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{{Short description|1982 film by Ridley Scott}} | ||
{{About|the 1982 film|the franchise based on the film |Blade Runner (franchise){{!}}''Blade Runner'' (franchise)||Blade Runner (disambiguation)}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2016}} | |||
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{{Use American English|date=December 2023}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}} | |||
{{Infobox film | {{Infobox film | ||
| name = Blade Runner | | name = Blade Runner | ||
| image = Blade Runner poster. |
| image = Blade Runner (1982 poster).png | ||
| alt = |
| alt = Collage of a man holding a gun, a woman holding a cigarette, and a futuristic city-scape. | ||
| caption = Theatrical release poster by ] | | caption = Theatrical release poster by ] | ||
| director = ] | | director = ] | ||
| producer = ] | | producer = ] | ||
| writer = | |||
| screenplay = {{Plain list| | |||
| screenplay = {{unbulleted list|]|]}} | |||
| based_on = {{Based on|'']''|]}} | |||
* ] | |||
| starring = {{Plain list|<!-- Per billing block in the film poster --> | |||
}} | |||
| based on = {{Based on|'']''|]}} | |||
| starring = {{Plain list|<!--As per poster. Do not add any more names--> | |||
* ] | * ] | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
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* ] | * ] | ||
}} | }} | ||
| music = ] | | music = ] | ||
| cinematography = ] | | cinematography = ] | ||
| editing = {{ |
| editing = {{unbulleted list|]|Marsha Nakashima}} | ||
| studio = {{unbulleted list|]|]|Blade Runner Partnership}} | |||
* ] | |||
| distributor = ] (Worldwide)<br />Shaw Brothers (Hong Kong) | |||
* Marsha Nakashima | |||
| released = {{Film date|1982|06|25|United States|1982|12|22|Hong Kong}} | |||
| runtime = 117 minutes<!-- First theatrical run, not the later Director's or Final Cut --><!-- Theatrical runtime: 117:04 --><ref name=bbfcoriginal /> | |||
| country = United States<ref>{{cite web |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/68260-BLADE-RUNNER?sid=8a7ed183-727e-4335-9da7-16ffd47b588f&sr=34.601395&cp=1&pos=0 |website=AFI.com |publisher=] |title=Blade Runner |access-date=December 3, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151106110252/http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=68260 |archive-date=November 6, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk//whats-on/bfi-film-releases/blade-runner-final-cut |website=BFI.org |publisher=] |title=Blade Runner |access-date=December 3, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151206122316/http://www.bfi.org.uk/whats-on/bfi-film-releases/blade-runner-final-cut |archive-date=December 6, 2015}}</ref><br />Hong Kong<ref name=bfi.org.uk>{{cite web |url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b69ac89d8 |title=Blade Runner (1982) |publisher=British Film Institute |access-date=April 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215022709/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b69ac89d8 |archive-date=February 15, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
| language = English | |||
| budget = $30 million<ref>{{cite web |first=Tim |last=Gray |url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/blade-runner-1982-unloved-classic-1202476755/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705010740/https://variety.com/2017/film/news/blade-runner-1982-unloved-classic-1202476755/ |title='Blade Runner' Turns 35: Ridley Scott's Unloved Film That Became a Classic |website=] |date=June 24, 2017 |archive-date=July 5, 2017 |access-date=July 31, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| gross = $41.8 million<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0083658/ |title=Blade Runner (1982) |website=] |access-date=February 3, 2024 |archive-date=May 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515161512/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0083658/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
}} | }} | ||
| production companies = {{Plainlist| | |||
'''''Blade Runner''''' is a 1982 <!-- Do not add Neo-noir here, only the primary genre should be listed, which is science fiction. Neo-noir is detailed later in the article. -->] directed by ] from a screenplay by ] and ].<ref name="LAT-19920913">{{cite news |last=Turan |first=Kenneth |title=From the Archives: 'Blade Runner' went from Harrison Ford's 'miserable' production to Ridley Scott's unicorn scene, ending as a cult classic |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-blade-runner-2-turan-19920913-story.html |date=September 13, 1992 |newspaper=] |access-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205013633/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-blade-runner-2-turan-19920913-story.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GZM-20210204">{{cite news |last=Lussier |first=German |title=The Mistake That Changed the History of Blade Runner |url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-mistake-that-changed-the-history-of-blade-runner-1846198955 |date=February 4, 2021 |work=] |access-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205010545/https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-mistake-that-changed-the-history-of-blade-runner-1846198955 |url-status=live}}</ref> Starring ], ], ], and ], it is an adaptation of ]'s 1968 novel '']'' The film is set in a ]n future Los Angeles of 2019, in which ] known as '']s'' are ] by the powerful Tyrell Corporation to work on ]. When a fugitive group of advanced replicants led by ] (Hauer) escapes back to Earth, burnt-out cop ] (Ford) reluctantly agrees to hunt them down. | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
''Blade Runner'' initially underperformed in North American theaters and polarized critics; some praised its thematic complexity and visuals, while others critiqued its slow pacing and lack of action. The ], composed by ], was nominated in 1982 for ] and ] as best original ]. ''Blade Runner'' later became a ], and has since come to be regarded as one of the ]. Hailed for its production design depicting a ] but decaying future, the film is often regarded as both a leading example of ] cinema and a foundational work of the ]<ref name="Torres Cruz 2014" /> genre. It has influenced many science fiction films, ], ], and television series. It also brought the work of Dick to Hollywood's attention and led to ]. In 1993, it was selected for preservation in the ] by the ]. | |||
* Blade Runner Partnership | |||
Seven different ] exist as a result of controversial changes requested by studio executives. A ] was released in 1992 after a strong response to test screenings of a ]. This, in conjunction with the film's popularity as a video rental, made it one of the earliest movies to be released on ]. In 2007, ] released '']'', a 25th-anniversary digitally remastered version; this is the only version over which Scott retained artistic control. | |||
The film is the first of ]. A sequel, titled '']'', was released in 2017 alongside a trilogy of short films covering the thirty-year span between the two films' settings. The anime series '']'' was released in 2021. | |||
{{TOC limit|3}} | |||
== Plot == | |||
{{Hatnote|Note: Since there are several versions of ''Blade Runner'', this summary excludes version-specific events. See the ] article for discussion of version-specific plot elements.}} | |||
<!-- Note: The plot summary serves as an overview of the film's events. Per WP:FILMPLOT, the word count in this section should be 400-700 words. --> | |||
In 2019 Los Angeles, former police officer ] is detained by Officer ], who likes to make ] figures, and is brought to his former supervisor, ]. Deckard, whose job as a "blade runner" was to track down bioengineered humanoids known as ]s and terminally "retire" them, is informed that four replicants are on Earth illegally. Deckard begins to leave, but Bryant ambiguously threatens him and Deckard stays. The two watch a video of a blade runner named ] administering the Voight-Kampff test, which is designed to distinguish replicants from humans based on their emotional responses to questions. The test subject, ], shoots Holden on the second question. Bryant wants Deckard to retire Leon and three other Nexus-6 replicants: ], ], and ]. | |||
Bryant has Deckard meet with the CEO of the company that creates the replicants, ], so he can administer the test on a Nexus-6 to see if it works. Tyrell expresses his interest in seeing the test fail first and asks him to administer it on his assistant ]. After a much longer than standard test, Deckard concludes privately to Tyrell that Rachael is a replicant who believes she is human. Tyrell explains that she is an experiment who has been given false memories to provide an "emotional cushion", and that she has no knowledge of her true nature. | |||
In searching Leon's hotel room, Deckard finds photos and a scale from the skin of an animal, which is later identified as a synthetic snake scale. Deckard returns to his apartment where Rachael is waiting. She tries to prove her humanity by showing him a family photo, but Deckard reveals that her memories are implants from Tyrell's niece, and she leaves in tears. | |||
Replicants Roy and Leon meanwhile investigate a replicant eye-manufacturing laboratory and learn of ], a gifted genetic designer who works closely with Tyrell. Pris locates Sebastian and manipulates him to gain his trust. | |||
A photograph from Leon's apartment and the snake scale lead Deckard to a strip club, where Zhora works. After a confrontation and chase, Deckard kills Zhora. Bryant also orders him to retire Rachael, who has disappeared from the Tyrell Corporation. Deckard spots Rachael in a crowd, but he is ambushed by Leon, who knocks the gun out of Deckard's hand and beats him. As Leon is about to kill Deckard, Rachael saves him by using Deckard's gun to kill Leon. They return to Deckard's apartment and, during a discussion, he promises not to track her down. As Rachael abruptly tries to leave, Deckard restrains her and forces her to kiss him, and she ultimately relents. Deckard leaves Rachael at his apartment and departs to search for the remaining replicants. | |||
Roy arrives at Sebastian's apartment and tells Pris that the other replicants are dead. Sebastian reveals that because of a genetic ] disorder, his life will be cut short, like the replicants that were built with a four-year lifespan. Roy uses Sebastian to gain entrance to Tyrell's penthouse. He demands more life from his maker, which Tyrell says is impossible. Roy confesses that he has done "questionable things" but Tyrell dismisses this, praising Roy's advanced design and accomplishments in his short life. Roy kisses Tyrell and then kills him by crushing his skull. Sebastian tries to flee and is later reported dead.{{#tag:ref|Sebastian's death was never shot because of concerns over too much violence in the film.{{sfn|Sammon|p=175}}|group=nb}} | |||
At Sebastian's apartment, Deckard is ambushed by Pris, but he kills her as Roy returns. Roy's body begins to fail as the end of his lifespan nears. He chases Deckard through the building and onto the roof. Deckard tries to jump onto another roof but is left hanging on the edge. Roy makes the jump with ease and, as Deckard's grip loosens, Roy hoists him onto the roof to save him. Before Roy dies, he laments that his memories "]". Gaff arrives to congratulate Deckard, also reminding him that Rachael will not live, but "then again, who does?" Deckard returns to his apartment to retrieve Rachael. While escorting her to the elevator, he notices a small origami ] on the floor. He recalls Gaff's words and departs with Rachael. | |||
== Cast == | |||
{{cast listing| | |||
*] as ] | |||
*] as Roy Batty | |||
*] as Rachael | |||
*] as Gaff | |||
*] as Bryant | |||
*] as Pris | |||
*] as J.F. Sebastian | |||
*] as Leon Kowalski | |||
*] as Eldon Tyrell | |||
*] as Zhora Salome | |||
*] as Hannibal Chew | |||
*] as Dave Holden | |||
*] as Taffey Lewis | |||
}} | }} | ||
| distributor = ] | |||
| released = {{Film date|1982|06|25}} | |||
| runtime = 117 minutes<!--First theatrical run, not the later Director's or Final Cut--><!--Theatrical runtime: 117:04--><ref name=bbfcoriginal/> | |||
| country = {{plainlist| | |||
* United States<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=68260|publisher=]|title=Blade Runner|accessdate=December 3, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/whats-on/bfi-film-releases/blade-runner-final-cut|publisher=]|title=Blade Runner|accessdate=December 3, 2015}}</ref> | |||
* Hong Kong<ref name=BFI>{{cite web|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b69ac89d8|work=]|accessdate=February 14, 2017|title=Blade Runner (1982)|location=London}}</ref> | |||
}} | |||
| language = English | |||
| budget = $28 million<ref name="Numbers">{{citation|title=Blade Runner – Box Office Data, DVD and Blu-ray Sales, Movie News, Cast and Crew Information |url=http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Blade-Runner#tab=summary |publisher=] |date= |accessdate=December 11, 2014 }}</ref> | |||
| gross = $33.8 million<ref name="Mojo">{{citation|title=Blade Runner: The Final Cut (2007) |url=http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bladerunner07.htm |publisher=] |date= |accessdate=April 12, 2014 }}</ref> | |||
}} | |||
'''''Blade Runner''''' is a 1982 American ] ] ] ] directed by ], and starring ], ], ], and ]. The film, written by ] and ], is an ] of the 1968 novel '']'' by ]. | |||
== Production == | |||
The film depicts a ] ] in which genetically engineered ]s, which are visually indistinguishable from adult humans, are manufactured by the powerful Tyrell Corporation. The use of replicants on Earth is banned and they are exclusively utilized for dangerous or menial work on ]. Replicants who defy the ban and return to Earth are hunted down and killed ("retired") by special police operatives known as "Blade Runners". The plot focuses on a group of recently-escaped replicants led by Roy Batty (Hauer), and the burnt-out expert Blade Runner, ] (Ford), who reluctantly agrees to take on one more assignment to hunt them down. During his investigations, Deckard begins a relationship with Rachael (Young), an advanced replicant who causes him to question his and the replicants' humanity. | |||
=== Development === | |||
] (])]] | |||
{{Anchor|Writing|Development}} | |||
''Blade Runner'' initially polarized critics: some were displeased with the pacing, while others enjoyed its thematic complexity. The year following its release, the film won the prestigious ]. ''Blade Runner'' underperformed in North American theaters, but has since become a ].<ref>Sammon, pp. xvi–xviii</ref> Hailed for its production design, depicting a "retrofitted" future,<ref>Bukatman, p. 21; Sammon, p. 79</ref> it remains a leading example of the neo-noir genre.<ref>{{Citation | url=http://www.kentuckypress.com/live/title_detail.php?titleid=1113 | title= The Philosophy of Neo-Noir | publisher=University Press of Kentucky | accessdate=July 27, 2011 | last=Conard | first=Mark T. | year=2006 | isbn=978-0-8131-2422-3| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407034434/http://www.kentuckypress.com/live/title_detail.php?titleid=1113 | archivedate=April 7, 2014 }}</ref> It brought the work of Philip K. Dick to the attention of Hollywood and several later films were based on his work.<ref>Bukatman, p. 41</ref> Ridley Scott regards ''Blade Runner'' as "probably" his most complete and personal film.<ref>{{Citation | last=Greenwald | first=Ted | url=https://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/15-10/ff_bladerunner_full?currentPage=all | title=Read the Full Transcript of Wired's Interview with Ridley Scott | journal=Wired Issue 15.10 | accessdate=July 27, 2011 | date=September 26, 2007| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618103853/http://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/15-10/ff_bladerunner_full?currentPage=all | archivedate=June 18, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="scottobserver">{{citation|title=Scott's Corner |newspaper=] |date=January 6, 2002 |first=Lynn |last=Barber |url=http://film.guardian.co.uk/interview/interviewpages/0,,628186,00.html |accessdate=July 27, 2011 |location=London |publisher=Guardian News and Media |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720054223/http://film.guardian.co.uk/interview/interviewpages/0%2C%2C628186%2C00.html |archivedate=July 20, 2008 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> In 1993, the film was selected for preservation in the United States ] by the ], being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". ''Blade Runner'' is now regarded by many critics as one of the ]. | |||
Interest in adapting ]'s novel '']'' developed shortly after its 1968 publication. Director ] was interested in filming the novel, but never ] it.{{Sfnm|1a1=Bukatman|1p=13|2a1=Sammon|2p=23}} Producer ] optioned it in the early 1970s, but Dick was unimpressed with the screenplay written by Herb's son ], saying, "Jaffe's screenplay was so terribly done ... Robert flew down to Santa Ana to speak with me about the project. And the first thing I said to him when he got off the plane was, 'Shall I beat you up here at the airport, or shall I beat you up back at my apartment?{{' "}}<ref>Dick quoted in {{harvnb|Sammon|p=23}}</ref> | |||
The screenplay by ]<!-- Not titled "Android" initially – See Sammon, pp. 32 and 38 for explanation --> was optioned in 1977.{{sfn|Sammon|p=23–30}} Producer ] became interested in Fancher's draft and convinced director Ridley Scott to film it. Scott had previously declined the project but, after leaving the slow production of '']'', wanted a faster-paced project to take his mind off his older brother's recent death.{{sfn|Sammon|p=43–49}} He joined the project on February 21, 1980, and managed to push up the promised ] financing from US$13 million to $15 million. Fancher's script focused more on environmental issues and less on issues of humanity and religion, which are prominent in the novel, and Scott wanted changes. Fancher found a cinema treatment by ] for ]'s novel '']'' (1974), titled '']''.{{refn|Some editions of Nourse's novel use the two-word spacing ''Blade Runner'', as does the Burroughs book.|group=nb}} Scott liked the name, so Deeley obtained the rights to the titles.<ref>Abraham Riesman, | |||
] have been shown for various markets as a result of controversial changes made by film executives. A '']'' was released in 1992 after a strong response to ] screenings. This, in conjunction with its popularity as a video rental, made it one of the first films released on DVD, resulting in a basic disc with mediocre video and audio quality.<ref name="hunt">{{citation | last1=Hunt | first1=Bill | date=December 12, 2007 | url=http://www.thedigitalbits.com/site_archive/reviewshd/bladerunnerfinalallver01.html | title=Blade Runner: The Final Cut – All Versions | publisher=The Digital Bits, Inc. | accessdate=July 27, 2011| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222044932/http://www.thedigitalbits.com/site_archive/reviewshd/bladerunnerfinalallver01.html | archivedate=February 22, 2014 }}</ref> In 2007, ] released '']'', a 25th anniversary digitally remastered version, which is the only one on which Scott had complete artistic freedom<ref name="Sammon, pp. 353, 365">Sammon, pp. 353, 365</ref> and was shown in selected theaters and subsequently released on DVD, ], and ].<ref name="thedigitalbits">{{citation | url=http://www.thedigitalbits.com/site_archive/articles/br2007/announce.html | title=Blade Runner: The Final Cut | publisher=The Digital Bits, Inc. | date=July 26, 2007 | accessdate=July 27, 2011| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222043104/http://www.thedigitalbits.com/site_archive/articles/br2007/announce.html | archivedate=February 22, 2014 }}</ref> | |||
{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010170059/http://www.vulture.com/2017/10/why-is-blade-runner-the-title-of-blade-runner.html |date=October 10, 2017 }}, Vulture, October 4, 2017. Retrieved October 10, 2017.</ref> Eventually, he hired ] to rewrite the script and Fancher left the job over the issue on December 21, 1980, although he later returned to contribute additional rewrites.{{sfn|Sammon|p=49–63}} | |||
Having invested more than $2.5 million in pre-production,{{sfn|Sammon|p=49}} as the date of commencement of principal photography neared, Filmways withdrew financial backing. In ten days Deeley had secured $21.5 million in financing through a three-way deal between ] (through Warner Bros.), the Hong Kong-based producer ] and ].{{Sfnm|1a1=Bukatman|1p=18–19|2a1=Sammon|2p=64–67}} | |||
A sequel, '']'', is scheduled for release in October 2017. | |||
Dick became concerned that no one had informed him about the film's production, which added to his distrust of Hollywood.{{sfn|Sammon|p=63–64}} After Dick criticized an early version of Fancher's script in an article written for the Los Angeles ''Select TV Guide'', the studio sent Dick the Peoples rewrite.{{sfn|Sammon|p=67–69}} Although Dick died shortly before the film's release, he was pleased with the rewritten script and with a 20-minute special effects test reel that was screened for him when he was invited to the studio. Despite his well-known skepticism of Hollywood in principle, Dick enthused to Scott that the world created for the film looked exactly as he had imagined it.{{sfn|Sammon|p=284}} He said, "I saw a segment of ]'s special effects for ''Blade Runner'' on the ] news. I recognized it immediately. It was my own interior world. They caught it perfectly." He also approved of the film's script, saying: "After I finished reading the screenplay, I got the novel out and looked through it. The two reinforce each other so that someone who started with the novel would enjoy the movie and someone who started with the movie would enjoy the novel."<ref name="Dick's final interview">{{citation |last=Boonstra |first=John |title=A final interview with science fiction's boldest visionary, who talks candidly about ''Blade Runner'', inner voices and the temptations of Hollywood |work=] |via=Philip K. Dick |volume=2 |issue=3 |date=June 1982 |pages=47–52 |url=http://www.philipkdick.com/media_twilightzone.html |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130528112644/http://www.philipkdick.com/media_twilightzone.html |archive-date=May 28, 2013}}</ref> The motion picture was dedicated to Dick.<ref>Blade Runner film, dedication after credits, 1:51:30</ref> Principal photography of ''Blade Runner'' began on March 9, 1981, and ended four months later.{{sfn|Sammon|p=98}} | |||
==Plot== | |||
{{Hatnote|Note: Since there are ], this summary excludes version-specific events.}} | |||
In 1992, Ford revealed, "''Blade Runner'' is not one of my favorite films. I tangled with Ridley."{{sfn|Sammon|p=211}} Apart from friction with the director, Ford also disliked the ]: "When we started shooting it had been tacitly agreed that the version of the film that we had agreed upon was the version without voiceover narration. It was a {{sic|f**king|expected=fucking}} nightmare. I thought that the film had worked without the narration. But now I was stuck re-creating that narration. And I was obliged to do the voiceovers for people that did not represent the director's interests."<ref name="BladeRunnerNightmare">{{citation |date=July 5, 2007 |url=http://www.moono.com/news/news05091.html |title=Ford: 'Blade Runner Was a Nightmare' |work=Moono.com |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120224041915/http://www.moono.com/news/news05091.html |archive-date=February 24, 2012}}</ref> "I went kicking and screaming to the studio to record it."{{sfn|Sammon|p=296}} The narration monologs were written by an uncredited ].<ref>{{citation |first=Rebecca |last=Pahle |title=10 Fascinating Facts About ''Blade Runner'' |date=August 28, 2015 |work=] |url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/67956/10-fascinating-facts-about-blade-runner |access-date=March 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150829215058/http://mentalfloss.com/article/67956/10-fascinating-facts-about-blade-runner |archive-date=August 29, 2015}}</ref> | |||
In Los Angeles in November 2019, ex-police officer ] is detained by officer ] and brought to his former supervisor, ]. Deckard, whose job as a "Blade Runner" was to track down bioengineered beings known as ]s and "retire" (a euphemism for killing) them, is informed that four have come to Earth illegally. As Tyrell Corporation Nexus-6 models, they have only a four-year lifespan and may have come to Earth to try to extend their lives. | |||
In 2006, Scott was asked "Who's the biggest pain in the arse you've ever worked with?" He replied: "It's got to be Harrison ... he'll forgive me because now I get on with him. Now he's become charming. But he knows a lot, that's the problem. When we worked together it was my first film up and I was the new kid on the block. But we made a good movie."<ref>{{citation |first=Rob |last=Carnevale |title=Getting Direct with Directors: Ridley Scott |date=September 2006 |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/callingtheshots/ridley_scott.shtml |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140413025033/http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/callingtheshots/ridley_scott.shtml |archive-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> Ford said of Scott in 2000: "I admire his work. We had a bad patch there, and I'm over it."<ref>{{citation |title=And beneath lies, the truth |work=] |date=November 2000 |first=Colin |last=Kennedy |issue=137 |page=76}}</ref> In 2006 Ford reflected on the production of the film saying: "What I remember more than anything else when I see ''Blade Runner'' is not the 50 nights of shooting in the rain, but the voiceover ... I was still obliged to work for these clowns that came in writing one bad voiceover after another."<ref>{{citation |title=In Conversation with Harrison Ford |work=] |date=April 2006 |issue=202 |page=140}}</ref> Ridley Scott confirmed in the summer 2007 issue of '']'' that Harrison Ford contributed to the ''Blade Runner'' Special Edition DVD, and had already recorded his interviews. "Harrison's fully on board", said Scott.<ref>{{citation |last=Smith |first=Neil |title=The Total Film Interview |work=Total Film |date=Summer 2007 |issue=130}}</ref> | |||
Deckard watches a video of a Blade Runner named ] administering the "Voight-Kampff" test designed to distinguish replicants from humans based on their emotional response to questions. The test subject, ], shoots Holden after Holden asks about Leon's mother. Bryant wants Deckard to retire Leon and the other three replicants: ], ], and ]. Deckard initially refuses, but after Bryant ambiguously threatens him, he reluctantly agrees. | |||
] in Los Angeles was used as one of the filming locations.]] | |||
Deckard begins his investigation at the Tyrell Corporation to ensure that the test works on Nexus-6 models. While there, he discovers that ]'s assistant ] is an experimental replicant who believes herself to be human. 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. | |||
The ] in downtown Los Angeles served as a ], and a Warner Bros. ] housed the 2019 Los Angeles street ]. Other locations included the ] and the ]. ]s resulted in several changes, including adding a ], a happy ending, and the removal of a Holden hospital scene. The relationship between the filmmakers and the investors was difficult, which culminated in Deeley and Scott being fired but still working on the film.<ref name="edge-doc-review" /> Crew members created T-shirts during filming saying, "Yes Guv'nor, My Ass" that mocked Scott's unfavorable comparison of U.S. and British crews; Scott responded with a T-shirt of his own, "Xenophobia Sucks", making the incident known as the T-shirt war.{{sfn|Sammon|p=218}}<ref name="pajiba-smith">{{citation |url=http://www.pajiba.com/seriously_random_lists/mindhole-blowers-20-facts-about-blade-runner-that-might-leave-you-questioning-ridley-scotts-humanity.php |title=Mindhole Blowers: 20 facts about Blade Runner that might leave you questioning Ridley Scotts humanity |last=Davis |first=Cindy |date=November 8, 2011 |work=Pajiba.com |access-date=September 21, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140802114242/http://www.pajiba.com/seriously_random_lists/mindhole-blowers-20-facts-about-blade-runner-that-might-leave-you-questioning-ridley-scotts-humanity.php |archive-date=August 2, 2014}}</ref> | |||
