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Blade Runner (1982) - Sesskasays

Download Edit (2.8 GB) Edited Reaction Alongside the regular multi-part full, you now have the option of watching an edited version of the full movie reaction with 10-15mins

Comments

Thomas Corp

Now to address an aspect of the film that you said you wish you got more of: The idea that people might be replicants and might not even know it. Which brings us to the central debate of whether Deckard is a replicant. This has been arguably the film’s most enduring legacy in the over forty years following its release. There are differing opinions across the board. Ridley Scott has always said yes, hence the stronger hints in both the director’s cut and the final cut, the latter is my preferred version of the film, by the way. Harrison, Rutger, and the screenwriters have firmly said no, although apparently, Harrison has somewhat come around to the idea that Deckard is a replicant. The film critic Mark Kermode is a strong supporter of the idea in the affirmative. The previously mentioned hosts of Turner Classic Movies said they liked the conflicting interpretations, both from the filmmakers and audiences. And as has been noted by so many, the overarching theme of the film is to question the idea of existence; the theme of identity. Which is why I ultimately prefer the ambiguity, the uncertainty. Going back to Roger Ebert, his once wrote that, “all we can say for sure is that director Ridley Scott has left clues in various versions of his film that can be used to prove that Deckard is a human... or a replicant.” My own thoughts are the idea that Deckard doesn’t even know, but throughout the film, humanity is awakened or reawakened within him. And it begs observations: Is he a replicant whose humanity is awakened; he does not know, nor do we. Is he a human whose humanity is reawakened; he does not know, nor do we. We will never know, perhaps Deckard will never fully know, not with complete certainty anyway, and the opaqueness of the truth is fantastic. And indeed, we end with Deckard pondering that as he and Rachael, who yes, as you note, her actions could be interpreted as she has fallen for Deckard, or simply feels that he is her best shot at survival, head off into the uncertain future as we hear the echo of Gaff’s famous line, “It’s too bad she won’t live! But then again, who does?” Or... at least that would have been the ending in the theatrical cut were it not for the studio mandating the ending that you saw, which, though I don’t agree, I do like that you liked the theatrical ending. This tends not to be a popular opinion, hence its absence in the director’s and final cuts of the film. So, if nothing else, Jess, I found it refreshing that you had no overt issue with the ending of the theatrical cut. I feel I should tell you that if you plan on putting on the poll the Blade Runner sequel, I’m fully supportive of that if you did, you might want to watch the director’s and/or final cut before watching the second film, whether it wins on the poll or you simply view it in your own time as the sequel was made as a sequel to the latter cuts not the theatrical version. In any event, I am happy to see you enjoyed the film, and it was a lovely reaction, Jess, thank you.

Ryan

For another great perspective on the film, I highly recommend William Sanderson's memoir, the perfectly titled Yes, I'm That Guy. He puts an incredible amount of thought and work into even his smallest roles, and his take on Blade Runner is especially deep and interesting.

Saltire

Which version is this? The standard voice-over one, or the Directors Cut? Not seen Bladerunner in a while though the one made the other year was a decent follow-up, though Zimmer is no Vangelis when it comes to the music!

Thomas Corp

It was the theatrical cut with the voice-over that Jess watched. Before I rewatched it again to prepare for the reaction, I think the last time I saw Blade Runner, that is, the final cut, was three years ago. So, it was some time.