Can you tell I’m excited to talk about Blade Runner today? I absolutely love the Blade Runner series. Don’t worry I’m sure I will absolutely nerd out more about this in future, but today I want to talk about the Blade Runner 2049 film specifically. kind-of.
Blade Runner 2049 is a theatrical movie directed by Denis Villeneuve that was released in 2017. It picks up about 30 years after the end of the first movie – so if you haven’t seen Blade Runner, I would recommend pulling a double feature and watching them both. Go on.. Do it!
The film, as we’ll later discuss, got a few awards and was well-received by the time it finally got made.
Now, I’ll say it again – if you haven’t seen Blade Runner – as difficult as it is, go find it and watch it first. Split the viewings over a few weeks if you really want to be a nerd – after all, there are three more Blade Runner books you can hunt down… but more on that shortly…
The original film, like Blade Runner 2049 was loosely based on “Do Android’s Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K Dick, and I’d highly recommend this short story to anyone who enjoys sci-fi writings.
Let’s get into it!
Blade Runner 2049 is a science fiction film released in 2017, directed by Denis Villeneuve and serves as a sequel to the original “Blade Runner” from 1982. Set in a dystopian future, the film follows Officer K, a new generation blade runner, played by Ryan Gosling, who works for the LAPD as a specialized law enforcement agent assigned to track down and “retire” rogue replicants—human-like androids.
In this sequel, Officer K uncovers a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what remains of society into chaos. His discovery leads him on a mission to find Rick Deckard, the legendary former blade runner, played by Harrison Ford, who has been missing for 30 years. As K delves deeper into the mystery, he becomes entangled in a complex web of conspiracies involving the powerful Wallace Corporation and its enigmatic CEO, Niander Wallace, played by Jared Leto.
Amidst the sprawling futuristic cityscapes and the grim landscape of a world devastated by ecological collapse, Officer K must confront his own identity and grapple with the nature of humanity as he embarks on a journey that blurs the lines between man and machine, reality and illusion. In his quest for answers, K must navigate treacherous alliances, face dangerous adversaries, and ultimately confront the profound questions about his own existence and the destiny of humanity itself.
Blade Runner 2049 discusses topics best left for interpretation by adults. While I think some mature teens might enjoy it, the complex nature of Philip K Dick’s work isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’ve seen Blade Runner from 1982 then you might remember being a little confused at all the information the viewer is expected to take in; and if you haven’t – then trust me when I tell you, it’s a lot of information.
Can I nerd out… now… just a little bit?!?
It turns out that in addition to Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049, Dick’s friend K. W. Jeter wrote three authorised Blade Runner novels that continue Rick Deckard’s story, attempting to resolve the differences between the film and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?.
These are Blade Runner 2: The Edge of Human, released in 1995, Blade Runner 3: Replicant Night, released in 1996, and Blade Runner 4: Eye and Talon, released in 2000.
AND… There are comic books as well. So… if you are desperate for more Blade Runner action, pop down to your local library and see if they can get them in for you. You might be able to find them at an op-shop, if you are super lucky!
With each viewing, I feel like I get to really appreciate the story of Blade Runner. The original film is very complex and if you don’t keep up with it, it will leave you confused and in the dust. Best enjoyed with your favourite tea – Yorkshire, by the way – Blade Runner 2049 shows that it is possible to make a decent sequel if you try and stick to the original work. While Blade Runner did end up having three novels, the original film was only loosely based on Philip K Dick’s work. Which you should definitely read.
The film got a lot of praise by critics for its performances, cinematography, direction, musical score, visual effects, production design and ‘faithfullness’ to the original film. It was, by many critics, considered to be one of the best films of 2017. But is that actually true?
The film turned out to be a box office disappointment – strengthening the case against cinemas further – grossing about $260 million worldwide against a $150-185 million dollar production budget. The film, however, would go on to receive 5 nominations at the Academy Awards – taking home Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects. You can bet it was the scenes with the memory maker that pushed the wins in this category – the effects are truly stunning.
That’s not all! It also got 8 nominations at the British Academy Film Awards and ended up taking home – you guessed it – Best Cinematography and Best Special Visual Effects.
I honestly think that this is a great movie to watch. I’m biased though. I really enjoy Philip K Dick’s work – just look at my bookshelf! The complex nature of the base material, even though it’s a short story, makes the story-telling in the film so much more impressive. If your enjoy sci-fi movies, then this is a series for you.
It’s complex nature is best interpreted by adults. The movie is meant to make the audience think about androids and if they have, or could have, a soul. While I really don’t want to spoil the movie, think complexity beyond I, Robot or Detroit become Human. It’s also considered to be cyber punk, so if that’s your think, you’ll love this film.
Obviously you know that Blade Runner 2049 is a sequel to the Blade Runner movies from the 80’s. I haven’t yet written a review of Blade Runner, but I do intend to – the next time I watch it.
So, to sum up…
Blade Runner 2049 is a sequel to Blade Runner and continues on the universe. The original film, like Blade Runner 2049 was loosely based on “Do Android’s Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K Dick, an amazing book if you are looking for a good nighttime read. I’d recommend this movie to any fans of Blade Runner or Sci Fi / cyber punk movie’s in general. Harrison Ford is a great character and the surprise reprisal of his Decker role is a bonus you’ll want to share.
Till next time.