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. Roy and Leon investigate a replicant eye-manufacturing laboratory and learn of ], a gifted genetic designer who works closely with Tyrell. Rachael visits Deckard at his apartment to prove her humanity by showing him a family photo, but after Deckard reveals that her memories are implants from Tyrell's niece, she leaves his apartment in tears. Meanwhile, Pris locates Sebastian and manipulates him to gain his trust. | |||
=== Casting === | |||
While searching Leon's hotel room, Deckard finds a photo of Zhora and a synthetic snake scale that leads him to a strip club where Zhora works. Deckard kills Zhora and shortly after is told by Bryant to also retire Rachael, who has disappeared from the Tyrell Corporation. After Deckard spots Rachael in a crowd, he is attacked by Leon, but Rachael kills Leon using Deckard's dropped pistol. The two return to Deckard's apartment, and during an intimate discussion, he promises not to hunt her; as she abruptly tries to leave, Deckard physically restrains her, forcing her to kiss him. | |||
{{See also|List of Blade Runner characters}} | |||
] the film proved troublesome, particularly for the lead role of Deckard. Screenwriter Hampton Fancher envisioned ] as Deckard and wrote the character's dialogue with Mitchum in mind.<ref name="DangerousDays">{{citation |title=Dangerous Days: Making ''Blade Runner'' |work=Blade Runner: The Final Cut |type=DVD |publisher=] |year=2007 |orig-year=1982}}</ref> Director Ridley Scott and the film's producers spent months meeting and discussing the role with ], who eventually departed over differences in vision.<ref name="DangerousDays" /> Harrison Ford was ultimately chosen for several reasons, including his performance in the '']'' films, Ford's interest in the ''Blade Runner'' story, and discussions with ] who was finishing '']'' at the time and strongly praised Ford's work in the film.<ref name="DangerousDays" /> Following his success in those two films, Ford was looking for a role with dramatic depth.<ref name="BladeRunnerNightmare" /> According to production documents, several actors were considered for the role, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name="DangerousDays" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://time.com/3834604/blade-runner-ridley-scott-harrison-ford/ |title=Blade Runner at 30: Celebrating Ridley Scott's Dystopian Vision |magazine=]|access-date=June 18, 2021|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930132246/https://time.com/3834604/blade-runner-ridley-scott-harrison-ford/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Arriving at Sebastian's apartment, Roy tells Pris the others are dead. Sympathetic to their plight, Sebastian reveals that because of "] Syndrome", a genetic ] disorder, his life will also be cut short. Sebastian and Roy gain entrance into Tyrell's secure penthouse, where Roy demands more life from his maker. Tyrell tells him that it is impossible. Roy confesses that he has done "questionable things" which Tyrell dismisses, praising Roy's advanced design and accomplishments in his short life. Roy kisses Tyrell, then kills him. Sebastian runs for the elevator followed by Roy, who then rides the elevator down alone. Though not shown, it is implied by Bryant via police radio that Roy also kills Sebastian. | |||
] was cast as Roy Batty,<ref name="NYT-20190725">{{cite news |last=Ebiri |first=Bilge |title=Even Now, Rutger Hauer's Performance in 'Blade Runner' Is a Marvel – With his combination of menace and anguish, he created an unforgettable character that made the movie the classic it remains today. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/25/movies/blade-runner-rutger-hauer.html |date=July 25, 2019 |work=] |access-date=July 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725134017/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/25/movies/blade-runner-rutger-hauer.html |archive-date=July 25, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> the violent yet thoughtful leader of the replicants.<ref name="Ebert">{{citation |last=Ebert |first=Roger |date=September 11, 1992 |url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19920911/REVIEWS/209110301/1023 |title=Blade Runner: Director's Cut |work=RogerEbert.com |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130304150411/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F19920911%2FREVIEWS%2F209110301%2F1023 |archive-date=March 4, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Scott cast Hauer without having met him, based on his performances in ]'s movies that Scott had seen ('']'', '']'', and '']'').<ref name="DangerousDays" /> Hauer's portrayal of Batty was regarded by Philip K. Dick as "the perfect Batty – cold, ], flawless".{{sfn|Sammon|p=284}} Of the many films Hauer made, ''Blade Runner'' was his favorite. In a live chat in 2001, he said <!-- This quote is literally what is said on the website; do not "correct" it. -->"''Blade Runner'' needs no explanation. It just {{em|}}. All of the best. There is nothing like it. To be part of a real {{em|masterpiece}} which changed the world's thinking. It's awesome."<ref>{{cite interview |last=Hauer |first=Rutger |subject-link=Rutger Hauer |url=http://www.rutgerhauer.org/chatroom/transcript05.php |title=Chatroom Transcripts: Live Chat February 7, 2001 |date=February 7, 2001 |work=RutgerHauer.org |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120909185908/http://www.rutgerhauer.org/chatroom/transcript05.php |archive-date=September 9, 2012 |url-status=usurped}}{{self-published source |date=February 2018 |reason=This is a permissible SPS, per WP:ABOUTSELF.}}</ref> Hauer rewrote his character's "]" speech himself and presented the words to Scott on set prior to filming. | |||
Upon entering Sebastian's apartment, Deckard is ambushed by Pris, but he manages to kill her just as Roy returns. As Roy starts to die, he chases Deckard through the building, ending up on the roof. Deckard tries to jump to an adjacent roof, but misses and is left hanging precariously between buildings. Roy makes the jump with ease, and as Deckard's grip loosens, Roy hoists him onto the roof, saving him. As Roy's life runs out, he delivers ] about how his memories "will be lost in time, like tears in rain"; Roy dies in front of Deckard, who watches silently. Gaff arrives and shouts across to Deckard, "It's too bad she won't live, but then again, who does?" Deckard returns to his apartment and finds the door ajar, but Rachael is safe, asleep in his bed. As they leave, Deckard notices a small tin-foil ] 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. | |||
''Blade Runner'' used a number of then-lesser-known actors: ] portrays Rachael, an experimental replicant implanted with the memories of Tyrell's niece, causing her to believe she is human;{{sfn|Sammon|p=92–93}} ] auditioned for the role.<ref name="DangerousDays" /> Fancher originally wrote the role for his then girlfriend ].<ref name=vanity>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/09/the-battle-for-blade-runner-harrison-ford-ridley-scott |title=The Battle for Blade Runner |magazine=Vanity Fair |last=Schulman |first=Michael |date=September 14, 2017 |access-date=August 9, 2024}}</ref> ] portrays Pris, a "basic pleasure model" replicant; ] auditioned for the role, but was given another part in the film, which was ultimately cut before filming.<ref name="DangerousDays" /> ] turned down the role of Pris.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/the-movies-blog/10-things-you-never-knew-about-blade-runner-759354 |title=10 Things You Never Knew About Blade Runner |website=] |date=October 5, 2017|access-date=October 8, 2021|archive-date=October 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010002338/https://www.nme.com/blogs/the-movies-blog/10-things-you-never-knew-about-blade-runner-759354|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hollywood.com/general/debbie-harry-my-biggest-regret-is-turning-down-blade-runner-59856599/ |title=Debbie Harry: 'My biggest regret is turning down Blade Runner' |date=June 16, 2014|access-date=October 8, 2021|archive-date=January 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109040050/http://www.hollywood.com/general/debbie-harry-my-biggest-regret-is-turning-down-blade-runner-59856599/|url-status=live}}</ref> Casting Pris and Rachael was challenging, requiring several screen tests with ] playing the role of Deckard. Paull was cast as Deckard's fellow bounty hunter Holden based on his performances in the tests.<ref name="DangerousDays" /> ] portrays Leon Kowalski, a combat and laborer replicant, and ] portrays Zhora, an assassin replicant. | |||
==Cast== | |||
{{col div}} | |||
* ] as ] | |||
* ] as ] | |||
* ] as ] | |||
* ] as ] | |||
* ] as ] | |||
* ] as ] | |||
* ] as ] | |||
* ] as ] | |||
* ] as ] | |||
* ] as ] | |||
* ] as ] | |||
* ] as ] | |||
* Kevin Thompson as Bear | |||
* John Edward Allen as Kaiser | |||
* ] as Taffey Lewis | |||
* Kimiko Hiroshige as Cambodian Lady | |||
* Robert Okazaki as Sushi Master | |||
* Carolyn DeMirjian as Saleslady | |||
* Ben Astar as Abdul Ben Hassan | |||
{{col div end}} | |||
'''<small>Source:<ref name="Cast Credits">{{Citation|title=''Blade Runner: The Final Cut'' (Ending Credits)|type = DVD|publisher=]|year=2007}}</ref></small>''' | |||
] portrays Gaff. Olmos drew on diverse ethnic sources to help create the fictional "]" language his character uses in the film.{{sfn|Sammon|p=115–116}} His initial address to Deckard at the noodle bar is partly in Hungarian and means, "Horse dick ! No way. You are the Blade ... Blade Runner."{{sfn|Sammon|p=115–116}} ] portrays Captain Bryant, a rumpled, hard-drinking and underhanded police veteran typical of the ] genre. ] portrays Dr. Eldon Tyrell, a corporate mogul who built an empire on genetically manipulated humanoid slaves. ] was cast as J. F. Sebastian, a quiet and lonely genius who provides a compassionate yet compliant portrait of humanity. J. F. sympathizes with the replicants, whom he sees as companions,{{sfn|Bukatman|p=72}} and he shares their shorter lifespan due to his rapid aging disease.{{sfn|Sammon|p=170}} ] had earlier been considered for the role.<ref>{{cite interview |last=Sanderson |first=William |subject-link=William Sanderson |interviewer=Brinkley, Aaron |title=A Chat with William Sanderson |url=http://media.bladezone.com/contents/film/interviews/bill-sanderson |work=BladeZone |date=October 5, 2000 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140428173457/http://media.bladezone.com/contents/film/interviews/bill-sanderson/ |archive-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref> ] portrays Hannibal Chew, an elderly geneticist specializing in synthetic eyes, and ] portrayed the sleazy bar owner Taffey Lewis – in a single take, something almost unheard-of with Scott, whose drive for perfection resulted at times in double-digit takes.{{sfn|Sammon|p=150}} | |||
==Themes== | |||
{{Main article|Themes in Blade Runner}} | |||
] | |||
As a film, ''Blade Runner'' operates on multiple dramatic and narrative levels. It is indebted to ] conventions: the '']''; protagonist-narration (removed in later versions); dark and shadowy cinematography; and the questionable moral outlook of the hero – in this case, extended to include reflections upon the nature of his own humanity.<ref name="Barlow">Barlow, Aaron "Reel Toads and Imaginary Cities: Philip K. Dick, ''Blade Runner'' and the Contemporary Science Fiction Movie" in Brooker, pp. 43–58</ref><ref>Jermyn, Deborah "The Rachael Papers: In Search of ''Blade Runner''s Femme Fatale" in Brooker, pp. 159–172</ref> It is a literate science fiction film, thematically enfolding the philosophy of religion and moral implications of human mastery of ] in the context of classical Greek drama and ].<ref>{{citation |url=http://trumpeter.athabascau.ca/index.php/trumpet/article/view/172/210 |title=The Dystopian World of ''Blade Runner'': An Ecofeminist Perspective |accessdate=July 27, 2011|journal=Trumpeter| last1=Jenkins |first1 = Mary|year=1997|volume=14|issue=4}}</ref> It also draws on Biblical images, such as ]'s flood,<ref>Kerman, Judith B. "Post-Millennium ''Blade Runner''" in Brooker, pp. 31–39</ref> and literary sources, such as '']''.<ref name="Alessio">Alessio, Dominic "Redemption, 'Race', Religion, Reality and the Far-Right: Science Fiction Film Adaptations of Philip K. Dick" in Brooker, pp. 59–76</ref> Linguistically, the theme of mortality is subtly reiterated in the chess game between Roy and Tyrell, based on the famous ] of 1851,<ref name="chapman">{{citation |last1= Chapman |first1 = Murray|year=1992–1995 |url= http://www.faqs.org/faqs/movies/bladerunner-faq/ |title=Blade Runner: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)|publisher=Murray Chapman, University of Queensland|accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404130916/http://www.faqs.org/faqs/movies/bladerunner-faq/|archivedate=April 4, 2014}}</ref> though Scott has said that was coincidental.<ref>Sammon, p. 384</ref> | |||
=== Design === | |||
''Blade Runner'' delves into the implications of technology on the environment and on society by reaching to the past, using literature, ], classical dramatic themes, and film noir. This tension between past, present, and future is mirrored in the retrofitted future of ''Blade Runner'', which is high-tech and gleaming in places but decayed and old elsewhere. Ridley Scott described the film as: "extremely dark, both literally and metaphorically, with an oddly masochistic feel", in an interview by ] for the British Sunday newspaper '']'' in 2002. Scott "liked the idea of exploring pain" in the wake of his brother's ] death: "When he was ill, I used to go and visit him in London, and that was really traumatic for me."<ref name="scottobserver" /> | |||
Scott credits ]'s painting '']'' and the French science fiction comics magazine '']'', to which the artist ] contributed, as stylistic mood sources.{{sfn|Sammon|p=74}} He also drew on the landscape of "] on a very bad day"<ref>{{citation |last=Wheale |first=Nigel |year=1995 |title=The Postmodern Arts: An Introductory Reader |publisher=] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8dGfKmubQIgC&pg=PA107 |page=107 |isbn=978-0-415-07776-7 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414044700/https://books.google.com/books?id=8dGfKmubQIgC&pg=PA107 |url-status=live}}</ref> and the industrial landscape of his one-time home in northeast England.<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2003/09/20/bfscott20.xml&sSheet=/arts/2003/09/20/ixartright.html |title=Director Maximus |work=] |access-date=July 27, 2011 |date=September 20, 2003 |location=London |first=Mark |last=Monahan |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080621145411/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=%2Farts%2F2003%2F09%2F20%2Fbfscott20.xml&sSheet=%2Farts%2F2003%2F09%2F20%2Fixartright.html |archive-date=June 21, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The visual style of the movie is influenced by the work of futurist Italian architect ].<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.irishartsreview.com/green-energy/?showall=1 |title=Irish Arts Review |access-date=September 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106000514/http://www.irishartsreview.com/green-energy/?showall=1 |archive-date=November 6, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> Scott hired ] as his ]ist; like Scott, he was influenced by ''Métal Hurlant''.{{sfn|Sammon|p=53}} Moebius was offered the opportunity to assist in the pre-production of ''Blade Runner'', but he declined so that he could work on ]'s animated film '']'' – a decision that he later regretted.<ref>{{citation |last=Giraud |first=Jean |author-link=Jean Giraud |year=1988 |title=Moebius 4: The Long Tomorrow & Other SF Stories |isbn=978-0-87135-281-1 |publisher=]}}</ref> Production designer ] and art director ] realized Scott's and Mead's sketches. ] and ] supervised the special effects for the film, and ] served as chief model maker.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vfxvoice.com/the-miniature-models-of-blade-runner/ |title=The Miniature Models of Blade Runner |work=VFX Voice |date=October 2, 2017 |access-date=March 20, 2018 |last=Failes |first=Ian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063433/http://vfxvoice.com/the-miniature-models-of-blade-runner/ |archive-date=March 21, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
An aura of paranoia suffuses the film: corporate power looms large; the police seem omnipresent; vehicle and warning lights probe into buildings; and the consequences of huge biomedical power over the individual are explored – especially the consequences for replicants of their implanted memories. Control over the environment is depicted as taking place on a vast scale, hand in hand with the absence of any natural life, with artificial animals substituting for their extinct predecessors. This oppressive backdrop explains the frequently referenced migration of humans to extraterrestrial ("off-world") colonies.<ref>{{citation |last1= Leaver |first1 = Tama |year= 1997 |title= Post-Humanism and Ecocide in William Gibson's ''Neuromancer'' and Ridley Scott's ''Blade Runner'' | url=http://project.cyberpunk.ru/idb/post-humanism_and_ecocide.html | publisher=Tama Leaver, University of Western Australia | accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703104841/http://project.cyberpunk.ru/idb/post-humanism_and_ecocide.html |archivedate=July 3, 2013 }}</ref> | |||
The dystopian themes explored in ''Blade Runner'' are an early example of ] concepts expanding into film. Eyes are a recurring motif, as are manipulated images, calling into question reality and our ability to accurately perceive and remember it.<ref>{{citation|last1=Saini |first1=Tinku |year=1996 |url=http://kszu.standord.edu/uwi/br/tinku/ |title=Eye disbelieve |publisher=Tinku Saini, University of Washington |accessdate=January 31, 2008 |archiveurl=http://wolftrappe.blogspot.com/2006/09/eye-disbelieve-by-tinku-saini.html |archivedate=September 15, 2006 |deadurl=no }}</ref><ref>{{citation |last1=McCoy |first1 = John|url= http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~syverson/309-fall95/classpage/bladerunner/mccoy/|title=The Eyes Tell All|publisher=University of Texas at Austin|accessdate=July 27, 2011|year=1995|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916221220/http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~syverson/309-fall95/classpage/bladerunner/mccoy/ |archivedate=September 16, 2013}}</ref><ref>Bukatman, pp. 9–11</ref> | |||
''Blade Runner'' has numerous similarities to ]'s '']'', including a built-up urban environment, in which the wealthy literally live above the workers, dominated by a huge building – the Stadtkrone Tower in ''Metropolis'' and the Tyrell Building in ''Blade Runner''. Special effects supervisor David Dryer used stills from ''Metropolis'' when lining up ''Blade Runner''{{'}}s miniature building shots.{{Sfnm|1a1=Bukatman|1p=61–63|2a1=Sammon|2p=111}} | |||
These thematic elements provide an atmosphere of uncertainty for ''Blade Runner''{{'}}s central theme of examining humanity. In order to discover replicants, an empathy test is used, with a number of its questions focused on the treatment of animals – seemingly an essential indicator of someone's "humanity". The replicants appear to show compassion and concern for one another and are juxtaposed against human characters who lack empathy while the mass of humanity on the streets is cold and impersonal. The film goes so far as to put in doubt whether Deckard is human, and forces the audience to re-evaluate what it means to be human.<ref>{{Citation | last1 = Kerman | first1 = Judith | year = 1991 | title = Retrofitting ''Blade Runner'': Issues in Ridley Scott's ''Blade Runner'' and Philip K. Dick's ''Do Android's Dream of Electric Sheep?'' | publisher=Bowling Green University Popular Press | isbn = 978-0-87972-510-5 }}</ref> | |||
The extended end scene in the original theatrical release shows Rachael and Deckard traveling into daylight with pastoral aerial shots filmed by director ]. Ridley Scott contacted Kubrick about using some of his surplus helicopter aerial photography from '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ7qKKQrSBY |title=Quentin Tarantino, Ridley Scott, Danny Boyle, & More Directors on THR's Roundtables I |year=2016 |access-date=February 4, 2018 |work=] |via=YouTube |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160106124526/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ7qKKQrSBY |archive-date=January 6, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://uproxx.com/hitfix/ridley-scott-kubrick-gave-me-footage-from-the-shining-to-use-in-blade-runner/ |title=Ridley Scott: I used footage from Kubrick's ''The Shining'' in ''Blade Runner'' |work=] |department=Hitfix |date=December 10, 2015 |access-date=February 4, 2018 |last=Eggersten |first=Chris |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711203958/http://uproxx.com/hitfix/ridley-scott-kubrick-gave-me-footage-from-the-shining-to-use-in-blade-runner/ |archive-date=July 11, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ridley-scott-reveals-stanley-kubrick-847447 |title=Ridley Scott Reveals Stanley Kubrick Gave Him Footage from ''The Shining'' for ''Blade Runner'' Ending |work=] |last=Howard |first=Annie |date=December 10, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160114141701/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ridley-scott-reveals-stanley-kubrick-847447 |archive-date=January 14, 2016}}</ref> | |||
The question of whether Deckard is intended to be a human or a replicant has been an ongoing controversy since the film's release.<ref>Bukatman, pp. 80–83</ref> Both Michael Deeley and Harrison Ford wanted Deckard to be human while Hampton Fancher preferred ambiguity.<ref>Sammon, p. 362</ref> Ridley Scott has confirmed that in his vision Deckard is a replicant.<ref>{{Citation |last1= Peary | first1 = Danny |year= 1984 |title= Omni's Screen Flights/Screen Fantasies: The Future According to Science Fiction |chapter= Directing ''Alien'' and ''Blade Runner'': An Interview with Ridley Scott |publisher=Dolphin |location= Garden City |pages= 293–302 |isbn= 978-0-385-19202-6}}</ref><ref name="nytkaplan">{{Citation | accessdate=July 27, 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/movies/30kapl.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin | title = A Cult Classic Restored, Again | last = Kaplan | first= Fred | date = September 30, 2007 | work=] | quote =The film's theme of dehumanization has also been sharpened. What has been a matter of speculation and debate is now a certainty: Deckard, the replicant-hunting cop, is himself a replicant. Mr. Scott confirmed this: 'Yes, he's a replicant. He was always a replicant.' | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204084820/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/movies/30kapl.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin | archivedate=December 4, 2013}}</ref> | |||
==== Spinner ==== | |||
Deckard's unicorn dream sequence, inserted into the ''Director's Cut'', coinciding with Gaff's parting gift of an origami unicorn is seen by many as showing that Deckard is a replicant – as Gaff could have accessed Deckard's implanted memories.<ref name="Alessio" /><ref>{{citation|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/825641.stm|title=''Blade Runner'' riddle solved|date=July 9, 2000|publisher=BBC |accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406230204/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/825641.stm|archivedate=April 6, 2014}}</ref> The interpretation that Deckard is a replicant is challenged by others who believe the unicorn imagery shows that the characters, whether human or replicant, share the same dreams and recognize their affinity,<ref>Brooker, Peter "Imagining the Real: ''Blade Runner'' and Discourses on the Postmetropolis" in Brooker, pp. 9, 222</ref> or that the absence of a decisive answer is crucial to the film's main theme.<ref>Bukatman, p. 83</ref> The inherent ambiguity and uncertainty of the film, as well as its textual richness, have permitted viewers to see it from their own perspectives.<ref>Hills, Matt "Academic Textual Poachers: ''Blade Runner'' as Cult Canonical Film" in Brooker, pp. 124–141</ref> | |||
{{Main|Spinner (Blade Runner){{!}}''Spinner'' (Blade Runner)}} | |||
] in the 1990s]] | |||
"Spinner" is the generic term for the fictional flying cars used in the film. A spinner can be driven as a ground-based vehicle, and take off vertically, hover, and cruise much like ] aircraft. They are used extensively by the police as ]s, and wealthy people can also acquire spinner licenses.{{sfn|Sammon|p=79–80}} The vehicle was conceived and designed by Syd Mead who described the spinner as an ] – a vehicle which directs air downward to create ], though press kits for the film stated that the spinner was propelled by three engines: "conventional ], ], and ]".<ref name="SJPSTop40">{{citation |title=The Top 40 Cars from Feature Films: 30. Police Spinner |url=http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/the-top-40-cars-from-feature-films-30-26/ |work=ScreenJunkies |access-date=July 27, 2011 |date=March 30, 2010 |quote=though press kits for the film stated that the spinner was propelled by three engines: "conventional internal combustion, jet and anti-gravity". |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140404023133/http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/the-top-40-cars-from-feature-films-30-26/ |archive-date=April 4, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Lightman |first1=Herb A. |last2=Patterson |first2=Richard |date=2020-10-07 |title=Discussing the Set Design of Blade Runner |url=https://theasc.com/articles/blade-runner-set-design |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=The American Society of Cinematographers |language=en}}</ref> A spinner is on permanent exhibit at the ] in Seattle, Washington.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.empsfm.org/documents/press/EMPSFMBrochure.pdf |publisher=] |title=Experience Music Project / Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (EMP/SFM) |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110124232804/http://www.empsfm.org/documents/press/EMPSFMBrochure.pdf |archive-date=January 24, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Mead's conceptual drawings were transformed into 25 vehicles by automobile customizer ]; at least two were working ground vehicles, while others were light-weight mockups for crane shots and set decoration for street shots.<ref name="Winfield & Willoughby">{{cite interview |url=http://media.bladezone.com/contents/film/interviews/gene-winfield/ |work=BladeZone |title=Deconstructing the Spinner |last=Winfield |first=Gene |subject-link=Gene Winfield |interviewer=Willoughby, Gary |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130927020356/http://media.bladezone.com/contents/film/interviews/gene-winfield/ |archive-date=September 27, 2013}}</ref> Two of them ended up at ] in Orlando, Florida, but were later destroyed, and a few others remain in private collections.<ref name="Winfield & Willoughby" /> | |||
==== Voight-Kampff machine ==== | |||
==Production {{anchor|Cast}}== | |||
{{Quote box | |||
===Casting=== | |||
|quote = A very advanced form of lie detector that measures contractions of the iris muscle and the presence of invisible airborne particles emitted from the body. The bellows were designed for the latter function and give the machine the menacing air of a sinister insect. The VK is used primarily by Blade Runners to determine if a suspect is truly human by measuring the degree of his empathic response through carefully worded questions and statements. | |||
{{see also|List of Blade Runner characters}} | |||
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Casting the film proved troublesome, particularly for the lead role of Deckard. Screenwriter Hampton Fancher envisioned ] as Deckard and wrote the character's dialogue with Mitchum in mind.<ref name="DangerousDays">{{Citation|title=Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner|type = ''Blade Runner: The Final Cut'' DVD|publisher=]|year=2007}}</ref> Director Ridley Scott and the film's producers spent months meeting and discussing the role with ], who eventually departed over differences in vision.<ref name="DangerousDays" /> Harrison Ford was ultimately chosen for several reasons, including his performance in the '']'' films, Ford's interest in the ''Blade Runner'' story, and discussions with ] who was finishing '']'' at the time and strongly praised Ford's work in the film.<ref name="DangerousDays" /> Following his success in films like ''Star Wars'' (1977) and ''Raiders of the Lost Ark'' (1981), Ford was looking for a role with dramatic depth.<ref name="BladeRunnerNightmare"/> According to production documents, several actors were considered for the role, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="DangerousDays" /> | |||
