Blade Runner (1982) - Review

I often complain about when the technical aspects or style over take any type of story. I am definitely a 'substance-over-style' guy the majority of the time. But Blade Runner is the exception, because if there wasn't such a strong atmosphere, brilliant VFX, and interesting sci-fi concepts, you would have to focus on Deckard’s horrible story. His detective storyline is as bland as they come, and the no-chemistry romance is the twist of the knife to make me dread seeing his arc (or lack thereof). It’s a testament to everything else about the film that the central protagonist’s storyline doesn’t ruin it. The replicant storyline is interesting and genuinely tense, Rutger Hauer is fantastic as well. The world of Blade Runner is where it is at; fantastic lighting, set design, and cinematography make this world atmospheric and engaging from the first frame. Despite me not liking the character, Harrison Ford brings charm to Deckard when he is allowed. His physical acting is fantastic; he sells a punch like no one else. I used to hate the whole “Deckard is a replicant” idea, and while I still think it is stupid, at least it is something to make the ‘A’ plot more interesting. Ridley Scott is such an interesting filmmaker, not just because some of his stellar technical craftsmanship, but by how inconsistent he is with his storytelling. Blade Runner is his magnum opus in terms of showcasing who he is as a filmmaker then.