Table of Contents
Introduction
I didn’t love Blade Runner. And that’s okay. Yes, it’s an iconic and well loved addition to the science fiction genre. It stars some of the biggest names of the time and is directed by one of the best directors ever. The movie defined an entire genre and continues to receive acclaim and homage to this day. Additionally, I present myself as the guy who finds something that I enjoyed about every creative project. This is no different. Overall, though, I didn’t love Blade Runner.
What Didn’t Connect
Always start with the bad news. That way you leave people with a good impression. Here’s what didn’t connect for me:
- Slow Pacing: To paraphrase Dr. Ian Malcolm, “You will eventually have a science fiction plot in your science fiction movie, right?” Not much happens in the movie. The things that do happen have such a long and laborious set up that by the time I got there, I couldn’t care less. Maybe this is a character study.
- Flat Characters: Not sure if this is writing, directing, or acting. Maybe all three. But, speaking of not caring less, I can’t give a single characteristic for any of them that sticks with me beyond the movie. Nope, not a character study.
- Deus Ex Machina: Normally, I suspend my disbelief and go with the flow when the “plot god” shows up to save the day. I think that it just hit harder here because I couldn’t get into the story. That made the disconnect that much more substantial and I just couldn’t ignore it.
Overall, as I watched the movie, I couldn’t help but think that this was a plot that happened to the characters instead of them having any agency over their fates. That’s probably more realistic than most fiction. I’m just not in the mood for the hopeless march of time right now. Give me a character that does something and affects the outcome of the movie beyond just shooting a couple of replicants.
What Worked
There are reasons that the movie endures and maintains its status as a cult movie. Yearly, new people are introduced to it and they enjoy it. Here’s why I think that’s true.
- Visuals: Most of the movie is dark, which set the stage for cyberpunk. But, during the scenes that are better lighted, the make-up, costumes, and settings are all visually stunning.
- Influences: This movie jump started the cyberpunk industry. The dark and gritty setting. The film noire plot aesthetics. Wild costumes and near future technology wrapped into an allegory for corporate greed. All of it is here.
- World-Building: I read a review somewhere that one of the great things about this movie is that it just drops you into the world. Maybe that’s part of the reason I didn’t like it. I enjoy the world building of fantasy and science fiction. When I’m just dropped into the middle of it, I find it jarring and disorienting. Maybe on a rewatch, I will find more that I enjoy now that I’m used to the surroundings.
Even though I didn’t love Blade Runner, I recognize a trail blazer when I see one. If you are into cyberpunk, then I can understand how this is your bible. I’ve tried the two forms of =punk; Steam and Cyber. Neither of them really connected much with me.
The Scene That Shook Me
spoiler alert
When Batty meets Tyrell, I expected a heartfelt and possibly tragic reunion. The scene delivered all of that. Batty calls him “father”. Tyrell responds with the “prodigal son” label. Then, before we even get a chance to register what’s happening, it’s all over. For a movie that deliberately slowed the pace, this scene could have used more time, in my opinion. Build the tension. Extend the emotions. Make the killing that much more impactful. Luckily this scene came just as I was about to give up on the film. It’s one that will sit with me for a long time.
The Verdict
I’m not here to crap on their parade. I also don’t need convincing that I’m wrong. We all like different things. Under different circumstances, I might enjoy this movie. I don’t think I’d ever love Blade Runner for the reasons listed. However, if I watched at a time when I wasn’t exhausted (it was a Friday night after a long week), then some of the intent wouldn’t be lost on me. I mean no disrespect either. It’s just that I didn’t love Blade Runner and I expected to have a more positive outcome.