| source = – Description from the original press kit. | |||
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| width = 40% | |||
}} | |||
The Voight-Kampff machine is a fictional interrogation tool, originating from the novel (where it is spelled "Voigt-Kampff"). The Voight-Kampff is a ]-like machine used by blade runners to determine whether an individual is a replicant. It measures bodily functions such as respiration, blush response, heart rate and eye movement in response to questions dealing with ].{{sfn|Sammon|p=106–107}} In real life an approximation of the test using questions was created and used in jest by a newspaper in 2003 on the Mayoral candidates for the city of ], United States, apparently proving that at least half of them would be classified as replicants.<ref>''When A Newspaper Gave Blade Runner‘s Replicant Test To Mayor Candidates'' by Charlie Jane Anders Published February 23, 2015 on Gizmodo.com | |||
https://gizmodo.com/when-a-newspaper-gave-blade-runners-replicant-test-to-m-1687558534</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-05-06 |title=The Wave Magazine - The Bay Area's Best Entertainment Magazine... Ever. |url=http://www.thewavemag.com/pagegen.php?pagename=article&articleid=24031 |access-date=2024-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060506211308/http://www.thewavemag.com/pagegen.php?pagename=article&articleid=24031 |archive-date=May 6, 2006 }}</ref> | |||
One role that was not difficult to cast was ] as Roy Batty, the violent yet thoughtful leader of the replicants.<ref name="Ebert">{{citation|last=Ebert |first=Roger |date=September 11, 1992 |url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19920911/REVIEWS/209110301/1023 |title=Blade Runner: Director's Cut |publisher=rogerebert.com |accessdate=July 27, 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304150411/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F19920911%2FREVIEWS%2F209110301%2F1023 |archivedate=March 4, 2013 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Scott cast Hauer without having met him, based solely on Hauer's performances in ]'s movies Scott had seen ('']'', '']'' and '']'').<ref name="DangerousDays" /> Hauer's portrayal of Batty was regarded by Philip K. Dick as, "the perfect Batty—cold, ], flawless".<ref name="FutureNoir-p284" /> Of the many films Hauer has done, ''Blade Runner'' is his favorite. As he explained in a live chat in 2001,<!-- This quote is Literally what is said on the website. ''Please do not correct it''. --> "''Blade Runner'' needs no explanation. It just . All of the best. There is nothing like it. To be part of a real masterpiece which changed the world's thinking. It's awesome."<ref>{{citation|last1=Hauer |first1=Rutger |url=http://www.rutgerhauer.org/chatroom/transcript05.php |title=Live Chat – February 7, 2001 |publisher=Rutger Hauer |accessdate=July 27, 2011 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/64vvDgTrd?url=http://www.rutgerhauer.org/chatroom/transcript05.php |archivedate=January 24, 2012 |deadurl=yes |df=mdy }}</ref> Hauer rewrote his character's "]" speech himself and presented the words to Scott on set prior to filming. | |||
=== Music === | |||
''Blade Runner'' used a number of then-lesser-known actors: ] portrays Rachael, an experimental replicant implanted with the memories of Tyrell's niece, causing her to believe she is human;<ref>Sammon, pp. 92–93</ref> ] auditioned for the role.<ref name="DangerousDays" /> ] portrays Pris, a "basic pleasure model" replicant; ] auditioned for the role, but was given another part in the film, which was ultimately cut before filming.<ref name="DangerousDays" /> Casting Pris and Rachael was challenging, requiring several screen tests, with ] playing the role of Deckard. Paull was cast as Deckard's fellow bounty hunter Holden based on his performances in the tests.<ref name="DangerousDays" /> ] portrays Leon Kowalski, a combat replicant, and ] portrays Zhora, an assassin replicant. | |||
{{Main|Blade Runner (soundtrack){{!}}''Blade Runner'' (soundtrack)}} | |||
The ''Blade Runner'' soundtrack by ] is a dark melodic combination of classic composition and futuristic synthesizers which mirrors the film noir retro-future envisioned by Scott.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How the Blade Runner soundtrack used electronic music to explore what it means to be human |url=https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2024/06/07/blade-runner-soundtrack-electronic-music-what-it-means-to-be-human-expert-score.html |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=The University of Sydney |language=en-US}}</ref> Vangelis, fresh from his ]-winning score for '']'',<ref name="NSVan">{{citation |author=Vangelis |author-link=Vangelis |title=Blade Runner – Scoring the music |work=NemoStudios.co.uk |url=http://www.nemostudios.co.uk/bladerunner/index.htm |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131019015508/http://www.nemostudios.co.uk/bladerunner/index.htm |archive-date=October 19, 2013}}{{self-published source |date=February 2018 |reason=This SPS is permissible per WP:ABOUTSELF.}}</ref> composed and performed the music on his synthesizers.{{sfn|Sammon|p=271–274}} He also made use of various chimes and the vocals of collaborator ].{{sfn|Sammon|p=419–423}} Another memorable sound is the tenor sax solo "Love Theme" by British saxophonist ], who performed on many of Vangelis's albums. Ridley Scott also used "Memories of Green" from the Vangelis album ''], ''an orchestral version of which Scott would later use in his film '']''.<ref>{{citation |last=Larsen |first=Peter |title=Film music |publisher=] |location=London |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-86189-341-3 |page=179}}</ref> | |||
Along with Vangelis's compositions and ambient textures, the film's soundscape also features a track by the Japanese ensemble Nipponia – "Ogi no Mato" or "The Folding Fan as a Target" from the Nonesuch Records release ''Traditional Vocal and Instrumental Music'' – and a track by harpist Gail Laughton from "Harps of the Ancient Temples" on Laurel Records.{{sfn|Sammon|p=424}} | |||
] portrays Gaff. Olmos used his diverse ethnic background, and personal research, to help create the fictional "]" language his character uses in the film.<ref name="FutureNoir-p115">Sammon, pp. 115–116</ref> His initial address to Deckard at the noodle bar is partly in Hungarian and means, "Horse dick ! No way. You are the Blade ... Blade Runner."<ref name="FutureNoir-p115" /> ] plays Captain Bryant, a hard-drinking, sleazy, and underhanded police veteran typical of the ] genre. ] portrays Dr. Eldon Tyrell, a corporate mogul who built an empire on genetically manipulated humanoid slaves. ] was cast as J. F. Sebastian, a quiet and lonely genius who provides a compassionate yet compliant portrait of humanity. J. F. sympathizes with the replicants, whom he sees as companions,<ref>Bukatman, p. 72</ref> and shares their shorter lifespan due to his rapid aging disease;<ref>Sammon, p. 170</ref> ] was considered for the role.<ref>{{citation | author=Brinkley, Aaron | title=A Chat With William Sanderson | url=http://media.bladezone.com/contents/film/interviews/bill-sanderson | work=BladeZone – The Online Blade Runner Fan Club | date=October 5, 2000 | accessdate=July 27, 2011| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428173457/http://media.bladezone.com/contents/film/interviews/bill-sanderson/ | archivedate=April 28, 2014 }}</ref> ] portrays Hannibal Chew, an elderly geneticist specializing in synthetic eyes, and ] portrays the sleazy bar owner Taffey Lewis with ease and in a single take, something almost unheard-of with Scott whose drive for perfection resulted at times in double-digit takes.<ref>Sammon, p. 150</ref> | |||
Despite being well received by fans and critically acclaimed and nominated in 1982 for ] and ] as best original score, and the promise of a soundtrack album from ] in the end titles of the film, the release of the official soundtrack recording was delayed for over a decade. There are two official releases of the music from ''Blade Runner''. In light of the lack of a release of an album, the ] recorded an orchestral adaptation in 1982 which bore little resemblance to the original. Some of the film tracks would, in 1989, surface on the compilation ''Vangelis: Themes'', but not until the 1992 release of the ''Director's Cut'' version would a substantial amount of the film's score see commercial release.{{sfn|Sammon|p=419–423}} | |||
===Development=== | |||
] in Los Angeles was a filming location.]] | |||
{{Anchor|Writing|Development}} | |||
Interest in adapting ]'s novel '']'' developed shortly after its 1968 publication. Director ] was interested in filming the novel, but never ] it.<ref>Bukatman, p. 13; Sammon, p. 23</ref> Producer ] optioned it in the early 1970s, but Dick was unimpressed with the screenplay written by Herb's son Robert: "Jaffe's screenplay was so terribly done ... Robert flew down to Santa Ana to speak with me about the project. And the first thing I said to him when he got off the plane was, 'Shall I beat you up here at the airport, or shall I beat you up back at my apartment?{{' "}}<ref>Dick quoted in Sammon, p. 23</ref> | |||
These delays and poor reproductions led to the production of many ]s over the years. A bootleg tape surfaced in 1982 at science fiction conventions and became popular given the delay of an official release of the original recordings, and in 1993 "Off World Music, Ltd" created a bootleg CD that would prove more comprehensive than Vangelis' official CD in 1994.{{sfn|Sammon|p=419–423}} A set with three CDs of ''Blade Runner''-related Vangelis music was released in 2007. Titled ''Blade Runner Trilogy'', the first disc contains the same tracks as the 1994 official soundtrack release, the second features previously unreleased music from the film, and the third disc is all newly composed music from Vangelis, inspired by, and in the spirit of the film.<ref>{{citation |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11110-blade-runner-trilogy-25th-anniversary/ |title=Album Review: Vangelis: ''Blade Runner Trilogy: 25th Anniversary'' |first=Mike |last=Orme |work=] |access-date=July 27, 2011 |date=February 7, 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200702/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11110-blade-runner-trilogy-25th-anniversary/ |archive-date=October 29, 2013}}</ref> | |||
The screenplay by ]<!--Not titled "Android" initially – See Sammon, pp. 32 and 38 for explanation--> was optioned in 1977.<ref>Sammon, pp. 23–30</ref> Producer ] became interested in Fancher's draft and convinced director Ridley Scott to film it. Scott had previously declined the project, but after leaving the slow production of '']'', wanted a faster-paced project to take his mind off his older brother's recent death.<ref>Sammon, pp. 43–49</ref> He joined the project on February 21, 1980, and managed to push up the promised ] financing from US$13 million to $15 million. Fancher's script focused more on environmental issues and less on issues of humanity and religion, which are prominent in the novel and Scott wanted changes. Fancher found a cinema treatment by ] for ]'s novel '']'' (1974), titled '']''.{{refn|Some editions of Nourse's novel use the two-word spacing ''Blade Runner'', as does the Burroughs book.|group=nb}} Scott liked the name, so Deeley obtained the rights to the titles. Eventually he hired ] to rewrite the script and Fancher left the job over the issue on December 21, 1980, although he later returned to contribute additional rewrites.<ref>Sammon, pp. 49–63</ref> | |||
=== Special effects === | |||
Having invested over $2.5 million in pre-production,<ref>Sammon, p. 49</ref> as the date of commencement of principal photography neared, Filmways withdrew financial backing. In 10 days Deeley had secured $21.5 million in financing through a three-way deal between ] (through Warner Bros.), the Hong Kong-based producer ] and ].<ref>Bukatman, pp. 18–19; Sammon, pp. 64–67</ref> | |||
The film's special effects are generally recognized to be among the best in the genre,<ref name="adamsavage">{{citation |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a1775/4218376/ |title=Blade Runner at 25: Why the Sci-Fi F/X Are Still Unsurpassed |first=Adam |last=Savage |work=] |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150402130018/http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a1775/4218376/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |date=July 2007}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=https://www.empireonline.com/features/cinemas-greatest-vfx-shots/p6 |title=Los Angeles 2019 (Blade Runner) – Cinema's Greatest Effects Shots Picked by Hollywood's Top VFX Specialists |work=] |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150518075420/http://www.empireonline.com/features/cinemas-greatest-vfx-shots/p6 |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |date=October 2, 2015}}</ref> using the available (non-digital) technology to the fullest. Special effects engineers who worked on the film are often praised for the innovative technology they used to produce and design certain aspects of those visuals.<ref name=":0" /> In addition to ]s and models, the techniques employed included multipass exposures. In some scenes, the set was lit, shot, the film rewound, and then rerecorded over with different lighting. In some cases this was done 16 times in all. The cameras were frequently ].<ref name="adamsavage" /> Many effects used techniques which had been developed during the production of '']''.<ref>{{citation |url=http://douglastrumbull.com/key-fx-sequences-blade-runner-spinner-vehicles |title=Blade Runner: Spinner Vehicles |work=DouglasTrumbull.com |publisher=Trumbull Ventures |year=2010 |access-date=September 21, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150704062943/http://douglastrumbull.com/key-fx-sequences-blade-runner-spinner-vehicles |archive-date=July 4, 2015}}{{self-published source |date=February 2018 |reason=This is a permissible SPS, per WP:ABOUTSELF.}}</ref> | |||
Philip K. Dick became concerned that no one had informed him about the film's production, which added to his distrust of Hollywood.<ref>Sammon, pp. 63–64</ref> After Dick criticized an early version of Hampton Fancher's script in an article written for the Los Angeles ''Select TV Guide'', the studio sent Dick the David Peoples' rewrite.<ref>Sammon, pp. 67–69</ref> Although Dick died shortly before the film's release, he was pleased with the rewritten script and with a 20-minute special effects test reel that was screened for him when he was invited to the studio. Despite his well-known skepticism of Hollywood in principle, Dick enthused to Ridley Scott that the world created for the film looked exactly as he had imagined it.<ref name="FutureNoir-p284">Sammon, p. 284</ref> He said, "I saw a segment of ]'s special effects for ''Blade Runner'' on the KNBC-TV news. I recognized it immediately. It was my own interior world. They caught it perfectly." He also approved of the film's script, saying, "After I finished reading the screenplay, I got the novel out and looked through it. The two reinforce each other, so that someone who started with the novel would enjoy the movie and someone who started with the movie would enjoy the novel."<ref name="Dick's final interview">{{citation|last=Boonstra|first=John|title=A final interview with science fiction's boldest visionary, who talks candidly about ''Blade Runner'', inner voices and the temptations of Hollywood|journal=Rod Serling's the Twilight Zone Magazine|volume=2|issue=3|date=June 1982|pages=47–52|url=http://www.philipkdick.com/media_twilightzone.html|accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528112644/http://www.philipkdick.com/media_twilightzone.html |archivedate=May 28, 2013}}</ref> The motion picture was dedicated to Dick.<ref>Blade Runner film, dedication after credits, 1:51:30</ref> Principal photography of ''Blade Runner'' began on March 9, 1981 and ended four months later.<ref>Sammon, p. 98</ref> | |||
== Release == | |||
In 1992, Ford revealed, "''Blade Runner'' is not one of my favorite films. I tangled with Ridley."<ref>Sammon, p. 211</ref> Apart from friction with the director, Ford also disliked the voiceovers: "When we started shooting it had been tacitly agreed that the version of the film that we had agreed upon was the version without voiceover narration. It was a {{sic|f**king|expected=fucking}} nightmare. I thought that the film had worked without the narration. But now I was stuck re-creating that narration. And I was obliged to do the voiceovers for people that did not represent the director's interests."<ref name="BladeRunnerNightmare">{{citation | date=July 5, 2007 | url=http://www.moono.com/news/news05091.html | title=Ford: "'Blade Runner' Was a Nightmare" | publisher=Moono.com | accessdate=July 27, 2011 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224041915/http://www.moono.com/news/news05091.html | archivedate=February 24, 2012}}</ref> "I went kicking and screaming to the studio to record it."<ref>Sammon, p. 296</ref> The narration monologues were written by an uncredited ].<ref>{{citation|first=Rebecca |last=Pahle|title=10 Fascinating Facts About 'Blade Runner'|date=August 28, 2015|publisher=] | url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/67956/10-fascinating-facts-about-blade-runner|accessdate=March 24, 2015}}</ref> | |||
=== Theatrical run === | |||
In 2006, Scott was asked "Who's the biggest pain in the arse you've ever worked with?", he replied: "It's got to be Harrison ... he'll forgive me because now I get on with him. Now he's become charming. But he knows a lot, that's the problem. When we worked together it was my first film up and I was the new kid on the block. But we made a good movie."<ref>{{citation|first=Rob|last=Carnevale|title=Getting Direct With Directors ... Ridley Scott|date=September 2006|publisher=BBC | url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/callingtheshots/ridley_scott.shtml|accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413025033/http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/callingtheshots/ridley_scott.shtml|archivedate=April 13, 2014}}</ref> Ford said of Scott in 2000: "I admire his work. We had a bad patch there, and I'm over it."<ref>{{citation|title=And beneath lies, the truth|journal=Empire|date=November 2000|first=Colin|last=Kennedy|issue=137|page=76}}</ref> In 2006 Ford reflected on the production of the film saying: "What I remember more than anything else when I see ''Blade Runner'' is not the 50 nights of shooting in the rain, but the voiceover ... I was still obliged to work for these clowns that came in writing one bad voiceover after another."<ref>{{citation|title=In Conversation with Harrison Ford|journal=Empire|date=April 2006|issue=202|page=140}}</ref> Ridley Scott confirmed in the summer 2007 issue of '']'' that Harrison Ford contributed to the ''Blade Runner'' Special Edition DVD, and had already recorded his interviews. "Harrison's fully on board", said Scott.<ref>{{citation | last=Smith|first=Neil | title=The Total Film Interview | newspaper=Total Film | date=Summer 2007 | issue=130}}</ref> | |||
''Blade Runner'' was released in 1,290 theaters on June 25, 1982. That date was chosen by producer ] because his previous highest-grossing films ('']'' and '']'') had a similar opening date (May 25) in 1977 and 1979, making the 25th of the month his "lucky day".{{sfn|Sammon|p=309}} ''Blade Runner'' grossed reasonably good ticket sales in its opening weekend; earning $6.1 million during its first weekend in theaters.<ref>{{citation |last=Harmetz |first=Aljean |title=''E.T.'' May Set Sales Record |at=Section C, Cultural Desk, page 9 |work=The New York Times |date=June 29, 1982}}</ref> The film was released close to other major science-fiction and fantasy releases such as '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']'', which affected its commercial success.{{sfn|Sammon|p=316}} | |||
The ] in downtown ] served as a ], and a Warner Bros. ] housed the LA 2019 streets. Other locations included ] and the ]. Test screenings resulted in several changes including adding a voice over, a happy ending and the removal of a Holden hospital scene. The relationship between the filmmakers and the investors was difficult, which culminated in Deeley and Scott being fired but still working on the film.<ref name="edge-doc-review"/> Crew members created T-shirts during filming saying, "Yes Guv'nor, My Ass" that mocked Scott's unfavorable comparison of U.S. and British crews; Scott responded with a T-shirt of his own, "Xenophobia Sucks" making the incident known as the T-shirt war.<ref>Sammon, p. 218</ref><ref name="pajiba-smith">{{citation|url=http://www.pajiba.com/seriously_random_lists/mindhole-blowers-20-facts-about-blade-runner-that-might-leave-you-questioning-ridley-scotts-humanity.php|title=Mindhole Blowers: 20 facts about Blade Runner that might leave you questioning Ridley Scotts humanity|last=Davis|first=Cindy|date=November 8, 2011|publisher=pajiba.com|accessdate=September 21, 2014}}</ref> | |||
=== |
=== Versions === | ||
{{Main|Versions of Blade Runner}} | |||
Ridley Scott credits ]'s painting '']'' and the French science fiction comic magazine '']'' (]), to which the artist ] contributed, as stylistic mood sources.<ref>Sammon, p. 74</ref> He also drew on the landscape of "Hong Kong on a very bad day"<ref>{{Citation |last= Wheale |first= Nigel |year= 1995 |title= The Postmodern Arts: An Introductory Reader |publisher=Routledge |url= https://books.google.com/?id=8dGfKmubQIgC&pg=PA107 |page= 107 |isbn= 978-0-415-07776-7 |accessdate=July 27, 2011}}</ref> and the industrial landscape of his one-time home in northeast England.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2003/09/20/bfscott20.xml&sSheet=/arts/2003/09/20/ixartright.html |title=Director Maximus |work=The Telegraph |accessdate=July 27, 2011 |date=September 20, 2003 |location=London |first=Mark |last=Monahan |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621145411/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=%2Farts%2F2003%2F09%2F20%2Fbfscott20.xml&sSheet=%2Farts%2F2003%2F09%2F20%2Fixartright.html |archivedate=June 21, 2008 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> The visual style of the movie is influenced by the work of Futurist Italian architect, ].<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.irishartsreview.com/green-energy/?showall=1|title=Irish Arts Review|publisher=www.irishartsreview.com|accessdate=September 27, 2014| deadurl=no}}</ref> Scott hired ] as his concept artist who, like Scott, was influenced by ''Métal Hurlant''.<ref>Sammon, p. 53</ref> Moebius was offered the opportunity to assist in the pre-production of ''Blade Runner'', but he declined so that he could work on ]'s animated film '']'' – a decision that he later regretted.<ref>{{Citation | last1 = Giraud | first1 = Jean | year = 1988 | title = The Long Tomorrow & Other SF Stories | isbn=978-0-87135-281-1 | publisher=Marvel}}</ref> Production designer ] and art director ] realized Scott's and Mead's sketches. ] and ] supervised the special effects for the film. | |||
Several versions of ''Blade Runner'' have been shown. The original workprint version (1982, 113 minutes) was shown for audience test previews in Denver and Dallas in March 1982. Negative responses to the previews led to the modifications resulting in the U.S. theatrical version.<ref>{{citation |last=Kaplan |first=Fred |title=A Cult Classic Restored, Again |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/movies/30kapl.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 30, 2007 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131220052847/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/movies/30kapl.html |archive-date=December 20, 2013}}</ref>{{sfn|Sammon|p=289}} The workprint was shown as a director's cut without Scott's approval at the Los Angeles Fairfax Theater in May 1990, at an AMPAS showing in April 1991, and in September and October 1991 at the Los Angeles NuArt Theater and the San Francisco Castro Theatre.{{Sfnm|1a1=Bukatman|1p=36–37|2a1=Sammon|2p=334–340}} Positive responses pushed the studio to approve work on an official director's cut.{{sfn|Bukatman|p=37}} A San Diego Sneak Preview was shown only once, in May 1982, and was almost identical to the U.S. theatrical version but contained three extra scenes not shown in any other version, including the 2007 Final Cut.{{sfn|Sammon|p=306 and 309–311}} | |||
''Blade Runner'' has numerous deep similarities to ]'s '']'', including a built-up urban environment, in which the wealthy literally live above the workers, dominated by a huge building – the Stadtkrone Tower in ''Metropolis'' and the Tyrell Building in ''Blade Runner''. Special effects supervisor David Dryer used stills from ''Metropolis'' when lining up ''Blade Runner''{{'}}s miniature building shots.<ref>Bukatman, pp. 61–63; Sammon, p. 111</ref> | |||
Two versions were shown in the film's 1982 theatrical release: the U.S. theatrical version (117 minutes),<ref name=bbfcoriginal>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/blade-runner-film-1 |title=''Blade Runner'' |publisher=] |date=May 27, 1982 |access-date=January 8, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160322161256/http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/blade-runner-film-1 |archive-date=March 22, 2016}}</ref> known as the original version or ''Domestic Cut'' (released on ], ] and ] in 1983, and on ] in 1987), and the ''International Cut'' (117 minutes), also known as the "Criterion Edition" or "uncut version", which included more violent action scenes than the U.S. version. Although initially unavailable in the U.S. and distributed in Europe and Asia via theatrical and local Warner Home Video releases, the ''International Cut'' was later released on VHS and ] Laserdisc in North America, and re-released in 1992 as a "10th Anniversary Edition".{{sfn|Sammon|p=326–329}} | |||
The extended end scene in the original theatrical release shows Rachael and Deckard traveling into daylight with pastoral aerial shots filmed by director ]. Ridley Scott contacted Kubrick about using some of his surplus helicopter aerial photography from '']''<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ7qKKQrSBY|title = THR's Full, Uncensored Director Roundtable With Quentin Tarantino, Ridley Scott and More|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://m.hitfix.com/the-dartboard/ridley-scott-kubrick-gave-me-footage-from-the-shining-to-use-in-blade-runner|title = HITFIX|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = Eggersten|first = Chris}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ridley-scott-reveals-stanley-kubrick-847447|title = Hollywood Reporter|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = Howard|first = Annie}}</ref> | |||
Ridley Scott's ''Director's Cut'' (1992, 116 minutes)<ref name=bbfcdirectorscut>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/blade-runner-directors-cut-film |title=''Blade Runner'' |publisher=British Board of Film Classification |date=September 29, 1992 |access-date=January 8, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160406204404/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/blade-runner-directors-cut-film |archive-date=April 6, 2016}}</ref> had significant changes from the theatrical version including the removal of Deckard's voice-over, the re-insertion of the unicorn sequence, and the removal of the studio-imposed happy ending. Scott provided extensive notes and consultation to Warner Bros. through film preservationist Michael Arick, who was put in charge of creating the ''Director's Cut''.{{sfn|Sammon|p=353, 365}} | |||
