Are YOU Looking Forward To October?
Ask any fan of quality science fiction what the best month of
2017 will be, and there’s a good chance they’ll tell you – October!
Why? Because that’s when Blade Runner 2049 comes out.
Do you remember Blade Runner? It’s hard to believe it first came
out in 1982 isn’t it. I’ve never forgotten how much I was enthralled by the
story of near-future ex cop, Rick Deckard – a blade runner – whose job
was to track down bioengineered superbeings known as replicants and
"retire" (a euphemism for killing) them.
Unmatched in skill, Deckard is called on by his ex boss,
Bryant, and told that four dangerous replicants have managed to reach Earth,
illegally. As Tyrell Corporation Nexus-6 models, they have only a four-year
lifespan and it is suspected they have returned to try and extend their lives.
Deckard watches a video of a blade runner
named Holden administering the "Voight-Kampff" test
designed to distinguish replicants from humans based on their emotional
response to questions. The test subject, Leon, shoots the investigating
officer and makes off. Bryant wants Deckard to retire Leon and the other three
replicants: Roy Batty, Zhora, and Pris. Deckard initially
refuses, but after Bryant ambiguously threatens him, he reluctantly agrees.
What follows is a dark and haunting story of Deckard’s
investigation, during which he is followed by another officer – Gaff – and
discovers the creator of the replicants - Eldon Tyrell – has advanced the
production of his artificial humans to such an extent that they don’t realize
they aren’t human. Enter Tyrell’s assistant, Rachael, an experimental replicant
who believes herself to be a real woman. Rachael has been given false memories
to provide an "emotional cushion". As a result, a more extensive test
is required to determine whether she is a replicant.
Events are then set into motion that pit Deckard's search for
the replicants against their search for Tyrell to force him to extend their
lives. Excellent stuff. It’s earthy, gritty, and you can almost taste how
downright depressing it would be to live in a world like that.
The film culminates in a high-rise apartment where Deckard is
ambushed by Pris. After a fierce struggle, he manages to kill her just as Roy –
a combat expert – returns. As Roy starts to die, he chases Deckard through the
building, and they end up on the roof. Deckard tries to escape by jumping to an
adjacent rooftop. Misjudging the distance, he misses and is left hanging
precariously between buildings. Roy makes the same jump with ease, and as
Deckard's grip loosens, Roy surprises him by catching his arm and hoisting him to
safety.
As Roy's life at last runs out, he delivers a now famous monologue
about how his memories "will be lost in time, like tears in rain."
Roy dies in front of Deckard, who, exhausted, looks on silently. Gaff arrives
and shouts across to Deckard, "It's too bad she won't live, but then
again, who does?" When Deckard returns to his apartment, he finds the door
ajar, but Rachael is safe, asleep in his bed. As they leave together, Deckard
notices a small tin-foil origami unicorn on the floor, a familiar
calling card that brings back to him Gaff's final words. Deckard and Rachael
quickly leave the apartment block.
Macabre; disturbing; provocative. Solid; thoughtful; insightful
of human nature. Blade Runner was all of these things and I loved it.
But that was thirty-five years ago.
And Now?
We can only guess what’s
coming. But if this new rendering possesses only half the atmosphere of the
original, it’ll be an outstanding film.
Roll on October...
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