that this was his best work. Ford does not have a lot to work with as his character does not have a lot of emotional depth. Rutger Hauer was fantastic in this film as he portrays with such unpredictability and eeriness that he kept me on my toes during the film, particularly the third act. Sean Young was great here, sexy and innocent, but I felt that writers did not write enough about her character.
Blade Runner is a science-fiction and neo-noir classic, and has influenced many films that came after it. It has a great story with an interesting setting, supported by great acting, stylish photography and an inspired score. It may not be perfect in my eyes but it shouldn't retract anyone from watching it.