"Spinner" is the generic term for the fictional flying cars used in the film. A spinner can be driven as a ground-based vehicle, and take off vertically, hover, and cruise using ] much like ] aircraft. They are used extensively by the police to patrol and survey the population, and it is clear that despite restrictions wealthy people can acquire spinner licenses.<ref>Sammon, pp. 79–80</ref> The vehicle was conceived and designed by Syd Mead who described the spinner as an "aerodyne"—a vehicle which directs air downward to create ], though press kits for the film stated that the spinner was propelled by three engines: "conventional ], jet, and ]"<ref name="SJPSTop40">{{citation|title=The top 40 cars from feature films: 30. POLICE SPINNER|url=http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/the-top-40-cars-from-feature-films-30-26/|publisher=ScreenJunkies.com|accessdate=July 27, 2011|date=March 30, 2010|quote=though press kits for the film stated that the spinner was propelled by three engines: "conventional internal combustion, jet and anti-gravity".|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404023133/http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-news/the-top-40-cars-from-feature-films-30-26/|archivedate=April 4, 2014}}</ref> Mead's conceptual drawings were transformed into 25 working vehicles by automobile customizer ].<ref>{{Citation|url=http://media.bladezone.com/contents/film/interviews/gene-winfield/|publisher=Bladezone|title=BladeZone's Gary Willoughby has a One on One chat with Gene Winfield, the builder of the full size cars and spinners from the classic film Blade Runner.|last=Willoughby|first=Gary|accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927020356/http://media.bladezone.com/contents/film/interviews/gene-winfield/|archivedate=September 27, 2013}}</ref> A spinner is on permanent exhibit at the ] in Seattle, Washington.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.empsfm.org/documents/press/EMPSFMBrochure.pdf |publisher=Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame |title=EMPSFM Brochure |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124232804/http://www.empsfm.org/documents/press/EMPSFMBrochure.pdf |archivedate=January 24, 2011 |deadurl=yes}}</ref> | |||
It is often falsely claimed that the unicorn sequence was an ] from Ridley Scott's follow-up film '']'' which also features unicorns, but it was in fact shot for Blade Runner as "additional photography" by second unit cinematographer ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/jan/26/brian-tufano-obituary|title=Brian Tuffano Obituary|publisher=theguardian.com |date=January 26, 2023}}</ref> | |||
====Voight-Kampff machine==== | |||
{{Quote box | |||
|quote = A very advanced form of lie detector that measures contractions of the iris muscle and the presence of invisible airborne particles emitted from the body. The bellows were designed for the latter function and give the machine the menacing air of a sinister insect. The VK is used primarily by Blade Runners to determine if a suspect is truly human by measuring the degree of his empathic response through carefully worded questions and statements. | |||
|source = — Description from the original 1982 ''Blade Runner'' press kit. | |||
|align = right | |||
|width = 40%}} | |||
The Voight-Kampff machine is a fictional interrogation tool, originating in the novel where it is spelled ''Voigt-Kampff''. The Voight-Kampff is a ]-like machine used by Blade Runners to determine whether an individual is a replicant. It measures bodily functions such as respiration, blush response, heart rate and eye movement in response to questions dealing with empathy.<ref>Sammon, pp. 106–107</ref> In the film two replicants take the test, Leon and Rachael, and Deckard tells Tyrell that it usually takes 20 to 30 cross-referenced questions to distinguish a replicant; in contrast with the book, where it is stated it only takes "six or seven" questions to make a determination. In the film it takes more than one hundred questions to determine that Rachael is a replicant. | |||
Scott's definitive ''The Final Cut'' (2007, 117 minutes)<ref name=bbfcfinal>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/blade-runner-film-0 |title=''Blade Runner'' |publisher=British Board of Film Classification |date=October 12, 2007 |access-date=January 8, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160305203132/http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/blade-runner-film-0 |archive-date=March 5, 2016}}</ref> was released by Warner Bros. theatrically on October 5, 2007, and subsequently released on DVD, ], and ] in December 2007.<ref name="thedigitalbits">{{citation |title=''Blade Runner: The Final Cut'' |date=July 26, 2007 |url=http://www.thedigitalbits.com/site_archive/articles/br2007/announce.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140222043104/http://www.thedigitalbits.com/site_archive/articles/br2007/announce.html |work=The Digital Bits |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-date=February 22, 2014}}</ref> This is the only version over which Scott had complete artistic and editorial control.{{sfn|Sammon|p=353, 365}} | |||
===Music=== | |||
{{Main article|Blade Runner (soundtrack)}} | |||
The ''Blade Runner'' soundtrack by ] is a dark melodic combination of classic composition and futuristic synthesizers which mirrors the film-noir retro-future envisioned by Ridley Scott. Vangelis, fresh from his ]-winning score for '']'',<ref name="NSVan">{{citation|title=Blade Runner – Scoring the music|url=http://www.nemostudios.co.uk/bladerunner/index.htm|publisher=Nemo Studios|accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019015508/http://www.nemostudios.co.uk/bladerunner/index.htm |archivedate=October 19, 2013}}</ref> composed and performed the music on his synthesizers.<ref>Sammon, pp. 271–274</ref> He also made use of various chimes and the vocals of collaborator ].<ref name="FutureNoir-p419">Sammon, pp. 419–423</ref> Another memorable sound is the haunting tenor sax solo "Love Theme" by British saxophonist ], who performed on many of Vangelis's albums. Ridley Scott also used "Memories of Green" from the Vangelis album ''], ''an orchestral version of which Scott would later use in his film '']''.<ref>{{Citation | last = Larsen | first = Peter | title = Film music | publisher=Reaktion Books | location = London | year = 2007 | isbn = 978-1-86189-341-3 |page=179}}</ref> | |||
== Reception == | |||
Along with Vangelis' compositions and ambient textures, the film's soundscape also features a track by the Japanese ensemble Nipponia – "Ogi No Mato" or "The Folding Fan as a Target" from the Nonesuch Records release ''Traditional Vocal and Instrumental Music'' – and a track by harpist Gail Laughton from "Harps of the Ancient Temples" on Laurel Records.<ref>Sammon, p. 424</ref> | |||
=== Critical response === | |||
Despite being well received by fans and critically acclaimed and nominated in 1983 for a ] and ] as best original score, and the promise of a soundtrack album from Polydor Records in the end titles of the film, the release of the official soundtrack recording was delayed for over a decade. There are two official releases of the music from ''Blade Runner''. In light of the lack of a release of an album, the ] recorded an orchestral adaptation in 1982 which bore little resemblance to the original. Some of the film tracks would, in 1989, surface on the compilation ''Vangelis: Themes'', but not until the 1992 release of the ''Director's Cut'' version would a substantial amount of the film's score see commercial release.<ref name="FutureNoir-p419" /> | |||
On ], the film holds an 89% approval rating based on 132 reviews, with an average rating of 8.50/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Misunderstood when it first hit theaters, the influence of Ridley Scott's mysterious, neo-noir ''Blade Runner'' has deepened with time. A visually remarkable, achingly human sci-fi masterpiece."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/blade_runner |title=Blade Runner (1982) |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-date=June 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605074607/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/blade_runner |url-status=live}}</ref> ], which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 84 out of 100 based on 15 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/blade-runner |title=Blade Runner (1982) |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=April 3, 2020 |archive-date=April 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416101139/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/blade-runner |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
These delays and poor reproductions led to the production of many ]s over the years. A bootleg tape surfaced in 1982 at science fiction conventions and became popular given the delay of an official release of the original recordings, and in 1993 "Off World Music, Ltd" created a bootleg CD that would prove more comprehensive than Vangelis' official CD in 1994.<ref name="FutureNoir-p419" /> A set with three CDs of ''Blade Runner''-related Vangelis music was released in 2007. Titled ''Blade Runner Trilogy'', the first disc contains the same tracks as the 1994 official soundtrack release, the second features previously unreleased music from the movie, and the third disc is all newly composed music from Vangelis, inspired by, and in the spirit of the movie.<ref>{{citation|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11110-blade-runner-trilogy-25th-anniversary/ |title=Album Review: Vangelis: ''Blade Runner Trilogy: 25th Anniversary'' |first=Mike |last=Orme |publisher=] |accessdate=July 27, 2011 |date=February 7, 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200702/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11110-blade-runner-trilogy-25th-anniversary/ |archivedate=October 29, 2013 }}</ref> | |||
Initial reactions among film critics were mixed. Some wrote that the plot took a back seat to the film's special effects and did not fit the studio's marketing as an action and adventure film. Others acclaimed its complexity and predicted it would stand the test of time.{{sfn|Sammon|p=313–315}} Negative criticism in the United States cited its slow pace.<ref>{{citation |last=Hicks |first=Chris |date=September 11, 1992 |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700000200/Blade-Runner.html |title=Movie review: Blade Runner |work=] |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140407001657/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700000200/Blade-Runner.html |archive-date=April 7, 2014}}</ref> ] from the '']'' called it "Blade Crawler", and Pat Berman in '']'' and '']'' described it as "science fiction pornography".<ref>Quoted in {{harvnb|Sammon|p=313 and 314}}, respectively.</ref> ] praised ''Blade Runner'' as worthy of a place in film history for its distinctive sci-fi vision, yet criticized the film's lack of development in "human terms".<ref name="Kael">{{citation |last=Kael |first=Pauline |title=Taking It All In |year=1984 |publisher=Holt, Rinehart and Winston |isbn=978-0-03-069361-8 |pages=360–365}}</ref> '']'' magazine said, "Misunderstood by audiences and critics alike, it is by far the best ''science fiction'' film of the year."<ref name="Ares">{{cite journal |last=John |first=Christopher |title=Film & Television |journal=] |publisher=] |date=Winter 1983 |issue=13 |page=43}}</ref> | |||
===Special effects=== | |||
The film's special effects are generally recognized to be among the best of all time,<ref>{{citation|url=http://whatculture.com/film/10-pre-2000-movies-special-effects-still-hold-today.php/11|title=10 Pre-2000 Movies With Special Effects That Still Hold Up Today|work=WhatCulture.com}}</ref><ref name="adamsavage">{{citation|url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a1775/4218376/|title=Blade Runner at 25: Why the Sci-Fi F/X Are Still Unsurpassed|author=Adam Savage|work=Popular Mechanics}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://www.empireonline.com/features/cinemas-greatest-vfx-shots/p6|title=Los Angeles 2019 (Blade Runner) – Cinema's Greatest Effects Shots Picked By Hollywood's Top VFX Specialists – Features – Empire|work=empireonline.com}}</ref> using the available (non-digital) technology to the fullest. In addition to matte paintings and models, the techniques employed included multipass exposures. In some scenes, the set was lit, shot, the film rewound, and then rerecorded over with different lighting. In some cases this was done 16 times in all. The cameras were frequently ].<ref name="adamsavage"/> Many effects utilised techniques which had been developed during the production of '']''.<ref>{{citation|url=http://douglastrumbull.com/key-fx-sequences-blade-runner-spinner-vehicles|title=Blade Runner: Spinner Vehicles|publisher=Trumbull Ventures|date=2010|accessdate=September 21, 2015}}</ref> | |||
=== Cultural analysis === | |||
==Release== | |||
Academics began analyzing the film almost as soon as it was released. One of the first books on the film was Paul M. Sammon's ''Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner'' (1996),<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sammon |first=Paul M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Al2lPwAACAAJ |title=Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner |date=1996 |publisher=Orion Media |isbn=978-0-7528-0740-9 |language=en|access-date=October 1, 2020|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414015432/https://books.google.com/books?id=Al2lPwAACAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> which dissects all the details concerning the film making. He was followed by ]'s ''Blade Runner''<ref>Bukatman, Scott. ''Blade Runner''. London: BFI, 1997.</ref> and other books and academic articles.<ref>{{citation |last=Williams |first=Douglas E. |url=https://philosophy.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/Ideology%20as%20Dystopia%20-%20An%20Interpretation%20of%20Blade%20Runner%20-%20Douglas%20E.%20Williams.pdf |title=Ideology as Dystopia: An Interpretation of "Blade Runner" |work=] |volume=9 |issue=4 |date=October 1988 |pages=381–394 |access-date=October 13, 2015 |jstor=1600763 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160708052749/https://philosophy.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/Ideology%20as%20Dystopia%20-%20An%20Interpretation%20of%20Blade%20Runner%20-%20Douglas%20E.%20Williams.pdf |archive-date=July 8, 2016 |publisher=}}</ref> In ''Postmodern Metanarratives: Blade Runner and Literature in the Age of Image'', Décio Torres Cruz analyzes the philosophical and psychological issues and the literary influences in ''Blade Runner''. He examines the film's cyberpunk and ] elements by establishing a link between the Biblical, classical and modern traditions and the postmodern aspects in the film's collage of several literary texts.<ref name="Torres Cruz 2014">{{Cite book |last=Torres Cruz |first=Décio |url=https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9781137439727 |title=Postmodern Metanarratives: Blade Runner and Literature in the Age of Image |date=2014 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan UK |isbn=978-1-137-43972-7 |language=en|access-date=September 18, 2020|archive-date=October 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009064728/https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9781137439727|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
''Blade Runner'' was released in 1,290 theaters on June 25, 1982. That date was chosen by producer ] because his previous highest-grossing films ('']'' and '']'') had a similar opening date (May 25) in 1977 and 1979, making the date his "lucky day".<ref>Sammon, p. 309</ref> ''Blade Runner'' grossed reasonably good ticket sales according to contemporary reports; earning $6.1 million during its first weekend in theaters.<ref>{{citation|last1=Harmetz|first1=Aljean|title='E.T.' May Set Sales Record|at=Section C, Cultural Desk, page 9|publisher=The New York Times|date=June 29, 1982}}</ref> The film was released close to other major sci-fi/fantasy releases such as '']'', '']'', '']'' and ''].''<ref>Sammon, p. 316</ref> | |||
The boom in home video formats helped establish a growing cult around the film,<ref name=":0">Dalton, Stephen (October 26, 2016). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015064343/http://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/features/blade-runner |date=October 15, 2017 }}. ].</ref> which scholars have dissected for its dystopic aspects, questions regarding "authentic" humanity, ] aspects<ref>{{citation |last=Jenkins |first=Mary |url=http://trumpeter.athabascau.ca/index.php/trumpet/article/view/172/210 |year=1997 |title=The Dystopian World of Blade Runner: An Ecofeminist Perspective |journal=Trumpeter |volume=14 |issue=4 |access-date=October 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914233708/http://trumpeter.athabascau.ca/index.php/trumpet/article/view/172/210 |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and use of conventions from multiple genres.<ref>{{citation |last1=Doll |first1=Susan |last2=Faller |first2=Greg |url=https://www.questia.com/library/journal/1P3-1314619891/blade-runner-and-genre-film-noir-and-science-fiction |title=Blade Runner and Genre: Film Noir and Science Fiction |work=Literature Film Quarterly |year=1986 |volume=14 |issue=2 |access-date=October 13, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151013050150/https://www.questia.com/library/journal/1P3-1314619891/blade-runner-and-genre-film-noir-and-science-fiction |archive-date=October 13, 2015}}</ref> Popular culture began to reassess its impact as a classic several years after it was released.<ref>Gray, Tim (June 24, 2017). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705010740/https://variety.com/2017/film/news/blade-runner-1982-unloved-classic-1202476755/ |date=July 5, 2017 }}. '']''.</ref><ref>{{citation |last=Shone |first=Tom |title=Woman: The Other Alien in Alien |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2012/06/prometheus_why_are_academics_so_obsessed_with_ridley_scott_s_alien_and_its_sequels_.html |date=June 6, 2012 |work=] |url-status=live |archive-url= http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20160424231545/http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2012/06/prometheus_why_are_academics_so_obsessed_with_ridley_scott_s_alien_and_its_sequels_.html |archive-date=April 24, 2016}}</ref><ref name="indiewire">{{citation |last=Jagernauth |first=Kevin |title=''Blade Runner'' Is Almost a Religion for Me: Denis Villeneuve Talks Directing the Sci-fi Sequel |url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/blade-runner-is-almost-a-religion-for-me-denis-villeneuve-talks-directing-the-sci-fi-sequel-20150428 |access-date=October 12, 2015 |work=] |date=April 28, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001045525/http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/blade-runner-is-almost-a-religion-for-me-denis-villeneuve-talks-directing-the-sci-fi-sequel-20150428 |archive-date=October 1, 2015}}</ref> ] praised the visuals of both the original and the ''Director's Cut'' and recommended it for that reason; however, he found the human story clichéd and a little thin.<ref name="Ebert" /> He later added ''The Final Cut'' to his "Great Movies" list.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-blade-runner-the-final-cut-1982 |title=''Blade Runner: The Final Cut'' Movie Review (1982) |last=Ebert |first=Roger |work=RogerEbert.com |access-date=June 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160627095550/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-blade-runner-the-final-cut-1982 |archive-date=June 27, 2016}}</ref> Critic Chris Rodley and ] theorized that ''Blade Runner'' changed cinematic and cultural discourse through its image repertoire and subsequent influence on films.<ref>{{citation |last=Rodley |first=Chris |title=''Blade Runner: The Director's Cut'' |url=http://www.frieze.com/issue/article/blade_runner_the_directors_cut/ |access-date=October 14, 2015 |work=frieze |year=1993 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080905211517/http://www.frieze.com/issue/article/blade_runner_the_directors_cut/ |archive-date=September 5, 2008}}</ref> In 2012, '']'' film critic ] surgically analyzed the durability, complexity, screenplay, sets and production dynamics from a personal, three-decade perspective.<ref>, ''Time'', Richard Corliss, June 25, 2012. Retrieved April 11, 2017.</ref> ], who directed the sequel, '']'', cites the film as a huge influence for him and many others.<ref name="indiewire" /> | |||
===Critical reception=== | |||
Initial reactions among film critics were mixed. Some wrote that the plot took a back seat to the film's special effects, and did not fit the studio's marketing as an action/adventure movie. Others acclaimed its complexity and predicted it would stand the test of time.<ref>Sammon, pp. 313–315</ref> Negative criticism in the United States cited its slow pace.<ref>{{citation|last1=Hicks|first1=Chris|date=September 11, 1992|url= http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700000200/Blade-Runner.html|title=Movie review: Blade Runner |publisher=Deseret News Publishing Co|accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407001657/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700000200/Blade-Runner.html|archivedate=April 7, 2014}}</ref> Sheila Benson from the '']'' called it "Blade Crawler," and Pat Berman in '']'' and '']'' described it as "science fiction pornography".<ref>Quoted in Sammon, p. 313 and p. 314, respectively</ref> ] praised ''Blade Runner'' as worthy of a place in film history for its distinctive sci-fi vision, yet criticized the film's lack of development in "human terms".<ref name="Kael">{{citation|last=Kael|first=Pauline|title=Taking It All In|year=1984|publisher=Holt, Rinehart and Winston|isbn=978-0-03-069361-8|pages=360–365}}</ref> | |||
It has also been noted for its postmodernist approach and that it contributes to the historical development of modern dystopia in film.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bruno |first=Giuliana |date=1987 |title=Ramble City: Postmodernism and ''Blade Runner'' |journal=October |volume=41 |pages=61–74 |doi=10.2307/778330 |jstor=778330|issn = 0162-2870}}</ref> Furthermore, the futuristic version of Los Angeles has been widely discussed by academics with some comparing it to Milton's descriptions of hell in '']''.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Desser |first=David |date=1985 |title=Blade Runner: Science Fiction & Transcendence |journal=Literature/Film Quarterly; Salisbury |volume=13 |pages=172–179 |id={{ProQuest|226985939}}}}</ref> A 2019 retrospective in the ] argued that elements of the film's socio-political themes remained prescient in the real year of the film's setting, such as its depiction of ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=David |title=Are we living in a Blade Runner world? |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20191111-are-we-living-in-a-blade-runner-world |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630150706/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20191111-are-we-living-in-a-blade-runner-world |url-status=live }}</ref> From a more philosophical perspective, Alison Landsberg described Scott's direction of the film as a "prosthetic memory"—an action that has never happened and appears to be divorced from lived experience, yet it defines personhood and identity within the wider Blade Runner universe.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Landsberg |first=Alison |s2cid=144020560 |date=1995 |title=Prosthetic Memory: Total Recall and Blade Runner |journal=Body & Society |volume=1 |issue=3–4 |pages=175–189 |doi=10.1177/1357034X95001003010}}</ref> | |||
Academics began writing analyses of the film almost as soon as it was released,<ref>{{citation|last1=Williams|first1=Douglas E.|url=https://philosophy.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/Ideology%20as%20Dystopia%20-%20An%20Interpretation%20of%20Blade%20Runner%20-%20Douglas%20E.%20Williams.pdf|title=Ideology as Dystopia: An Interpretation of "Blade Runner"|journal=International Political Science Review|volume=9|issue=4|date=October 1988|pages=381–394|accessdate=October 13, 2015|jstor=1600763}}</ref> in particular its dystopic aspects, its questions regarding "authentic" humanity, its ecofeminist aspects,<ref>{{citation|last1=Jenkins|first1=Mary|url=http://trumpeter.athabascau.ca/index.php/trumpet/article/view/172/210|year=1997|title=The Dystopian World of Blade Runner: An Ecofeminist Perspective|journal=Trumpeter|volume=14|issue=4|accessdate=October 13, 2015}}</ref> in genre studies<ref>{{citation|last1=Doll|first1=Susan|last2=Faller|first2=Greg|url=https://www.questia.com/library/journal/1P3-1314619891/blade-runner-and-genre-film-noir-and-science-fiction|title=Blade Runner and Genre: Film Noir and Science Fiction|journal=Literature Film Quarterly|year=1986|volume=14|issue=2|accessdate=October 13, 2015}}</ref> and in recent years, popular culture. The film has been the subject of academic interest over decades.<ref>{{citation|last1=Shone|first1=Tom|title=Woman: The Other Alien in Alien|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2012/06/prometheus_why_are_academics_so_obsessed_with_ridley_scott_s_alien_and_its_sequels_.html|date=June 6, 2012|work=Slate|accessdate=}}</ref> | |||
=== Awards and nominations === | |||
Since its original release, the film has become a science fiction classic.<ref name=indiewire>{{citation|last1=Jagernauth|first1=Kevin|title='Blade Runner' Is almost a Religion for me: Denis Villeneuve talks directing the sci-fi sequel|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/blade-runner-is-almost-a-religion-for-me-denis-villeneuve-talks-directing-the-sci-fi-sequel-20150428|accessdate=October 12, 2015|publisher=indieWIRE|date=April 28, 2015}}</ref> ] praised the visuals of both the original and the ''Director's Cut'' versions and recommended it for that reason; however, he found the human story clichéd and a little thin.<ref name="Ebert" /> He later added ''The Final Cut'' to his "Great Movies" list.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-blade-runner-the-final-cut-1982|title=Blade Runner: The Final Cut Movie Review (1982) {{!}} Roger Ebert|last=Ebert|first=Roger|website=www.rogerebert.com|access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref> Critic Chris Rodley and Janet Maslin theorized that ''Blade Runner'' changed cinematic and cultural discourse through its image repertoire, and subsequent influence on films.<ref>{{citation|last1=Rodley|first1=Chris|title=Blade Runner: the director's cut|url=http://www.frieze.com/issue/article/blade_runner_the_directors_cut/|accessdate=October 14, 2015|publisher=Frieze|date=1993}}</ref> In 2012, '']'' film critic ] surgically analyzed the durability, complexity, screenplay, sets and production dynamics from a personal, three-decade perspective.<ref>, '']'', Richard Corliss, Jun 25, 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2017.</ref> | |||
''Blade Runner'' holds an 89% rating on ], a website that rates films based on published reviews by critics, averaging a score of 8.5 out of 10 from 104 reviews.<ref name="RottenTomatoes"/> The site's main consensus reads "Misunderstood when it first hit theaters, the influence of Ridley Scott's mysterious, neo-noir ''Blade Runner'' has deepened with time. A visually remarkable, achingly human sci-fi masterpiece."<ref name="RottenTomatoes">{{citation|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/blade_runner/ |title=Blade Runner (1982) |work=] |accessdate=October 8, 2015}}</ref> ], who is to direct the ''Blade Runner'' sequel, cites the movie as a huge influence for him and many others.<ref name=indiewire/> | |||
''Blade Runner'' won or received nominations for the following awards:<ref name="NY Times">{{citation |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/5994/Blade-Runner/awards |title=''Blade Runner'' |access-date=July 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130517200337/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/5994/Blade-Runner/awards |department=Movies & TV Dept. |work=The New York Times |date=2013 |archive-date=May 17, 2013}}</ref> | |||
===Accolades=== | |||
''Blade Runner'' won or received nominations for the following awards:<ref name="NY Times">{{citation|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/5994/Blade-Runner/awards |title=NY Times: Blade Runner |accessdate=July 27, 2011|work=NY Times|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517200337/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/5994/Blade-Runner/awards|archivedate=May 17, 2013}}</ref> | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="width:99%;" | {| class="wikitable" style="width:99%;" | ||
|- | |- | ||
!Year !! Award !! Category !! Nominee !! Result | ! Year !! Award !! Category !! Nominee !! Result | ||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan="2"|1982 | | rowspan="2"| 1982 | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Best Cinematography | | Best Cinematography | ||
| rowspan="3"|] | | rowspan="3"| ] | ||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| {{won}} | |||
| style="background:#dfd;" | Won | |||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan="18"|1983 | | rowspan="18"| 1983 | ||
| rowspan="8"|] | | rowspan="8"| ] | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| {{won}} | |||
| style="background:#dfd;" | Won | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Charles Knode and ] | | Charles Knode and ] | ||
| {{won}} | |||
| style="background:#dfd;" | Won | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| {{won}} | |||
| style="background:#dfd;" | Won | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Peter Pennell, Bud Alper, Graham V. Hartstone, and Gerry Humphreys | | Peter Pennell, Bud Alper, Graham V. Hartstone, and Gerry Humphreys | ||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ], ], and David Dryer | | ], ], and David Dryer | ||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| | |||
| ''Blade Runner'' | |||
| {{won}} | |||
| style="background:#dfd;" | Won | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Special Achievement Award | | Special Achievement Award | ||
| Lawrence G. Paull, Douglas Trumbull, and Syd Mead | | Lawrence G. Paull, Douglas Trumbull, and Syd Mead | ||
| {{won}} | |||
| style="background:#dfd;" | Won | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ]s | | ]s | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Vangelis | | Vangelis | ||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan="2"|] | | rowspan="2"| ] | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Lawrence G. Paull, ], and ] | | Lawrence G. Paull, ], and ] | ||
| {{nom}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8OGeLuQ9aA |title=Gandhi Wins Art Direction and Cinematography: 1983 Oscars |date=January 3, 2014 |via=www.youtube.com|access-date=August 14, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803090532/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8OGeLuQ9aA|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich, and David Dryer | | Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich, and ] | ||
| {{nom}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1983 |title=The 55th Academy Awards | 1983 |website=Oscars.org | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|date=October 5, 2014 |access-date=August 14, 2020|archive-date=April 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417061022/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1983|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIM6pVe9V9U |title=E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Wins Visual Effects: 1983 Oscars |date=April 28, 2014 |via=www.youtube.com|access-date=August 14, 2020|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806161837/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIM6pVe9V9U|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan="4"|] | | rowspan="4"| ] | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| | |||
| ''Blade Runner'' | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| Douglas Trumbull and Richard Yuricich | | Douglas Trumbull and Richard Yuricich | ||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| International Fantasy Film Award | | International Fantasy Film Award | ||
| Ridley Scott | | Ridley Scott | ||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |||
|} | |||
===Versions=== | |||
{{Main article|Versions of Blade Runner}} | |||
Several different versions of ''Blade Runner'' have been shown. The original workprint version (1982, 113 minutes) was shown for audience test previews in Denver and Dallas in March 1982. Negative responses to the previews led to the modifications resulting in the U.S. theatrical version.<ref>{{citation|last1=Kaplan|first1=Fred|title=A Cult Classic Restored, Again |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/movies/30kapl.html|newspaper=New York Times|date=September 30, 2007|accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220052847/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/movies/30kapl.html|archivedate=December 20, 2013}}</ref><ref>Sammon, p. 289</ref> The workprint was shown as a director's cut without Scott's approval at the Los Angeles Fairfax Theater in May 1990, at an AMPAS showing in April 1991, and in September and October 1991 at the Los Angeles NuArt Theater and the San Francisco Castro Theatre.<ref>Bukatman, pp. 36–37; Sammon, pp. 334–340</ref> Positive responses pushed the studio to approve work on an official director's cut.<ref>Bukatman, p. 37</ref> A San Diego Sneak Preview was shown only once, in May 1982, and was almost identical to the U.S. theatrical version but contained three extra scenes not shown in any other version, including the 2007 Final Cut.<ref>Sammon, pp. 306 and 309–311</ref> | |||
Two versions were shown in the film's 1982 theatrical release: the U.S. theatrical version (117 minutes),<ref name=bbfcoriginal>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/blade-runner-film-1 |title=''BLADE RUNNER'' |publisher=] |date=May 27, 1982 |access-date=January 8, 2016}}</ref> known as the original version or ''Domestic Cut'', released on ], ] and ] in 1983 and ] in 1987; and the ''International Cut'' (117 minutes), also known as the "Criterion Edition" or "uncut version", which included more violent action scenes than the U.S. version. Although initially unavailable in the U.S., and distributed in Europe and Asia via theatrical and local Warner Home Video Laserdisc releases, it was later released on VHS and ] Laserdisc in North America, and re-released in 1992 as a "10th Anniversary Edition".<ref>Sammon, pp. 326–329</ref> | |||
Scott's ''Director's Cut'' (1991, 116 minutes)<ref name=bbfcdirectorscut>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/blade-runner-directors-cut-film |title=''BLADE RUNNER'' |publisher=British Board of Film Classification |date=September 29, 1992 |access-date=January 8, 2016}}</ref> was made available on VHS and Laserdisc in 1993, and on DVD in 1997. Significant changes from the theatrical version include: the removal of Deckard's voice-over; re-insertion of the unicorn sequence; and removal of the studio-imposed happy ending. Scott provided extensive notes and consultation to Warner Bros. through film preservationist Michael Arick, who was put in charge of creating the ''Director's Cut''.<ref name="Sammon, pp. 353, 365" /> Scott's ''The Final Cut'' (2007, 117 minutes)<ref name=bbfcfinal>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/blade-runner-film-0 | title=BLADE RUNNER |publisher=British Board of Film Classification |date=October 12, 2007 |access-date=January 8, 2016}}</ref> was released by Warner Bros. theatrically on October 5, 2007, and subsequently released on DVD, ], and ] in December 2007.<ref name="thedigitalbits" /> This is the only version over which Scott had complete editorial control.<ref name="Sammon, pp. 353, 365" /> | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="width:99%;" | |||
|- | |||
!Year !! Award !! Category !! Nominee !! Result | |||
|- | |- | ||
| 1993 | | 1993 | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| International Fantasy Film Award | | International Fantasy Film Award | ||
| Best Film |
| Best Film – Ridley Scott (Director's Cut) | ||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ] | | rowspan=2| ] | ||
| Best Genre Video Release | | Best Genre Video Release | ||
| ''Blade Runner'' ( |
| ''Blade Runner'' (Director's Cut) | ||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="background:#fdd;" | Nominated | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ] | |||
| ] | | ] | ||
| ''Blade Runner'' (5-Disc Ultimate |
| ''Blade Runner'' (5-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition) | ||
| {{won}} | |||
| style="background:#dfd;" | Won | |||
|} | |} | ||
== |
== Themes == | ||
{{Main|Themes in Blade Runner}} | |||
The film operates on multiple dramatic and narrative levels. It employs some of the conventions of ], among them the character of a '']''; narration by the protagonist (in the original release); ] cinematography; and giving the hero a questionable moral outlook – extended to include reflections upon the nature of his own humanity.<ref name="Barlow">Barlow, Aaron "Reel Toads and Imaginary Cities: Philip K. Dick, ''Blade Runner'' and the Contemporary Science Fiction Movie" in {{harvnb|Brooker|pp=43–58}}.</ref><ref>Jermyn, Deborah "The Rachael Papers: In Search of ''Blade Runner''s Femme Fatale" in {{harvnb|Brooker|pp=159–172}}.</ref> It is a literate science fiction film, thematically enfolding the philosophy of religion and moral implications of human mastery of ] in the context of ] and ].<ref>{{citation |url=http://trumpeter.athabascau.ca/index.php/trumpet/article/view/172/210 |title=The Dystopian World of ''Blade Runner'': An Ecofeminist Perspective |access-date=July 27, 2011 |journal=Trumpeter |last=Jenkins |first=Mary |year=1997 |volume=14 |issue=4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214004426/http://trumpeter.athabascau.ca/index.php/trumpet/article/view/172/210 |archive-date=February 14, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> It also draws on Biblical images, such as ],<ref>Kerman, Judith B. "Post-Millennium ''Blade Runner''" in {{harvnb|Brooker|pp=31–39}}.</ref> and literary sources, such as '']''<ref name="Alessio">Alessio, Dominic "Redemption, 'Race', Religion, Reality and the Far-Right: Science Fiction Film Adaptations of Philip K. Dick" in {{harvnb|Brooker|pp=59–76}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Harley |first1=Alexis |title=America, a prophecy: when Blake meets ''Blade Runner'' |journal=Sydney Studies in English |date=December 24, 2020 |volume=31 |pages=61–75 |url=https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/ielapa.200601721 |oclc=107741379 |access-date=January 29, 2022 |archive-date=February 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210000145/https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/ielapa.200601721 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although Scott said any similarity was merely coincidental,{{sfn|Sammon|p=384}} fans claimed that the chess game between Sebastian and Tyrell was based on the famous ] of 1851.<ref>{{cite web |last=Edwards |first=Jacob |title='A Most Unconvincing Replicant: Allegory and Intelligence in Blade Runner's Chess Game', by Jacob Edwards |url=https://www.regencychess.co.uk/blog/2016/05/chess-in-film/ |work=The Lifted Brow |date=December 27, 2013 |access-date=April 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406231358/https://www.regencychess.co.uk/blog/2016/05/chess-in-film/ |archive-date=April 6, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
''Blade Runner'' delves into the effects of technology on the environment and society by reaching to the past, using literature, ], classical dramatic themes, and ''film noir'' techniques. This tension between past, present, and future is represented in the "retrofitted" future depicted in the film, one which is high-tech and gleaming in places but decayed and outdated elsewhere. In an interview with '']'' in 2002, director Ridley Scott described the film as "extremely dark, both literally and metaphorically, with an oddly masochistic feel". He also said that he "liked the idea of exploring pain" in the wake of his brother's death: "When he was ill, I used to go and visit him in London, and that was really traumatic for me."<ref name="scottobserver">{{citation |last=Barber |first=Lynn |title=Scott's Corner |date=January 6, 2002 |url=http://film.guardian.co.uk/interview/interviewpages/0,,628186,00.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080720054223/http://film.guardian.co.uk/interview/interviewpages/0%2C%2C628186%2C00.html |url-status=dead |work=] |location=London |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-date=July 20, 2008}}</ref> | |||
===Cultural impact=== | |||
] | |||
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While not initially a success with North American audiences, the film was popular internationally and garnered a ].<ref>Sammon, pp. 318–329</ref> The film's dark style and futuristic designs have served as a benchmark and its influence can be seen in many subsequent science fiction films, ], ], and television programs.<ref name="Barlow" /> For example, ] and ], the producers of the re-imagining of '']'', have both cited ''Blade Runner'' as one of the major influences for the show.<ref>{{cite interview|last=Moore |first=Ronald D. |subjectlink=Ronald D. Moore |last2=Eick |first2=David |subjectlink2=David Eick |interviewer=Daniel Solove, Deven Desai and David Hoffman |title=Battlestar Galactica Interview |url=http://www.concurringopinions.com/archives/2008/03/battlestar_gala_5.html |work=Concurring Opinions |date=February 21, 2008 |accessdate=October 3, 2011 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/62AHFphB9?url=http://www.concurringopinions.com/archives/2008/03/battlestar_gala_5.html |archivedate=October 3, 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=mdy }}</ref> ''Blade Runner'' continues to reflect modern trends and concerns, and an increasing number consider it one of the greatest science fiction films of all time.<ref>{{citation|last1=Jha |first1=Alok |last2=Rogers |first2=Simon |last3=Rutherford |first3=Adam |date=August 26, 2004 |accessdate=July 27, 2011 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/life/feature/story/0,13026,1290561,00.html |title='I've seen things...': Our expert panel votes for the top 10 sci-fi films |work=The Guardian |location=UK |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070513161801/http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/feature/story/0%2C13026%2C1290561%2C00.html |archivedate=May 13, 2007 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> It was voted the best science fiction film ever made in a poll of 60 eminent world scientists conducted in 2004.<ref>{{citation | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3600802.stm | title= Blade Runner tops scientist poll | work=BBC News | date=August 26, 2004 | accessdate=September 22, 2012}}</ref> ''Blade Runner'' is also cited as an important influence to both the style and story of the '']'' film series, which itself has been highly influential to the future-noir genre.<ref>{{citation |title=Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence |first=Jim |last=Omura |date=September 16, 2004 |journal=FPS Magazine |url=http://www.fpsmagazine.com/review/040916innocence.php|accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193102/http://www.fpsmagazine.com/review/040916innocence.php|archivedate=October 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=Hollywood is haunted by Ghost in the Shell |first=Steve |last=Rose |journal=The Guardian |date=October 19, 2009 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/oct/19/hollywood-ghost-in-the-shell|accessdate=July 27, 2011 |location=London|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308101232/http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/oct/19/hollywood-ghost-in-the-shell |archivedate=March 8, 2013 }}</ref> | |||
A sense of foreboding and paranoia pervades the world of the film: corporate power looms large; the police seem omnipresent; vehicle and warning lights probe into buildings; and the consequences of huge biomedical power over the individual are explored – | |||
The film was selected for preservation in the United States ] in 1993 and is frequently used in university courses.<ref>{{citation|last1= Rapold |first1 = Nicolas |url= http://www.nysun.com/article/63805 |title= Aren't We All Just Replicants on the Inside? |date= October 2, 2007|newspaper=The New York Sun |accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905003256/http://www.nysun.com/article/63805|archivedate=September 5, 2008}}</ref> In 2007 it was named the second-most visually influential film of all time by the ].<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.visualeffectssociety.com/system/files/15/files/ves50revelfin.pdf|accessdate=July 27, 2011|format = PDF|publisher=Visual Effects Society|title=The Visual Effects Society Unveils "50 Most Influential Visual Effects Films of All Time"|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604101515/http://www.visualeffectssociety.com/system/files/15/files/ves50revelfin.pdf|archivedate=June 4, 2012}}</ref> | |||
especially regarding replicants' implanted memories. The film depicts a world post ], where warfare and capitalism have led to destruction of 'normal' ecological systems.<ref>{{citation |last=Leaver |first=Tama |title=Post-Humanism and Ecocide in William Gibson's ''Neuromancer'' and Ridley Scott's ''Blade Runner'' |url=http://project.cyberpunk.ru/idb/post-humanism_and_ecocide.html |year=1997 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703104841/http://project.cyberpunk.ru/idb/post-humanism_and_ecocide.html |archive-date=July 3, 2013 |via=The Cyberpunk Project}}{{self-published source|date=February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=Avenging nature: the role of nature in modern and contemporary art and literature |date=2020 |publisher=Lexington Books |isbn=978-1-79362-145-0 |editor-last=Valls Oyarzun |editor-first=Eduardo |series=Ecocritical theory and practice |location=Lanham Boulder NewYork London |chapter=13 |editor-last2=Gualberto Valverde |editor-first2=Rebeca |editor-last3=Malla García |editor-first3=Noelia |editor-last4=Colom Jiménez |editor-first4=María |editor-last5=Cordero Sánchez |editor-first5=Rebeca}}</ref> Control over the environment is exercised on a vast scale, and goes hand in hand with the absence of any natural life; for example, artificial animals stand in for their extinct predecessors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Representations of Ecocide in Blade Runner and Neuromancer |url=http://project.cyberpunk.ru/idb/post-humanism_and_ecocide.html |access-date=June 21, 2023 |website=project.cyberpunk.ru |archive-date=July 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703104841/http://project.cyberpunk.ru/idb/post-humanism_and_ecocide.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This oppressive backdrop explains the frequently referenced migration of humans to "off-world" (extraterrestrial) colonies. Eyes are a recurring motif, as are manipulated images, calling into question the nature of reality and our ability to accurately perceive and remember it.{{sfn|Bukatman|p=9–11}}<ref>Heldreth, Leonard G. "The Cutting Edges of ''Blade Runner''" in {{Harvp|Kerman|1991|p=44}}</ref> The film also consists of themes of Japan as a power, coming amid a time of ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cheded |first=Farah |date=June 29, 2017 |title=Quite an Experience to Live in Fear: An In-Depth Look at How the Anxieties that Inspired 'Blade Runner' Fare Today |url=https://filmschoolrejects.com/blade-runner-anxieties-today/ |access-date=February 13, 2024 |website=Film School Rejects |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
These thematic elements provide an atmosphere of uncertainty for ''Blade Runner''{{'}}s central theme of examining humanity. In order to discover replicants, an empathy test is used, with a number of its questions focused on the treatment of animals – seemingly an essential indicator of one's "humanity". Replicants will not respond the same way humans would, showing a lack of concern. The film goes so far as to question if Deckard might be a replicant, in the process asking the audience to re-evaluate what it means to be human.<ref>Gwaltney, Marilyn. "Androids as a Device for Reflection on Personhood" in {{Harvp|Kerman|1991|p=32–39}}</ref> | |||
''Blade Runner'' is one of the most musically ] films of the 20th century.<ref>{{citation | date = September 1, 2004 | last1 =Cigéhn | first1 = Peter | title=The Top 1319 Sample Sources (version 60) | url=http://semimajor.net/samples/sourcelist_20041019.txt| accessdate=July 27, 2011| publisher=sloth.org | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027045655/http://semimajor.net/samples/sourcelist_20041019.txt | archivedate=October 27, 2013}}</ref> The 2009 album, '']'', by Singaporean band ] makes numerous references to the genetic engineering and cloning themes from the film, and even features a track titled "Replicant".<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/review.php?revid=5620 |title=Deus Ex Machina – I, Human Review |publisher=The Metal Crypt |date=February 22, 2010 |accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407014949/http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/review.php?revid=5620 |archivedate=April 7, 2014 }}</ref> | |||
The question of whether Deckard is intended to be a human or a replicant has been an ongoing controversy since the film's release.{{sfn|Bukatman|p=80–83}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/deckard-replicant-history-blade-runners-enduring-mystery/ |title=Is Deckard a Replicant? The history of Blade Runner's most enduring mystery |work=] |author=Tristram Fane Saunders |date=October 5, 2017 |access-date=March 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190311132411/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/deckard-replicant-history-blade-runners-enduring-mystery/ |archive-date=March 11, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Both Michael Deeley and Harrison Ford wanted Deckard to be human, while Hampton Fancher preferred ambiguity.{{sfn|Sammon|p=362}} Ridley Scott has stated that in his vision, Deckard is a replicant.<ref>{{citation |editor-last=Peary |editor-first=Danny |year=1984 |title=''Omni''<nowiki />'s Screen Flights, Screen Fantasies: The Future According to Science Fiction |chapter=Directing ''Alien'' and ''Blade Runner'': An Interview with Ridley Scott |publisher=] / ] |pages= |isbn=978-0-385-19202-6 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/omnisscreenfligh00pear/page/293}}</ref><ref name="nytkaplan">{{citation |access-date=July 27, 2011 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/movies/30kapl.html |title=A Cult Classic Restored, Again |last=Kaplan |first=Fred |date=September 30, 2007 |work=The New York Times |quote=The film's theme of dehumanization has also been sharpened. What has been a matter of speculation and debate is now a certainty: Deckard, the replicant-hunting cop, is himself a replicant. Mr. Scott confirmed this: 'Yes, he's a replicant. He was always a replicant.' |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180205073914/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/movies/30kapl.html |archive-date=February 5, 2018}}</ref> Deckard's unicorn-dream sequence, inserted into Scott's ''Director's Cut'' and concomitant with Gaff's parting gift of an origami unicorn, is seen by many as showing that Deckard is a replicant – because Gaff could have retrieved Deckard's implanted memories.<ref name="Alessio" /><ref name="scott2017">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/blade-runner-questions-may-have-seeing-sequel/ |title=What is a Blade Runner? And other questions you may have before seeing the sequel |author=Adam White |date=October 2, 2017 |work=] |access-date=March 11, 2019 |quote= Gaff, at the very end, leaves an origami, which is a piece of silver paper you might find in a cigarette packet, and it's a unicorn. Now, the unicorn in Deckard's daydream tells me that Deckard wouldn't normally talk about such a thing to anyone. If Gaff knew about that, it's Gaff's message to say, 'I've read your file, mate.' |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329195134/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/blade-runner-questions-may-have-seeing-sequel/ |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/825641.stm |title=''Blade Runner'' riddle solved |date=July 9, 2000 |work=] |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140406230204/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/825641.stm |archive-date=April 6, 2014}}</ref> The interpretation that Deckard is a replicant is challenged by others who believe the unicorn imagery shows that the characters, whether human or replicant, share the same dreams and recognize their affinity,<ref>Brooker, Peter "Imagining the Real: ''Blade Runner'' and Discourses on the Postmetropolis" in {{harvnb|Brooker|pp=9, 222}}.</ref> or that the absence of a decisive answer is crucial to the film's main theme.{{sfn|Bukatman|p=83}} The film's inherent ambiguity and uncertainty, as well as its textual richness, have permitted multiple interpretations.<ref>Hills, Matt "Academic Textual Poachers: ''Blade Runner'' as Cult Canonical Film" in {{harvnb|Brooker|pp=124–141}}.</ref> | |||
''Blade Runner'' has influenced ]s such as the 2012 graphical ] '']'',<ref>{{citation | last = Webster | first = Andrew | title = Cyberpunk meets interactive fiction: the art of 'Cypher' | work = | publisher = The Verge | date = October 17, 2012 | url = http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/17/3513666/cypher-cyberpunk-text-adventure-art | doi = | accessdate = February 27, 2013| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140201201643/http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/17/3513666/cypher-cyberpunk-text-adventure-art| archivedate = February 1, 2014}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.oldgames.sk/en/game/rise-of-the-dragon/|title= Rise of the Dragon|accessdate=November 10, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094447/http://www.oldgames.sk/en/game/rise-of-the-dragon/|archivedate=February 2, 2014}}</ref><ref name="BR Influence">{{Citation|url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3165122 |title=Tracing Replicants: We examine ''Blade Runner''{{'}}s influence on games |accessdate=November 11, 2010 |publisher=1Up.com }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> the ] series,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowgamer.com/features/921622/the_top_10_best_game_detectives.html|title=The Top 10 Best Game Detectives|work=NowGamer}}</ref> '']'',<ref name="BR Influence" /><ref>{{citation|url=http://snatcher.awardspace.co.uk/|title=Blade Runner and Snatcher|accessdate=November 10, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725184859/http://snatcher.awardspace.co.uk/|archivedate=July 25, 2013}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{citation|url=http://beneath-a-steel-sky.en.softonic.com/|title=Beneath a Steel Sky|accessdate=November 10, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019221635/http://beneath-a-steel-sky.en.softonic.com/ |archivedate=October 19, 2013}}</ref> '']'',<ref name="BR Influence" /> '']'' (and its original anime films),<ref>{{citation|last=Lambie|first=Ryan|publisher=Den of Geek|url=http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/673488/bubblegum_crisis_3d_liveaction_movie_on_the_way.html|title=Bubblegum Crisis 3D live-action movie on the way|accessdate=November 10, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104210806/http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/673488/bubblegum_crisis_3d_liveaction_movie_on_the_way.html|archivedate=January 4, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/11/04/3d-live-action-bubblegum-crisis-movie-gets-a-direcor-and-a-start-date/|title=3D Live Action Bubblegum Crisis Movie Gets A Director And A Start Date|accessdate=November 10, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407010840/http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/11/04/3d-live-action-bubblegum-crisis-movie-gets-a-direcor-and-a-start-date/|archivedate=April 7, 2014}}</ref> the ] '']'',<ref name="BR Influence" /> the ] '']'',<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/retrospective-perfect-dark|title=Retrospective: Perfect Dark|accessdate=November 10, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221031328/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/retrospective-perfect-dark |archivedate=February 21, 2011}}</ref> and the '']'' series of video games.<ref>{{citation|url=http://syndicate.lubie.org/swars/html/swars_review_schrank.php|title=Syndicate Wars: Review by Chuck Schrank for Gamezilla PC Games|accessdate=November 10, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908204347/http://syndicate.lubie.org/swars/html/swars_review_schrank.php|archivedate=September 8, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/syndicate/syndicate.htm|title=Syndicate|accessdate=November 10, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101235954/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/syndicate/syndicate.htm|archivedate=January 1, 2014}}</ref> The film is also cited as a major influence on ],<ref>{{citation |url= https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.04/gurus.html |title= Gaming Gurus, Issue 14.04 |work=Wired Magazine |date=April 1, 2006 |accessdate=August 28, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903031100/http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.04/gurus.html |archivedate=September 3, 2013 }}</ref> designer of the computer-game '']'', which displays evidence of the film's influence in both its visual rendering and plot. The look of the film, darkness, neon lights and opacity of vision, is easier to ] than complicated backdrops, making it a popular choice for game designers.<ref name="Atkins">Atkins, Barry "Replicating the Blade Runner" in Brooker, pp. 79–91</ref><ref name="Tosca">Tosca, Susana P. "Implanted Memories, or the Illusion of Free Action" in Brooker pp. 92–107</ref> | |||
== Legacy == | |||
''Blade Runner'' has also been the subject of parody, such as the comics ''Blade Bummer'' by '']'' comics,<ref>{{citation|last1=Kissell|first1=Gerry|url=http://media.bladezone.com/contents/publications/magazines/crazy |title=Crazy: ''Blade Runner'' Parody|publisher=Blade Zone: The Online Blade Runner Fan Club|accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428173626/http://media.bladezone.com/contents/publications/magazines/crazy/|archivedate=April 28, 2014}}</ref> ''Bad Rubber'' by ],<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.comics.org/issue/37533/#218913|title=The Grand Comics Database Project|accessdate=July 27, 2011|work=Bad Rubber |last1=Gallacci | first1=Steven A|publisher=Grand Comics Database|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406234202/http://www.comics.org/issue/37533/|archivedate=April 6, 2014}}</ref> and the '']'' 2009 three-part miniseries, "]".<ref>{{citation|author=Howard, Rob|url=http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=121&title=red_dwarf_back_to_earth_this_weekend_s_e_1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 |title='Red Dwarf: Back To Earth' – This Weekend's Essential Viewing – NME Video Blog |work=NME |accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011201714/http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=121&title=red_dwarf_back_to_earth_this_weekend_s_e_1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1|archivedate=October 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Dwarf-Back-Earth-DVD/dp/B001UHO102|title=Red Dwarf – Back To Earth – Director's Cut DVD 2009: Amazon.co.uk: Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Chris Barrie, Robert Llewellyn, Doug Naylor: DVD |publisher=amazon.co.uk|accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614131802/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Dwarf-Back-Earth-DVD/dp/B001UHO102 |archivedate=June 14, 2009}}</ref> | |||
=== Cultural impact === | |||
Among the folklore that has developed around the film over the years has been the belief that the film was a curse to the companies whose logos were displayed prominently as ]s in some scenes.<ref>Sammon, p. 104</ref> While they were market leaders at the time, ], ], ] and ] experienced setbacks after the film's release. ] suffered losses during its failed introduction of ] in 1985, but soon afterwards regained its market share.<ref name=chapman/> | |||
{{See also|Tears in rain monologue}} | |||
] | |||
Media recognitions for ''Blade Runner'' include: | |||
] | |||
While not initially a success with North American audiences, ''Blade Runner'' was popular internationally and garnered a ].{{sfn|Sammon|p=318–329}} The film's dark style and futuristic designs have served as a benchmark and its influence can be seen in many subsequent science fiction films, ]s, ], and television programs.<ref name="Barlow" /> Its influence has also extended beyond the science fiction genre, especially in the creation of cinematic worlds. For example, ], ], ], ],<ref name=":1">Total Film, Issue 343, November 2023</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P93l1aBwLH8 | title=Rian Johnson on Looper: Plot, Influences, and Sequel Potential | website=] | date=October 2012 }}</ref> ] and ]<ref>{{cite interview |last=Moore |first=Ronald D. |subject-link=Ronald D. Moore |interviewer=Daniel Solove, Deven Desai and David Hoffman |title=''Battlestar Galactica'' Interview |last2=Eick |first2=David |url=http://www.concurringopinions.com/archives/2008/03/battlestar_gala_5.html |access-date=October 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101202913/http://www.concurringopinions.com/archives/2008/03/battlestar_gala_5.html |archive-date=November 1, 2011 |url-status=dead |work=Concurring Opinions |date=February 21, 2008 |subject-link2=David Eick}}</ref> have all cited it as an influence.<ref name=vanity/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2015/07/30/exclusive-christopher-nolan-talks-batman-begins-10th-anniversary/ |title=Exclusive: Christopher Nolan Talks 'Batman Begins' 10th Anniversary |work=Forbes |last=Hughes |first=Mark |date=July 30, 2015 |access-date=August 9, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/denis-villeneuve-favorite-movies/mcdtene-wb006/ |title=Denis Villeneuve's Favorite Movies: 29 Films the Director Wants You to See |work=IndieWire |last1=Sharf |first1=Zac |last2=Foreman |first2=Alison |last3=Zilko |first3=Christian |date=February 26, 2023 |access-date=August 9, 2024}}</ref> Nolan notes that he has seen ''Blade Runner'' "literally hundreds of times",<ref name=":1" /> while del Toro describes it as "one of those cinematic drugs, that when I first saw it, I never saw the world the same way again."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/blade-runner-influence-cyberpunk-sci-fi-ridley-scott-1201883053 | title=How Ridley Scott's 'Blade Runner' Changed the Look of Cinematic Sci-Fi Forever | date=October 3, 2017 }}</ref> | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
The film was selected for preservation in the United States ] in 1993 and is frequently taught in university courses.<ref>{{citation |title=Aren't We All Just Replicants on the Inside? |date=October 2, 2007 |url=http://www.nysun.com/article/63805 |last=Rapold |first=Nicolas |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080905003256/http://www.nysun.com/article/63805 |work=The New York Sun |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-date=September 5, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |title=Librarian Announces National Film Registry Selections |date=March 7, 1994 |journal=Library of Congress Information Bulletin |url=https://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/94/9405/film.html|access-date=May 20, 2020|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308154357/https://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/94/9405/film.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Complete National Film Registry Listing |website=Film Registry {{!}} National Film Preservation Board {{!}} Programs at the Library of Congress {{!}} Library of Congress|url=https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/|access-date=May 20, 2020|archive-date=October 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031213743/https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2007, it was named the second-most visually influential film of all time by the ].<ref>{{citation |title=The Visual Effects Society Unveils '50 Most Influential Visual Effects Films of All Time' |url=http://www.visualeffectssociety.com/system/files/15/files/ves50revelfin.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120604101515/http://www.visualeffectssociety.com/system/files/15/files/ves50revelfin.pdf |publisher=Visual Effects Society |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-date=June 4, 2012}}</ref> The film has also been the subject of parody, such as the comics ''Blade Bummer'' by '']'' comics,<ref>{{citation |title=Crazy: ''Blade Runner'' Parody |url=http://media.bladezone.com/contents/publications/magazines/crazy |last=Kissell |first=Gerry |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140428173626/http://media.bladezone.com/contents/publications/magazines/crazy/ |work=BladeZone |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref> ''Bad Rubber'' by ],<ref>{{citation |title=''Albedo'' #0 |work=] Project |url=http://www.comics.org/issue/37533/#218913 |last=Gallacci |first=Steven A. |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140406234202/http://www.comics.org/issue/37533/ |at="Bad Rubber" section |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-date=April 6, 2014}}</ref> and the '']'' 2009 three-part miniseries "]".<ref>{{citation |title=''Red Dwarf: Back To Earth'' – This Weekend's Essential Viewing – NME Video Blog |url=https://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=121&title=red_dwarf_back_to_earth_this_weekend_s_e_1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 |last=Howard |first=Rob |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121011201714/http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=121&title=red_dwarf_back_to_earth_this_weekend_s_e_1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 |work=] |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-date=October 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=''Red Dwarf: Back to Earth'' – Director's Cut DVD 2009: Amazon.co.uk: Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Chris Barrie, Robert Llewellyn, Doug Naylor: DVD |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Dwarf-Back-Earth-DVD/dp/B001UHO102 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090614131802/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Dwarf-Back-Earth-DVD/dp/B001UHO102 |archive-date=June 14, 2009 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |date=June 15, 2009}}</ref> The anime series '']'' by ] was also highly influenced by the film.<ref name="panel">{{cite news |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2013/sakura-con/5 |title=Directors's Panel with Katsuyuki Motohiro, Naoyoshi Shiotani, and Atsuko Ishizuka |date=March 30, 2013 |access-date=December 30, 2013 |work=] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231145932/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2013/sakura-con/5 |archive-date=December 31, 2013}}</ref> | |||
''Blade Runner'' continues to reflect modern trends and concerns, and an increasing number of critics consider it one of the greatest science fiction films of all time.<ref>{{citation |last1=Jha |first1=Alok |last2=Rogers |first2=Simon |last3=Rutherford |first3=Adam |date=August 26, 2004 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/life/feature/story/0,13026,1290561,00.html |title='I've seen things...': Our expert panel votes for the top 10 sci-fi films |newspaper=] |location=London |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070513161801/http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/feature/story/0%2C13026%2C1290561%2C00.html |archive-date=May 13, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It was voted the best science fiction film ever made in a 2004 poll of 60 eminent world scientists.<ref>{{citation |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3600802.stm |title=''Blade Runner'' tops scientist poll |work=BBC News |date=August 26, 2004 |access-date=September 22, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140513202114/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3600802.stm |archive-date=May 13, 2014}}</ref> ''Blade Runner'' is also cited as an important influence to both the style and story of the '']'' franchise, which itself has been highly influential to the future-noir genre.<ref>{{citation |title=''Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence'' |first=Jim |last=Omura |date=September 16, 2004 |work=] |url=http://www.fpsmagazine.com/review/040916innocence.php |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193102/http://www.fpsmagazine.com/review/040916innocence.php |archive-date=October 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=Hollywood is haunted by ''Ghost in the Shell'' |first=Steve |last=Rose |newspaper=The Guardian |date=October 19, 2009 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/oct/19/hollywood-ghost-in-the-shell |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130308101232/http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/oct/19/hollywood-ghost-in-the-shell |archive-date=March 8, 2013}}</ref> ''Blade Runner'' has been very influential to the ] movement.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Coplan |first1=Amy |last2=Davies |first2=David |title=''Blade Runner'' |date=2015 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-136-23144-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XOMjCQAAQBAJ&pg=PT20 |access-date=July 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225131828/https://books.google.com/books?id=XOMjCQAAQBAJ&pg=PT20 |archive-date=February 25, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Booker |first=M. Keith |title=Alternate Americas: Science Fiction Film and American Culture |date=2006 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-275-98395-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CVvb6gfT4o4C&pg=PA185 |access-date=July 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226180206/https://books.google.com/books?id=CVvb6gfT4o4C&pg=PA185 |archive-date=February 26, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Milner |first=Andrew |title=Literature, Culture and Society |date=2005 |publisher=Psychology Press |isbn=978-0-415-30785-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rOmYospPvfwC&pg=PA266 |access-date=July 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225131828/https://books.google.com/books?id=rOmYospPvfwC&pg=PA266 |archive-date=February 25, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Brown |first=Steven T. |title=Tokyo Cyberpunk: Posthumanism in Japanese Visual Culture |date=2016 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-0-230-11006-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W_0YDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT10 |access-date=July 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225131828/https://books.google.com/books?id=W_0YDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT10 |archive-date=February 25, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> It also influenced the ] ], which revolves around ] and ].<ref name="scifi">{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Josh |title=What Is Biopunk? |url=http://sciencefiction.com/2011/09/18/what-is-biopunk/ |access-date=June 20, 2015 |date=September 18, 2011 |work=ScienceFiction.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602151222/http://sciencefiction.com/2011/09/18/what-is-biopunk/ |archive-date=June 2, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Wohlsen |first=Marcus |title=Biopunk: Solving Biotech's Biggest Problems in Kitchens and Garages |publisher=] |date=2011 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bpptCOi3G_AC&pg=PT15 |isbn=978-1-61723-002-8 |access-date=August 24, 2017 |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020232507/https://books.google.com/books?id=bpptCOi3G_AC&pg=PT15 |url-status=live}}</ref> The film is also considered to be one of the early examples of the ]<ref name="sherlock">{{cite web |url=https://gamerant.com/80s-movie-invented-tech-noir/ |title=One Movie Both Invented and Perfected the Tech Noir |work=] |first=Ben |last=Sherlock |date=February 21, 2021 |access-date=November 4, 2023 |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826044939/https://gamerant.com/80s-movie-invented-tech-noir/ |url-status=live }}</ref> subgenre. | |||
The dialogue and music in ''Blade Runner'' has been ] in music more than any other film of the 20th century.<ref>{{citation |date=September 1, 2004 |last=Cigéhn |first=Peter |title=The Top 1319 Sample Sources (version 60) |url=http://semimajor.net/samples/sourcelist_20041019.txt |url-status=live |access-date=July 27, 2011 |work=Sloth.org |via=Semimajor.net |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131027045655/http://semimajor.net/samples/sourcelist_20041019.txt |archive-date=October 27, 2013}}</ref> The 2009 album '']'' by Singaporean band ] makes numerous references to the genetic engineering and cloning themes from the film, and even features a track titled "Replicant".<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/review.php?revid=5620 |title=Deus Ex Machina – ''I, Human'' Review |work=The Metal Crypt |date=February 22, 2010 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140407014949/http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/review.php?revid=5620 |archive-date=April 7, 2014}}</ref> | |||
''Blade Runner'' is cited as a major influence on ],<ref>{{citation |title=Gaming Gurus |volume=14 |issue=4 |date=April 1, 2006 |url=https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.04/gurus.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130903031100/http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.04/gurus.html |magazine=] |access-date=August 28, 2009 |archive-date=September 3, 2013}}</ref> designer of the video game '']'', which displays evidence of the film's influence in both its visual rendering and plot. Indeed, the film's look – and in particular its overall darkness, preponderance of neon lights and opaque visuals – are easier to ] than complicated backdrops, making it a popular reference point for video game designers.<ref name="Atkins">Atkins, Barry "Replicating the Blade Runner" in {{harvnb|Brooker|pp=79–91}}.</ref><ref name="Tosca">Tosca, Susana P. "Implanted Memories, or the Illusion of Free Action" in {{harvnb|Brooker|pp=92–107}}.</ref> It has influenced ]s such as the 2012 graphical ] '']'',<ref>{{citation |last=Webster |first=Andrew |title=Cyberpunk meets interactive fiction: The art of ''Cypher'' |work=The Verge |date=October 17, 2012 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/10/17/3513666/cypher-cyberpunk-text-adventure-art |access-date=February 27, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140201201643/http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/17/3513666/cypher-cyberpunk-text-adventure-art |archive-date=February 1, 2014}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.oldgames.sk/en/game/rise-of-the-dragon/ |title=''Rise of the Dragon'' |work=OldGames.sk |access-date=November 10, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094447/http://www.oldgames.sk/en/game/rise-of-the-dragon/ |archive-date=February 2, 2014}}</ref><ref name="BR Influence">{{Citation |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3165122 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120718134327/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3165122 |archive-date=July 18, 2012 |title=Tracing Replicants: We examine ''Blade Runner''<nowiki />'s influence on games |access-date=November 11, 2010 |work=]}}</ref> '']'',<ref name="BR Influence" /><ref>{{citation |url=http://snatcher.awardspace.co.uk/ |title=''Blade Runner'' and ''Snatcher'' |work=AwardSpace.co.uk |access-date=November 10, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130725184859/http://snatcher.awardspace.co.uk/ |archive-date=July 25, 2013}}</ref> the '']'' series,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nowgamer.com/features/921622/the_top_10_best_game_detectives.html |title=The Top 10 Best Game Detectives |work=NowGamer |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120316140550/http://www.nowgamer.com/features/921622/the_top_10_best_game_detectives.html |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |date=May 16, 2011}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{citation |url=http://beneath-a-steel-sky.en.softonic.com/ |title=''Beneath a Steel Sky'' |work=Softonic.com |access-date=November 10, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131019221635/http://beneath-a-steel-sky.en.softonic.com/ |archive-date=October 19, 2013}}</ref> '']'',<ref name="BR Influence" /> ] (and their ]),<ref>{{citation |last=Lambie |first=Ryan |work=] |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/673488/bubblegum_crisis_3d_liveaction_movie_on_the_way.html |title=''Bubblegum Crisis'' 3D live-action movie on the way |access-date=November 10, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120104210806/http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/673488/bubblegum_crisis_3d_liveaction_movie_on_the_way.html |archive-date=January 4, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/11/04/3d-live-action-bubblegum-crisis-movie-gets-a-direcor-and-a-start-date/ |title=3D Live Action ''Bubblegum Crisis'' Movie Gets a Director and a Start Date |work=] |access-date=November 10, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140407010840/http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/11/04/3d-live-action-bubblegum-crisis-movie-gets-a-direcor-and-a-start-date/ |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |date=November 4, 2010}}</ref> the ] '']'',<ref name="BR Influence" /> the ] '']'',<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/retrospective-perfect-dark |title=Retrospective: ''Perfect Dark'' |access-date=November 10, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110221031328/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/retrospective-perfect-dark |archive-date=February 21, 2011}}</ref> the ] '']'',<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Ripper |first=The |url=https://archive.org/stream/Gamefan_Vol_2_Issue_12#page/n229/mode/1up |title=Europa! |magazine=] |volume=2 |issue=12 |date=December 1994 |page=214 |access-date=August 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302132752/https://archive.org/stream/Gamefan_Vol_2_Issue_12#page/n229/mode/1up |archive-date=March 2, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Robertson |first=Andy |url=http://www.ataritimes.com/index.php?ArticleIDX=7 |title=Skyhammer – Now here's a game that really soars! |work=The Atari Times |date=June 2, 1996 |access-date=August 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401080034/http://www.ataritimes.com/index.php?ArticleIDX=7 |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> and the '']'' series of video games.<ref>{{citation |url=http://syndicate.lubie.org/swars/html/swars_review_schrank.php |title=''Syndicate Wars'': Review |first=Chuck |last=Schrank |work=Gamezilla PC Games |via=Lubie.org |access-date=November 10, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130908204347/http://syndicate.lubie.org/swars/html/swars_review_schrank.php |archive-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/syndicate/syndicate.htm |title=''Syndicate'' |work=HardcoreGaming101.net |access-date=November 10, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140101235954/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/syndicate/syndicate.htm |archive-date=January 1, 2014}}</ref> | |||
The logos of ], ], ], ], ], and ], all market leaders at the time, were prominently displayed as ] in the film, and all experienced setbacks after the film's release,<ref name="bbcad" /><ref>{{citation |editor1-first=Lukas |editor1-last=Mariman |editor2-last=Chapman |editor2-first=Murray |date=December 2002 |version=4.1 |url=http://faqs.cs.uu.nl/na-dir/movies/blade-runner-faq.html |work=alt.fan.blade-runner |via=FAQs.CS.UU.nl |title=''Blade Runner'': Frequently Asked Questions |access-date=February 4, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180205104301/http://faqs.cs.uu.nl/na-dir/movies/blade-runner-faq.html |archive-date=February 5, 2018}}</ref> leading to suggestions of a ''Blade Runner'' curse.{{sfn|Sammon|p=104}} ] and ] recovered, and ] was also featured in the film and was more successful after the film than before.<ref name="bbcad">{{cite web |title=The curse of Blade Runner's adverts |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/31664223/the-curse-of-blade-runners-adverts |work=BBC Newsbeat |access-date=September 11, 2018 |date=February 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020170630/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/31664223/the-curse-of-blade-runners-adverts |archive-date=October 20, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The design of ] ] was inspired by the film.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/story/why-tesla-cybertruck-looks-weird/ |title=Why the Tesla Cybertruck Looks So Weird |magazine=Wired |access-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205134228/https://www.wired.com/story/why-tesla-cybertruck-looks-weird/|archive-date=December 5, 2019|url-status=live |last1=Marshall |first1=Aarian}}</ref> Prior to its release ] promised that it would "look like something out of Blade Runner".<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/blade-runners-syd-mead-says-cybertruck-exceeds-expectations-2019-11 |title=Blade Runner's art director Syd Mead is a huge fan of Tesla's new Cybertruck |first1=Aaron |last1=Holmes |first2=Tyler |last2=Sonnemaker |website=Business Insider|access-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128173601/https://www.businessinsider.com/blade-runners-syd-mead-says-cybertruck-exceeds-expectations-2019-11|archive-date=November 28, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Besides referring to the truck as the "Blade Runner Truck", Musk chose to debut the truck in order to coincide with the film's setting of November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/billroberson/2019/11/07/must-be-expensive-very-musk-says-tesla-truck-will-get-reveal-to-coincide-with-blade-runner-date/ |title=Elon Musk Says Tesla Truck Reveal Will Coincide With 'Blade Runner' Date |first=Bill |last=Roberson |website=Forbes|access-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127164545/https://www.forbes.com/sites/billroberson/2019/11/07/must-be-expensive-very-musk-says-tesla-truck-will-get-reveal-to-coincide-with-blade-runner-date/|archive-date=November 27, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The film's art designer ] praised the truck and said he was "flattered" by the homage to ''Blade Runner''.<ref name="auto" /> | |||
=== Media recognition === | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | |||
|- | |- | ||
! Year | ! Year | ||
Line 332: | Line 342: | ||
! Title | ! Title | ||
! Rank | ! Rank | ||
! {{Abbr|Refs|References}} | |||
! Notes | |||
|- | |- | ||
| 2001 | | 2001 | ||
| '']'' | |||
| 100 Best Films of the 20th Century | |||
| 94 | |||
|<ref name="village20th">{{citation|url=http://www.filmsite.org/villvoice.html|title=100 Best Films of the 20th Century|last=Hoberman|first=J.|year=2001| |
|<ref name="village20th">{{citation |url=http://www.filmsite.org/villvoice.html |title=100 Best Films of the 20th Century |last=Hoberman |first=J. |year=2001 |author2=Village Voice Critics' Poll |work=] |via=FilmSite.org |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140331174817/http://www.filmsite.org/villvoice.html |archive-date=March 31, 2014}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan=3 | 2002 | | rowspan=3 | 2002 | ||
| ] (OFCS) | |||
| Top 100 Sci-fi Films of the Past 100 Years | |||
| 2 | |||
| align=center | 2 | |||
|<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.ofcs.org/2010/09/ofcs-top-100-top-100-sci-fi-films.html |title= |
|<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.ofcs.org/2010/09/ofcs-top-100-top-100-sci-fi-films.html |title=OFCS Top 100: Top 100 Sci-Fi Films |work=OFCS.org |publisher=Online Film Critics Society |date=June 12, 2002 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120313182814/http://www.ofcs.org/2010/09/ofcs-top-100-top-100-sci-fi-films.html |archive-date=March 13, 2012}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '']'' | |||
| ] | |||
| 45 | |||
|<ref>{{citation | |
|<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/topten/poll/critics-long.html |title=Sight & Sound Top Ten Poll 2002 |work=] |via=BFI.org.uk |publisher=] |year=2002 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120515211647/http://www.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/topten/poll/critics-long.html |archive-date=May 15, 2012 |access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| colspan="2 |
| colspan="2"| ''50 Klassiker, Film'' | ||
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" {{N/A}} | ||
|<ref>{{Citation | |
|<ref>{{Citation |last=Schröder |first=Nicolaus |year=2002 |title=50 Klassiker, Film |publisher=Gerstenberg |language=de |isbn=978-3-8067-2509-4}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan=2 | 2003 | | rowspan=2 | 2003 | ||
| colspan="2 |
| colspan="2"| '']'' | ||
|<ref>{{citation |url=http://1001beforeyoudie.com |title=1001 |
|<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.1001beforeyoudie.com/qssUS/1001_movies_us.html |title=1001 Movies to See Before You Die |via=1001BeforeYouDie.com |date=July 22, 2002 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140528161940/http://www.1001beforeyoudie.com/qssUS/1001_movies_us.html |archive-date=May 28, 2014 |access-date=February 4, 2011}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '']'' | |||
| The Top 50 Cult Movies | |||
| 9 | |||
| align=center | 9 | |||
|<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.filmsite.org/cultfilmsew.html|title=Top 50 Cult Movies|date=May 23, 2003| |
|<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.filmsite.org/cultfilmsew.html |title=Top 50 Cult Movies |date=May 23, 2003 |magazine=] |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140331185021/http://www.filmsite.org/cultfilmsew.html |archive-date=March 31, 2014}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 2004 | | 2004 | ||
| '']'', scientists | |||
| Top 10 Sci-fi Films of All Time | |||
| 1 | |||
| align=center | 1 | |||
|<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.theguardian.com/life/news/page/0,12983,1290764,00.html |title=Top 10 sci-fi films |
|<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/life/news/page/0,12983,1290764,00.html |title=Top 10 sci-fi films |work=The Guardian |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130725004021/http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/news/page/0%2C12983%2C1290764%2C00.html |archive-date=July 25, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2004/aug/26/sciencenews.sciencefictionspecial |title=Scientists vote ''Blade Runner'' best sci-fi film of all time |newspaper=The Guardian |date=August 26, 2004 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |first=Alok |last=Jha |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130308101132/http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2004/aug/26/sciencenews.sciencefictionspecial |archive-date=March 8, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2004/aug/26/sciencefictionspecial2 |title=How we did it |newspaper=The Guardian |date=August 26, 2004 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130726163356/http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2004/aug/26/sciencefictionspecial2 |archive-date=July 26, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan=2 | 2005 | | rowspan=2 | 2005 | ||
| ''Total Film''{{'}}s editors | |||
| 100 Greatest Movies of All Time | |||
| 47 | |||
|<ref>{{citation |
|<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.totalfilm.com/news/who-is-the-greatest |title=Film news: Who is the greatest? |work=Total Film |publisher=Future Publishing |date=October 24, 2005 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140123115358/http://www.totalfilm.com/news/who-is-the-greatest |archive-date=January 23, 2014}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ]'s critics | |||
| ] | |||
| {{N/A}} | |||
| align=center | None | |||
|<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1953094,00.html |title=The Complete List |
|<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1953094,00.html |title=The Complete List – All-Time 100 Movies |magazine=] |date=May 23, 2005 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110822192250/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0%2C29569%2C1953094%2C00.html |archive-date=August 22, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/0,28757,1953094,00.html |title=All-Time 100 Movies |magazine=Time |access-date=July 27, 2011 |date=February 12, 2005 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110831093529/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/0%2C28757%2C1953094%2C00.html |archive-date=August 31, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1953094_1953142_1953314,00.html |title=All-Time 100 Movies: ''Blade Runner'' (1982) |magazine=Time |access-date=July 27, 2011 |date=February 12, 2005 |last=Corliss |first=Richard |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110305144029/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1953094_1953142_1953314,00.html |archive-date=March 5, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan=2 | 2008 | | rowspan=2 | 2008 | ||
| '']'' | |||
| All-time favorite science fiction film (readers and staff) | |||
| 1 | |||
| align=center | 1 | |||
|<ref>{{citation |title= |
|<ref>{{citation |title=Sci-fi special: Your all-time favourite science fiction |first=Alison |last=George |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20026826.300-scifi-special-your-alltime-favourite-science-fiction.html |work=] |date=November 12, 2008 | access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140406224932/http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20026826.300-scifi-special-your-alltime-favourite-science-fiction.html |archive-date=April 6, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=''New Scientist''<nowiki />'s favourite sci-fi film |first=Alison |last=George |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn14805-new-scientists-favourite-scifi-film-.html |work=New Scientist |date=October 1, 2008 | access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140406233019/http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn14805-new-scientists-favourite-scifi-film-.html |archive-date=April 6, 2014}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '']'' | |||
| The 500 Greatest Movies of All Time | |||
| 20 | |||
|<ref>{{citation |url= |
|<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.empireonline.com/500/92.asp |title=''Empire'' Features |work=] |access-date=July 26, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131014063554/http://www.empireonline.com/500/92.asp |archive-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 2010 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| |
| 100 Greatest Movies of All Time | ||
| {{N/A}} | |||
| align=center | 1 | |||
|<ref>{{citation | |
|<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.totalfilm.com/features/100-greatest-movies-of-all-time |title=Film Features: 100 Greatest Movies of All Time |work=Total Film |publisher=Future Publishing |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131222200551/http://www.totalfilm.com/features/100-greatest-movies-of-all-time |archive-date=December 22, 2013}}</ref> | ||
|- | |||
| align=center | '']'' | |||
| align=center | 100 Greatest Movies of All Time | |||
| align=center | None | |||
|<ref>{{citation |author=Total Film |url= http://www.totalfilm.com/features/100-greatest-movies-of-all-time |title=Film features: 100 Greatest Movies Of All Time |publisher=] | work=Total Film |accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222200551/http://www.totalfilm.com/features/100-greatest-movies-of-all-time |archivedate=December 22, 2013 }}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan=2 | 2012 | | rowspan=2 | 2012 | ||
| ''Sight & Sound'' | |||
| Sight & Sound 2012 critics top 250 films | |||
| 69 | |||
|<ref>{{citation | |
|<ref>{{citation |url=http://explore.bfi.org.uk/sightandsoundpolls/2012/critics/ |year=2012 |title=''Sight & Sound'' 2012 critics top 250 films |work=Sight & Sound |via=BFI.org |publisher=British Film Institute |access-date=September 20, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131026034922/http://explore.bfi.org.uk/sightandsoundpolls/2012/critics |archive-date=October 26, 2013}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''Sight & Sound'' | |||
| Sight & Sound 2012 directors top 100 films | |||
| 67 | |||
|<ref>{{citation | |
|<ref>{{citation |url=http://explore.bfi.org.uk/sightandsoundpolls/2012/directors/ |year=2012 |title=''Sight & Sound'' 2012 directors top 100 films |work=Sight & Sound |via=BFI.org |publisher=British Film Institute |access-date=September 20, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140418144845/http://explore.bfi.org.uk/sightandsoundpolls/2012/directors |archive-date=April 18, 2014}}</ref> | ||
|- | |||
| 2017 | |||
| ''Empire'' | |||
| The 100 Greatest Movies Of All Time | |||
| 13 | |||
|<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-movies/ |title=The 100 Greatest Movies |website=Empire |date=March 20, 2018 |access-date=October 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013202030/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-movies/ |archive-date=October 13, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| 2022 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Top 25 Sci-Fi Movies of All Time | |||
| 2 | |||
|<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/best-sci-fi-movies-of-all-time |title=Top 25 Sci-Fi Movies of All Time |work=] |access-date=June 30, 2022 |date=June 7, 2022 |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630072335/https://www.ign.com/articles/best-sci-fi-movies-of-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| |
| 2022 | ||
| ''Sight & Sound'' | |||
| align=center | '']'' | |||
| Sight & Sound 2022 critics top 100 films | |||
| align=center | The 301 Greatest Movies Of All Time | |||
| 54 | |||
| align=center | 11 | |||
|<ref>{{citation |url= |
|<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/greatest-films-all-time |title=The Greatest Films of All Time |work=Sight & Sound |access-date=December 24, 2022 |date=December 1, 2022 |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318214144/https://www2.bfi.org.uk/greatest-films-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
|} | |} | ||
====American Film Institute recognition==== | ==== American Film Institute recognition ==== | ||
* ] – Nominated<ref></ref> | |||
* ] – No. 74 | * ] – No. 74 | ||
* ]:<ref></ref> | |||
** Roy Batty (Villain) – Nominated | |||
** Rick Deckard (Hero) – Nominated | |||
* ]:<ref></ref> | |||
** "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die." – Nominated | |||
* ] – Nominated<ref></ref> | |||
* ] – No. 97 | * ] – No. 97 | ||
* ] – No. 6 Science Fiction Film | * ] – No. 6 Science Fiction Film | ||
===In other media=== | === In other media === | ||
Before filming began, '']'' magazine commissioned Paul M. Sammon to write an article about ''Blade Runner''{{'}}s production which became the book ''Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner''.<ref>{{citation |url= http://www.brmovie.com/Encyclopedia/PQRST.HTML |title= Encyclopedia Blade Runner|accessdate=January 22, 2008 |publisher=BRmovie.com |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080316193547/http://www.brmovie.com/Encyclopedia/PQRST.HTML |archivedate = March 16, 2008}}</ref> | |||
The book chronicles ''Blade Runner''{{'}}s evolution, focusing on film-set politics, especially the British director's experiences with his first American film crew; of which producer ] has said, "Harrison wouldn't speak to Ridley and Ridley wouldn't speak to Harrison. By the end of the shoot Ford was 'ready to kill Ridley', said one colleague. He really would have taken him on if he hadn't been talked out of it."<ref>{{Citation | last= Shone | first= Tom | year= 2004 | title= Blockbuster | isbn = 978-0-7432-3990-5 | publisher=Simon & Schuster}}</ref> | |||
''Future Noir'' has short cast biographies and quotations about their experiences, and photographs of the film's production and preliminary sketches. A second edition of ''Future Noir'' was published in 2007.<ref>{{citation|url = http://scribble.com/uwi/br/fn/ | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20010624131853/http://scribble.com/uwi/br/fn/ | archivedate = June 24, 2001 | title= Future Noir: Lost Chapters |publisher=2019:Lost Worlds |accessdate=February 5, 2008 }}</ref> | |||
Before filming began, '']'' magazine commissioned Paul M. Sammon to write a special issue about ''Blade Runner''{{'}}s production which became the book ''Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner''.{{sfn|Sammon|p=1}} The book chronicles ''Blade Runner''{{'}}s evolution, focusing on film-set politics, especially the British director's experiences with his first American film crew; of which producer ] has said, "Harrison wouldn't speak to Ridley and Ridley wouldn't speak to Harrison. By the end of the shoot Ford was 'ready to kill Ridley', said one colleague. He really would have taken him on if he hadn't been talked out of it."<ref>{{Citation |last=Shone |first=Tom |year=2004 |title=Blockbuster |isbn=978-0-7432-3990-5 |publisher=Simon & Schuster}}</ref> ''Future Noir'' has short cast biographies and quotations about their experiences as well as photographs of the film's production and preliminary sketches. A second edition of ''Future Noir'' was published in 2007, and additional materials not in either print edition have been published online.<ref>{{citation |url=http://scribble.com/uwi/br/fn/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20010624131853/http://scribble.com/uwi/br/fn/ |archive-date=June 24, 2001 |title=''Future Noir'': Lost Chapters |work=2019: Off-World |via=Scribble.com |access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref> | |||
] refused a $400,000 offer to write a ''Blade Runner'' ], saying: " told the cheapo novelization would have to appeal to the twelve-year-old audience" and " would have probably been disastrous to me artistically." He added, "That insistence on my part of bringing out the original novel and not doing the novelization – they were just furious. They finally recognized that there was a legitimate reason for reissuing the novel, even though it cost them money. It was a victory not just of contractual obligations but of theoretical principles."<ref name="Dick's final interview" /> '']'' was eventually reprinted as a ], with the film poster as a cover and the original title in parentheses below the ''Blade Runner'' title.<ref>{{Citation|url=https://books.google.com/?id=n0pzCsR6yDQC|title=Blade runner: (Do androids dream of electric sheep)|last=Dick|first=Philip K.|year=2007|publisher=Del Rey Books|page=216|accessdate=July 27, 2011|isbn=978-0-345-35047-3}}</ref> Additionally, a novelization of the movie entitled ''Blade Runner: A Story of the Future'' by ] was released in 1982.<ref>{{cite web | |||
|url=http://www.openculture.com/2015/09/hear-novelizations-of-blade-runner-terminator-videodrome-other-70s-80s-90s-movies-in-audiobook-format.html|title=Hear Blade Runner, Terminator, Videodrome & Other 70s, 80s & 90s Movies as Novelized AudioBooks|first=Colin|last=Marshall|publisher=Open Culture|date=September 14, 2015}}</ref> ] scripted the comic book adaptation, '']'', published in September 1982.<ref> at the ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406235318/http://www.comics.org/issue/36674/ |date=April 6, 2014 }}</ref> | |||
] refused a $400,000 offer to write a ''Blade Runner'' ], saying: "{{wj}} told the cheapo novelization would have to appeal to the twelve-year-old audience" and it "would have probably been disastrous to me artistically". He added, "That insistence on my part of bringing out the original novel and not doing the novelization – they were just furious. They finally recognized that there was a legitimate reason for reissuing the novel, even though it cost them money. It was a victory not just of contractual obligations but of theoretical principles."<ref name="Dick's final interview" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Riesman |first=Abraham |date=October 2, 2017 |title=The Weird World of Blade Runner Spinoffs |url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/10/before-blade-runner-2049-came-the-blade-runner-spin-offs.html|access-date=August 1, 2020 |website=Vulture |language=en-us|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028235547/https://www.vulture.com/2017/10/before-blade-runner-2049-came-the-blade-runner-spin-offs.html|url-status=live}}</ref> '']'' was eventually reprinted as a ], with the film poster as a cover and the original title in parentheses below the ''Blade Runner'' title.<ref>{{Citation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n0pzCsR6yDQC |via=Google Books |title=Blade Runner: (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?) |last=Dick |first=Philip K. |year=2007 |publisher=Del Rey Books |page=216 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |isbn=978-0-345-35047-3 |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414015407/https://books.google.com/books?id=n0pzCsR6yDQC |url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, a novelization of the movie entitled ''Blade Runner: A Story of the Future'' by ] was released in 1982.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.openculture.com/2015/09/hear-novelizations-of-blade-runner-terminator-videodrome-other-70s-80s-90s-movies-in-audiobook-format.html |title=Hear ''Blade Runner'', ''Terminator'', ''Videodrome'' & Other 70s, 80s & 90s Movies as Novelized AudioBooks |first=Colin |last=Marshall |work=Open Culture |date=September 14, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161224213224/http://www.openculture.com/2015/09/hear-novelizations-of-blade-runner-terminator-videodrome-other-70s-80s-90s-movies-in-audiobook-format.html |archive-date=December 24, 2016}}</ref> ] scripted the comic book adaptation, '']'', published in September 1982, which was illustrated by Al Williamson, Carlos Garzon, Dan Green, and Ralph Reese, and lettered by Ed King.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.comics.org/issue/36674/ |title=''Marvel Super Special'' #22 |work=Grand Comics Database |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140406235318/http://www.comics.org/issue/36674/ |archive-date=April 6, 2014}}</ref> | |||
There are two ]s based on the film, ] for ], ] and ] by CRL Group PLC based on the music by Vangelis (due to licensing issues), and ] by ]. The 1997 video game featured new characters and branching storylines based on the ''Blade Runner'' world. Eldon Tyrell, Gaff, Leon, Rachael, Chew, and J.F. Sebastian appear, and their voice files are recorded by the original actors.<ref name=BRcast/> The player assumes the role of McCoy, another replicant-hunter working at the same time as Deckard.<ref name="Atkins" /><ref name="Tosca" /><ref name="BRcast">{{citation|url=http://www.brmovie.com/BR_Game_MW01.htm |title=Blade Runner |publisher=BRMovie |accessdate=August 10, 2010 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080714055512/http://www.brmovie.com/BR_Game_MW01.htm |archivedate = July 14, 2008}}</ref> | |||
] published the film's screenplay combined with selected production storyboards as ''The Illustrated Blade Runner'' (June 1982);<ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Jonathan |editor-first=Law |title=Cassell Companion to Cinema |year=1997 |orig-year=1995 |url=https://archive.org/details/cassellcompanion0000unse_d7i7/page/534/ |publisher=] |location=London, England |page=534 |isbn=0-304-34938-0 |via=]}}</ref> a book of original production artwork by Syd Mead, Mentor Huebner, Charles Knode, Michael Kaplan, and Ridley Scott as ''Blade Runner Sketchbook'' (1982);<ref>{{Harvp|Kerman|1991|p=231}}</ref> and ''The Blade Runner Portfolio'' (1982), a collection of twelve photographic prints, similar to the artist portfolios released by their ] imprint.<ref>{{cite magazine |editor-last=Stein |editor-first=Michael |title=Blade Runner |date=June 1982 |magazine=] |publisher=Fantastic Films Inc. |location=Chicago, IL |volume=4 |issue=5 |page=44 |type=Ad |issn=0273-7043}}</ref> | |||
The PC game featured a non-linear plot, ]s that each ran in their own independent ], and an unusual pseudo-3D engine (which eschewed polygonal solids in favor of ] elements) that did not require the use of a 3D accelerator card to play the game.<ref>{{citation | last=Bates | first=Jason | title=Westwood's Blade Runner|journal=PC Gamer|volume=4|issue=9| publisher=Blade Zone | date=September 9, 1997 | url=http://media.bladezone.com/contents/game/BR-PCGame1.html | accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127104952/http://media.bladezone.com/contents/game/BR-PCGame1.html|archivedate=November 27, 2012}}</ref> | |||
There are two ]s based on the film, both titled ''Blade Runner'': ], a ] for ], ], and ] by CRL Group PLC, which is marked as "a video game interpretation of the film score by Vangelis" rather than of the film itself (due to licensing issues); and ], a point-and-click adventure for PC by ]. The 1997 game has a non-linear plot based in the ''Blade Runner'' world, ]s that each ran in their own independent ], and an unusual pseudo-3D engine (which eschewed polygonal solids in favor of ] elements) that did not require the use of a 3D accelerator card to play the game.<ref>{{citation |last=Bates |first=Jason |title=Westwood's Blade Runner |work=PC Gamer |volume=4 |issue=9 |via=BladeZone |date=September 9, 1997 |url=http://media.bladezone.com/contents/game/BR-PCGame1.html | access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121127104952/http://media.bladezone.com/contents/game/BR-PCGame1.html |archive-date=November 27, 2012}}</ref> Eldon Tyrell, Gaff, Leon, Rachael, Chew, J. F. Sebastian and Howie Lee appear, and their voice files are recorded by the original actors, with the exception of Gaff, who is replaced by Javier Grajeda (as ]) and Howie Lee, who is replaced by Toru Nagai.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.brmovie.com/BR_Game_MW01.htm |title=The ''Blade Runner'' Game |work=BRMovie.com |editor-first=Lukas |editor-last=Mariman |display-editors=etal|access-date=August 10, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080714055512/http://www.brmovie.com/BR_Game_MW01.htm |archive-date = July 14, 2008}}{{self-published source|date=February 2018}}</ref> The player assumes the role of McCoy, another replicant-hunter working at the same time as Deckard.<ref name="Atkins" /><ref name="Tosca" /> | |||
The television film '']'' was initially planned as a ] of the film '']'', and would eventually be transformed into a hybrid of ''Total Recall'' and ''Blade Runner''.<ref>{{Citation | last= Robb | first= Brian J. | title= Counterfeit Worlds: Philip K. Dick on Film | pages= 200–225 | publisher=Titan Books | year= 2006 | isbn= 978-1-84023-968-3}}</ref> The ''Total Recall'' film was also based on a Philip K. Dick story, "]"; many similarities between ''Total Recall 2070'' and ''Blade Runner'' were noted, as well as apparent inspiration from ]'s '']'' and the TV series '']''.<ref>{{citation|last1=Platt|first1=John|date=March 1, 1999|url= http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue98/screen.html|title=A Total Recall spin-off that's an awful lot like ''Blade Runner'' |journal=]|pages=Issue 98 Vol.5 No.9|accessdate=July 27, 2011|nopp=true |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080115153719/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue98/screen.html |archivedate = January 15, 2008}}</ref> | |||
The television film (and later series) '']'' was initially planned as a ] of the film '']'' (based on Philip K. Dick's short story "]"), but was produced as a hybrid of ''Total Recall'' and ''Blade Runner''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Robb |first=Brian J. |title=Counterfeit Worlds: Philip K. Dick on Film |pages=200–225 |publisher=Titan Books |date=2006 |isbn=978-1-84023-968-3}}</ref> Many similarities between ''Total Recall 2070'' and ''Blade Runner'' were noted, as well as apparent influences on the show from ]'s '']'' and the TV series '']''.<ref>{{citation |last=Platt |first=John |date=March 1, 1999 |url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue98/screen.html |title=A ''Total Recall'' spin-off that's an awful lot like ''Blade Runner'' |work=] |volume=5 |issue=9 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080115153719/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue98/screen.html |archive-date=January 15, 2008}}</ref> | |||
=== Documentaries === | === Documentaries === | ||
The film has been the subject of several documentaries. | |||
The film has been the subject of several documentaries. | |||
* ''On the Edge of Blade Runner'' (2000, 55 minutes) | |||
: was directed by Andrew Abbott and hosted/written by ]. Interviews with production staff, including Scott, give details of the creative process and the turmoil during preproduction. Insights into Philip K. Dick and the origins of ''Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?'' are provided by Paul M. Sammon and Hampton Fancher.<ref name="edge-doc-review">{{citation|url=http://tyrell-corporation.pp.se/on-the-edge-of-blade-runner-documentury/|title=On The Edge Of Blade Runner (Documentury) |last=Ingels|first=Nicklas|publisher=Los Angeles, 2019|accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407015534/http://tyrell-corporation.pp.se/on-the-edge-of-blade-runner-documentury/|archivedate=April 7, 2014}}</ref> | |||
; ''Blade Runner: Convention Reel'' (1982, 13 minutes) | |||
: Co-directed by Muffet Kaufman and Jeffrey B. Walker, shot and screened in 16 mm, featured no narrator, was filmed in 1981 while ''Blade Runner'' was still in production and featured short "behind-the-scenes" segments showing sets being built and sequences being shot, as well as interviews with ], ] and ]. Appears on the ''Blade Runner'' Ultimate Collector's Edition.<ref>''Future Noir Revised & Updated Edition: The Making of Blade Runner''</ref> | |||
: is a documentary by ].<ref name="futureshocks">{{citation|url=http://tvo.org/program/131509/future-shocks|title=Future Shocks|publisher=TVO.ORG|accessdate=July 27, 2011}}</ref> It includes interviews with executive producer ], ], and the cast, and commentary by science fiction author ] and from film critics. | |||
; ''On the Edge of'' Blade Runner (2000, 55 minutes) | |||
: Directed by Andrew Abbott and hosted/written by ]. Interviews with production staff, including Scott, give details of the creative process and the turmoil during pre-production. Insights into Philip K. Dick and the origins of ''Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?'' are provided by Paul M. Sammon and Hampton Fancher.<ref name="edge-doc-review">{{citation |url=http://tyrell-corporation.pp.se/on-the-edge-of-blade-runner-documentury/ |title=On the Edge of ''Blade Runner'' |last=Ingels |first=Nicklas |work=Los Angeles, 2019 |via=Tyrell-Corporation.pp.se |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140407015534/http://tyrell-corporation.pp.se/on-the-edge-of-blade-runner-documentury/ |archive-date=April 7, 2014}}</ref> | |||
: is a documentary directed and produced by ] for ''The Final Cut'' version of the film. It was culled from over 80 interviews, including Ford, Young, and Scott.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.chud.com/11285/interview-charles-de-lauzirika-blade-runner/ |title=Interview: Charles de Lauzirika (Blade Runner)|accessdate=July 27, 2011|work=]| last1 =Fischer | first1 = Russ|date=February 8, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202165850/http://www.chud.com/11285/interview-charles-de-lauzirika-blade-runner/|archivedate=February 2, 2014}}</ref> The documentary consists of eight chapters, each covering a portion of the film-making – or in the case of the final chapter, the film's controversial legacy.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.filmedge.net/BladeRunner/BRdvd.htm|title=Blade Runner – The Final Cut: 2-Disc Special Edition DVD Review|accessdate=July 27, 2011|publisher=FilmEdge.net| last1=Weitz | first1 = Scott|date=December 16, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517092920/http://www.filmedge.net/BladeRunner/BRdvd.htm|archivedate=May 17, 2013}}</ref> | |||
; ''Future Shocks'' (2003, 27 minutes) | |||
: Directed by ].<ref name="futureshocks">{{citation |url=http://tvo.org/program/131509/future-shocks |title=Future Shocks |work=TVO.org |publisher=], Ontario Educational Communications Authority |access-date=July 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141224115432/http://tvo.org/program/131509/future-shocks |archive-date=December 24, 2014}}</ref> It includes interviews with executive producer ], ], and the cast, and commentary by science fiction author ] and from film critics. | |||
; ''Dangerous Days: Making'' Blade Runner (2007, 213 minutes){{anchor|Dangerous Days}} | |||
: Directed and produced by ] for ''The Final Cut'' version of the film. Its source material comprises more than 80 interviews, including extensive conversations with Ford, Young, and Scott.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.chud.com/11285/interview-charles-de-lauzirika-blade-runner/ |title=Interview: Charles de Lauzirika (''Blade Runner'') |access-date=July 27, 2011 |work=] |last=Fischer |first=Russ |date=February 8, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140202165850/http://www.chud.com/11285/interview-charles-de-lauzirika-blade-runner/ |archive-date=February 2, 2014}}</ref> The documentary is presented in eight chapters, with each of the first seven covering a portion of the filmmaking process. The final chapter examines ''Blade Runner''<nowiki />'s controversial legacy.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.filmedge.net/BladeRunner/BRdvd.htm |title=''Blade Runner'' – The Final Cut: 2-Disc Special Edition DVD Review |access-date=July 27, 2011 |work=FilmEdge.net |last=Weitz |first=Scott |date=December 16, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130517092920/http://www.filmedge.net/BladeRunner/BRdvd.htm |archive-date=May 17, 2013}}</ref> | |||
; ''All Our Variant Futures: From Workprint to Final Cut'' (2007, 29 minutes) | |||
: Produced by Paul Prischman, appears on the ''Blade Runner'' Ultimate Collector's Edition and provides an overview of the film's multiple versions and their origins, as well as detailing the seven-year-long restoration, enhancement and remastering process behind ''The Final Cut''.<ref name="thedigitalbits" /> | |||
; ''Blade Runner Phenomenon'' (2021, 53 minutes) | |||
: Directed by Boris Hars-Tschachotin and made by the France and Germany European public service channel ARTE, this documentary informs viewers using behind-the-scenes material from various sets, photos, original locations in Los Angeles, and interviews with those involved in the production. | |||
== Sequel and related media == | |||
* ''All Our Variant Futures: From Workprint to Final Cut'' (2007, 29 minutes) | |||
{{Main|Blade Runner (franchise)}} | |||
: produced by Paul Prischman, appears on the ''Blade Runner'' Ultimate Collector's Edition and provides an overview of the film's multiple versions and their origins, as well as detailing the seven-year-long restoration, enhancement and remastering process behind ''The Final Cut''.<ref name="thedigitalbits" /> | |||
] | |||
A sequel was released in 2017, titled '']'', with ] alongside Ford in the starring roles.<ref>{{citation |last=Goldberg |first=Matt |title=Ryan Gosling Confirms He's in ''Blade Runner 2''; Talks Shane Black's ''The Nice Guys'' |work=] |date=November 16, 2015 |url=https://collider.com/ryan-gosling-blade-runner-2-nice-guys/ |access-date=November 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117145759/http://collider.com/ryan-gosling-blade-runner-2-nice-guys/ |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Nudd |first=Tim |title=Ryan Gosling Set to Join Harrison Ford in ''Blade Runner'' Sequel |url=http://www.people.com/article/ryan-gosling-harrison-ford-blade-runner-sequel |work=] |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150823111753/http://www.people.com/article/ryan-gosling-harrison-ford-blade-runner-sequel |archive-date=August 23, 2015}}</ref> It entered production in mid-2016 and is set decades after the first film.<ref name="filming">{{cite web |url=https://collider.com/blade-runner-2-harrison-ford-ryan-gosling/ |title=''Blade Runner 2'' Officially Starts Filming This July |first=Haleigh |last=Foutch |date=January 25, 2016 |work=] |access-date=October 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722153052/http://collider.com/blade-runner-2-harrison-ford-ryan-gosling/ |archive-date=July 22, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Harrison Ford reprised his role as ]. The film won two Academy Awards, for cinematography and visual effects.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2018 |title=The 90th Academy Awards | 2018 |website=Oscars.org | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|access-date=August 14, 2020|archive-date=April 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417100721/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2018|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Sequels== | |||
===''Blade Runner'' Novels=== | |||
Dick's friend, ], wrote three authorized ''Blade Runner'' novels that continue Deckard's story, attempting to resolve the differences between the film and '']'':<ref>Gray, Christy "Originals and Copies: The Fans of Philip K. Dick, ''Blade Runner'' and K. W. Jeter" in Brooker, pp. 142–156</ref> '']'' (1995), '']'' (1996), and '']'' (2000). By 1999, ] had written a sequel to ''Blade Runner'' based on ''The Edge of Human'', titled ''Blade Runner Down''; the project was shelved due to rights issues.<ref name="sequels">{{citation | url=http://www.mybladerunner.com/faq/1-8-are-there-any-sequels-i-heard-rumours/| title=The Blade Runner FAQ: Are there any sequels? I heard rumours .. | publisher=My Blade Runner | accessdate=July 27, 2011| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028150147/http://www.mybladerunner.com/faq/1-8-are-there-any-sequels-i-heard-rumours/| archivedate=October 28, 2012}}</ref> | |||
The world of ''Blade Runner'' has also come to be explored in ]. ''Blade Runner 2049'' was preceded by the release of three ]s that served as prequels, where the chronological first, '']'', was ] (the other two, '']'' and '']'', were live action, not animated).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2017/sep/29/blade-runner-2049-shorts-five-things |title=Blade Runner 2049: five things we learned from the shorts |first=Ben |last=Child |date=September 29, 2017 |work=The Guardian |access-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201094913/https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2017/sep/29/blade-runner-2049-shorts-five-things |archive-date=February 1, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===''Soldier'' (1998)=== | |||
{{main|Soldier (1998 American film)}} | |||
''Blade Runner'' co-author ] wrote the 1998 action film '']'', which was referred to by him as a "]" or ] to the original film, set in the same ].<ref>'']'', September/October 1998 issue</ref> The film obliquely refers to various elements of ''Blade Runner''; a ] from ''Blade Runner'' can be seen in the wreckage on a junk planet in the film,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aintitcool.com/node/1890?q=node/1913 |title=Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news |publisher=Aintitcool.com |date=1998-08-17 |accessdate=2011-12-07}}</ref> the ] is referenced in the film<ref>Allon, Yoram; Del Cullen, Hannah Patterson. , ISBN 978-1-903364-52-9, p.14, "the two movies are connected by a single passing reference to Tannhauser Gate."</ref> and the genetically engineered soldiers seen in the film are hevily implied to be ]s. | |||
In November 2021, a Japanese-American anime television series called '']'' was released. The series tells the story of a female replicant protagonist, rather than that of a male Blade Runner one.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.techadvisor.com/news/entertainment/blade-runner-black-lotus-3806570/ |title=Black Lotus: Everything you need to know about the Blade Runner anime |first=Martyn |last=Casserly |date=November 15, 2021 |work=Tech Advisor |access-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201100502/https://www.techadvisor.com/news/entertainment/blade-runner-black-lotus-3806570/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/alessia-cara-feel-you-now-new-song-blade-runner-black-lotus-9611326/ |title=Hear Alessia Cara's New Song 'Feel You Now' in 'Blade Runner: Black Lotus' Opening Sequence |first=Heran |last=Mamo |date=August 5, 2021 |magazine=] |access-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201100459/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/alessia-cara-feel-you-now-new-song-blade-runner-black-lotus-9611326/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
===''Blade Runner 2049'' (2017)=== | |||
{{main article|Blade Runner 2049}} | |||
Scott considered developing a sequel to the ''Blade Runner'' film, tentatively titled ''Metropolis''.<ref name=sequels/> At the 2007 Comic-Con, Scott again announced that he was considering a sequel to the film.<ref>{{citation | url=http://www.thedigitalbits.com/site_archive/mytwocentsa140.html | title=My Two Cents | accessdate=December 17, 2007 | publisher=The Digital Bits, Inc. | last1=Hunt | first1=Bill }}</ref> '']'' co-writer Travis Wright worked with producer Bud Yorkin for several years on the project. His colleague John Glenn, who left the project by 2008, stated the script explores the nature of the off-world colonies as well as what happens to the Tyrell Corporation in the wake of its founder's death.<ref>{{citation | author=Sciretta, Peter | title=Exclusive: Screenwriter Travis Wright Responds to Blade Runner 2 Story | work=/Film | date=October 6, 2008 | url=http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/10/06/exclusive-screenwriter-travis-wright-responds-to-blade-runner-2-story/ | accessdate=July 27, 2011| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628200406/http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/10/06/exclusive-screenwriter-travis-wright-responds-to-blade-runner-2-story/ | archivedate=June 28, 2010 }}</ref> | |||
Dick's friend ] wrote three authorized ''Blade Runner'' novels that continue Rick Deckard's story, attempting to resolve the differences between the film and ''Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?''<ref>Gray, Christy "Originals and Copies: The Fans of Philip K. Dick, ''Blade Runner'' and K. W. Jeter" in {{harvnb|Brooker|pp=142–156}}.</ref> These are '']'' (1995), '']'' (1996), and '']'' (2000). | |||
In June 2009, '']'' reported that Scott and his brother ] were working on a ''Blade Runner'' prequel, set in 2019. The prequel, ''Purefold'', was planned as a series of 5–10 minute shorts, aimed first at the ] and then perhaps television. Due to rights issues, the proposed series was not to be linked too closely to the characters or events of the 1982 film.<ref>{{citation|last=Stone |first=Brad |url=http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/04/web-series-tied-to-blade-runner-is-in-the-works |title=Web Series Tied to 'Blade Runner' Is In the Works|publisher=New York Times |date= June 4, 2009|accessdate=July 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223044740/http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/04/web-series-tied-to-blade-runner-is-in-the-works/|archivedate=February 23, 2014}}</ref> On February 7, 2010, it was announced that production on ''Purefold'' had ceased, due to funding problems.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.ag8.com/ |title=Ag8 |accessdate=December 23, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209225218/http://www.ag8.com/|archivedate=February 9, 2014}}</ref> On March 4, 2011, ] reported that Yorkin was developing a new ''Blade Runner'' film.<ref>{{citation|url=http://io9.com/#!5774950/a-warner-bros+financed-production-company-buying-the-rights-to-do-a-blade-runner-sequel-or-prequel |work=] |publisher=Gawker Media |accessdate=July 27, 2011 |date=March 4, 2011 |first=Charlie Jane |last=Anders |title=''Blade Runner'' Sequel (or Prequel) in Development Now|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512085957/http://io9.com/ |archivedate=May 12, 2014 }}</ref> It was also reported that month that director ] was the desired choice to make the film.<ref>{{citation|author=Orange, B. Alan|url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/christopher-nolan-wanted-for-blade-runner-sequel-or-prequel |title=Christopher Nolan Wanted for Blade Runner Sequel or Prequel |publisher=MovieWeb.com |date=March 4, 2011 |accessdate=May 15, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104213322/http://www.movieweb.com/news/christopher-nolan-wanted-for-blade-runner-sequel-or-prequel|archivedate=November 4, 2013}}</ref> | |||
''Blade Runner'' co-writer ] wrote the 1998 action film '']'', which he referred to as a "]" or ] to the original film; the two are set in a ].<ref>''Cinescape'', September/October 1998 issue</ref> A bonus feature on the Blu-ray for '']'', the 2012 film by Scott set in the '']'' universe, states that Eldon Tyrell, CEO of the ''Blade Runner'' Tyrell Corporation, was the mentor of ]'s character Peter Weyland.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://deadline.com/2017/08/blade-runner-2049-prequel-short-2036-nexus-dawn-jared-leto-video-1202158769/ |title=''Blade Runner 2049'' Prequel Short Connects Events to Original 1982 Film |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=August 31, 2017 |website=] |access-date=October 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102002005/http://deadline.com/2017/08/blade-runner-2049-prequel-short-2036-nexus-dawn-jared-leto-video-1202158769/ |archive-date=November 2, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
It was announced on August 18, 2011, that Scott was to direct a new ''Blade Runner'' film, with filming to begin no earlier than 2013. Indications from producer ] were that Ford was unlikely to be involved in the project.<ref>{{citation|last=Fleming |first=Mike|url=http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/ridley-scott-ready-to-direct-new-version-of-seminal-sci-fi-film-blade-runner/|title=Ridley Scott To Direct New 'Blade Runner' Installment For Alcon Entertainment |publisher=deadline.com |date=August 18, 2011 |accessdate=August 19, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418103232/http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/ridley-scott-ready-to-direct-new-version-of-seminal-sci-fi-film-blade-runner/|archivedate=April 18, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-14586762 |title=Ridley Scott to direct new Blade Runner film|publisher=BBC|date=August 19, 2011|accessdate=August 19, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420033805/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-14586762|archivedate=April 20, 2014}}</ref> Scott later said that the film was "liable to be a sequel" but without the previous cast, and that he was close to finding a writer that "might be able to help deliver".<ref>{{citation|url=http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/11/04/ridley-scott-says-he%E2%80%99ll-direct-%E2%80%98blade-runner%E2%80%99-sequel/|author=Chai, Barbara|title=Ridley Scott Says He'll Direct 'Blade Runner' Sequel|publisher=Speakeasy|date=November 4, 2011|accessdate=November 6, 2011}}</ref> On February 6, 2012, Kosove denied that any casting considerations had been made in response to buzz that Ford might reprise his role, saying, "It is absolutely, patently false that there has been any discussion about Harrison Ford being in ''Blade Runner''. To be clear, what we are trying to do with Ridley now is go through the painstaking process of trying to break the back of the story ... The casting of the movie could not be further from our minds at this moment."<ref>{{citation|author=Vejvoda, Jim|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/02/07/harrison-ford-in-blade-runner-2 |title=Harrison Ford in Blade Runner 2?|publisher=ign.com|date=February 6, 2012|accessdate=February 6, 2012}}</ref> When Scott was asked about the possibility of a sequel in October 2012, he said, "It's not a rumor—it's happening. With Harrison Ford? I don't know yet. Is he too old? Well, he was a Nexus-6 so we don't know how long he can live. And that's all I'm going to say at this stage."<ref>{{citation|last=Sullivan |first=Kevin P. |title=Ridley Scott Gives 'Prometheus 2' And 'Blade Runner 2' Updates |url=http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2012/10/12/prometheus-2-blade-runner-2-updates/ |work=MTV Movies Blog |accessdate=October 13, 2012 |date=October 12, 2012 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6JF334klm?url=http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2012/10/12/prometheus-2-blade-runner-2-updates/ |archivedate=August 29, 2013 |deadurl=yes |df=mdy }}</ref> | |||
In late 2022, Amazon announced a ''Blade Runner 2049'' sequel series would be produced.<ref>{{citation |date=September 16, 2022 |title='Blade Runner 2049' Sequel Series Ordered at Amazon |work=variety.com |access-date=September 16, 2022 |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/blade-runner-2049-sequel-series-amazon-1235373625/ |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916012252/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/blade-runner-2049-sequel-series-amazon-1235373625/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 12, 2022, an apparent official approval to actually make a ''Blade Runner 2099'' TV series was reported.<ref name="TR-20221012">{{cite news |last=Caddy |first=Becca |title=Blade Runner 2099: everything we know so far – Everything we know about Amazon's upcoming Blade Runner 2099 series |url=https://www.techradar.com/features/blade-runner-2099-everything-we-know-so-far |date=October 12, 2022 |work=] |accessdate=October 12, 2022 |archive-date=October 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012061618/https://www.techradar.com/features/blade-runner-2099-everything-we-know-so-far |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
In November 2014, '']'' magazine reported that Scott was no longer the director for the film and would only fulfill a producer's role. Scott also revealed that Ford's character will only appear in "the third act" of the sequel.<ref>{{citation|author1=Jacob Kastrenakes|title=Ridley Scott won't direct 'Blade Runner' sequel|url=http://www.theverge.com/2014/11/25/7286991/blade-runner-2-wont-be-directed-by-ridley-scott|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media, Inc|accessdate=November 26, 2014|date=November 25, 2014}}</ref> In February 2015, Alcon Entertainment confirmed that Scott will not be back to direct, and they were negotiating with '']'' director ]. Ford, however, will return, as will original writer ], and the film is expected to enter production in mid-2016.<ref>{{citation|url=http://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/blade-runner-sequel-confirmed-harrison-ford-return/|title=Blade Runner Sequel Confirmed, Harrison Ford To Return|author=Joseph, Matt|date=February 26, 2015|accessdate=February 27, 2015}}</ref> The sequel is set decades after the first film. Besides Ford, the film will also star ] in a currently undisclosed role. It is to be directed by Villeneuve and executive produced by Scott. Oscar-nominated cinematographer ] is also attached.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Nudd|first1=Tim|title=Ryan Gosling Set to Join Harrison Ford in ''Blade Runner'' Sequel|url=http://www.people.com/article/ryan-gosling-harrison-ford-blade-runner-sequel|website=People}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Blade Runner 2 News: Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling all set for filming in summer 2016; Director to work with Roger Deakins|url=http://www.vcpost.com/articles/82988/20150806/blade-runner-2-news-harrison-ford-ryan-gosling-set-filming.htm|website=Venture Capital Post}}</ref> On November 16, 2015, Gosling told ] that he will be starring in the sequel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://collider.com/ryan-gosling-blade-runner-2-nice-guys/|title=Ryan Gosling Confirms He's in 'Blade Runner 2'; Talks Shane Black's 'The Nice Guys'|publisher=Collider|last=Goldberg|first=Matt|date=November 16, 2015}}</ref> | |||
== See also == | |||
Principal photography began in July 2016. ] will handle its domestic release, while ] (through ]) will be releasing the film in all overseas territories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/blade-runner-sequel-gets-release-867333|title='Blade Runner' Sequel Gets Release Date|author=Mia Galuppo|work=]|date=February 18, 2016|accessdate=February 19, 2016}}</ref> On March 31, 2016, Variety reported that ] was cast in a role,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://variety.com/2016/film/news/robin-wright-blade-runner-sequel-1201730969/|title=Robin Wright Joins 'Blade Runner' Sequel in Key Role (EXCLUSIVE)|publisher=Variety|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=March 31, 2016}}</ref> and in April ], ] and ] joined the cast.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/DMB.Official/photos/a.456002900539.242815.48046200539/10153978311390540/?type=3</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/672851-dave-bautista-teases-blade-runner-2-casting|title=Dave Bautista teases Blade Runner 2 casting|publisher=Coming Soon|last=Perry|first=Spencer|date=April 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2016/04/dave-bautista-blade-runner-sequel-guardians-of-the-galaxy-drax-1201731615/|title=Dave Bautista Joins 'Blade Runner' Sequel|publisher=Deadline|last=Pedersen|first=Erik|date=April 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thewrap.com/blade-runner-2-casts-knock-knock-star-ana-de-armas/|title='Blade Runner 2' Casts 'Knock Knock' Star Ana De Armas|publisher=The Wrap|last=Sneider|first=Jeff|date=April 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2016/04/sylvia-hoeks-cast-blade-runner-sequel-harrison-ford-ryan-gosling-1201744820/|title=Sylvia Hoeks Boards 'Blade Runner' Sequel|publisher=Deadline|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=April 26, 2016}}</ref> In June 2016, ] and ] were cast,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/martian-actress-mackenzie-davis-joins-874739|title='Martian' Actress Mackenzie Davis Joins 'Blade Runner' Sequel (Exclusive)|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=June 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://variety.com/2016/film/news/barkhad-abdi-blade-runner-sequel-1201805255/|title=Barkhad Abdi Joins 'Blade Runner' Sequel|publisher=Variety|last=McNary|first=Dave|date=June 28, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title='Blade Runner' Sequel Adds Barkhad Abdi to Cast|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/blade-runner-sequel-adds-barkhad-906990|website=Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=29 June 2016}}</ref> with ] and ] joining in July<ref></ref> and ] in August.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://variety.com/2016/film/news/jared-leto-blade-runner-sequel-1201840363/|title=Jared Leto Joins 'Blade Runner' Sequel|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=2016-08-18|access-date=2016-08-19}}</ref> Originally slated for release in North America January 2018, Alcon Entertainment has now set a global release for October 6, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2016/04/blade-runner-sequel-release-date-october-6-2017-1201741096/|title=''Blade Runner'' Sequel Moved Ahead To October 2017|publisher=Deadline|last=Lincoln|first=Ross A.|date=April 19, 2016}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | |||
{{Portal|1980s|Film|Greater Los Angeles|Science fiction}} | |||
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{{clear}} | |||
==Notes== | |||
== Notes == | |||
{{Reflist|group=nb}} | {{Reflist|group=nb}} | ||
==References== | == References == | ||
{{Reflist |
{{Reflist}} | ||
==Bibliography== | == Bibliography == | ||
* {{Citation | editor-last=Brooker | editor-first=Will | year=2005 | title=The ''Blade Runner'' Experience | publisher=Wallflower | place=London | isbn=978-1-904764-30-4}} | |||
* {{Citation | last=Bukatman | first=Scott | year=1997 | title=BFI Modern Classics: Blade Runner | place=London | publisher=BFI (]) | isbn = 978-0-85170-623-8}} | |||
* {{Citation | last=Sammon | first=Paul M. | year=1996 | title=Future Noir: the Making of Blade Runner | location=London | publisher=Orion Media | isbn=978-0-06-105314-6}} | |||
* {{cite book|editor-last=Brooker |editor-first=Will |date=2005 |title=The ''Blade Runner'' Experience |publisher=Wallflower |location=London |isbn=978-1-904764-30-4 |ref={{sfnRef|Brooker}}}} | |||
==External links== | |||
* {{cite book |last=Bukatman |first=Scott |date=1997 |title=BFI Modern Classics: ''Blade Runner'' |location=London |publisher=British Film Institute |isbn=978-0-85170-623-8 |ref={{sfnRef|Bukatman}}}} | |||
*Doll, Susan, and Greg Faller. 1986. "Blade Runner and Genre: Film Noir and Science Fiction." ''Literature Film Quarterly'' 14 (2): 89–100. | |||
*Eagan, Daniel (2010) ''America's Film Legacy: The Authoritative Guide to the Landmark Movies in the National Film Registry'', A&C Black, {{ISBN|0826429777}}, pages 775–776 | |||
* {{cite book|editor-last=Kerman |editor-first=Judith |year=1991 |title=Retrofitting ''Blade Runner'': Issues in Ridley Scott's ''Blade Runner'' and Philip K. Dick's ''Do Android's Dream of Electric Sheep?'' |publisher=Bowling Green University Popular Press |isbn=978-0-87972-510-5}} | |||
* {{cite journal |last=Macarthur |first=David |title=A Vision of Blindness: ''Bladerunner'' and Moral Redemption |journal=Film-Philosophy |year=2017 |volume=21 |issue=3 |pages=371–391 |doi=10.3366/film.2017.0056 |url=http://www.euppublishing.com/toc/film/21/3|doi-access=free}} | |||
*Morgan, David. '''' at ] | |||
* {{cite book |last=Sammon |first=Paul M. |date=1996 |title=Future Noir: the Making of ''Blade Runner'' |location=London |publisher=Orion Media |isbn=978-0-06-105314-6 |ref={{sfnRef|Sammon}}}} | |||
== External links == | |||
{{Wikiquote}} | {{Wikiquote}} | ||
{{Commons category |
{{Commons category}} | ||
* {{Official website|http://www.bladerunnerthemovie.com/}} | |||
* {{IMDb title|0083658}} | |||
* {{Tcmdb title|68982}} | |||
* {{Mojo title|bladerunner}} | |||
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|Blade_Runner}} | |||
* {{Metacritic film|blade-runner}} | |||
* {{Dmoz|Arts/Movies/Titles/B/Blade_Runner}} | |||
* {{Official website}} | |||
* {{IMDb title}} | |||
* {{Metacritic film}} | |||
* {{Mojo title|bladerunner}} | |||
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|blade_runner}} | |||
* {{TCMDb title|68982}} | |||
* {{AFI film|68260}} | |||
{{Blade Runner}} | {{Blade Runner}} | ||
{{Philip K. Dick}} | |||
{{Ridley Scott}} | {{Ridley Scott}} | ||
{{Hampton Fancher}} | |||
{{David Peoples}} | {{David Peoples}} | ||
{{Philip K. Dick}} | |||
{{Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation}} | {{Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation}} | ||
{{Seiun Award - Best Media}} | |||
{{Featured article}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 23:17, 14 January 2025
1982 film by Ridley Scott This article is about the 1982 film. For the franchise based on the film, see Blade Runner (franchise). For other uses, see Blade Runner (disambiguation).
Blade Runner | |
---|---|
Theatrical release poster by John Alvin | |
Directed by | Ridley Scott |
Screenplay by | |
Based on | Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick |
Produced by | Michael Deeley |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Jordan Cronenweth |
Edited by |
|
Music by | Vangelis |
Production companies |
|
Distributed by | Warner Bros. (Worldwide) Shaw Brothers (Hong Kong) |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 117 minutes |
Countries | United States Hong Kong |
Language | English |
Budget | $30 million |
Box office | $41.8 million |
Blade Runner is a 1982 science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott from a screenplay by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples. Starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, and Edward James Olmos, it is an adaptation of Philip K. Dick's 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? The film is set in a dystopian future Los Angeles of 2019, in which synthetic humans known as replicants are bio-engineered by the powerful Tyrell Corporation to work on space colonies. When a fugitive group of advanced replicants led by Roy Batty (Hauer) escapes back to Earth, burnt-out cop Rick Deckard (Ford) reluctantly agrees to hunt them down.
Blade Runner initially underperformed in North American theaters and polarized critics; some praised its thematic complexity and visuals, while others critiqued its slow pacing and lack of action. The film's soundtrack, composed by Vangelis, was nominated in 1982 for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe as best original score. Blade Runner later became a cult film, and has since come to be regarded as one of the greatest science fiction films. Hailed for its production design depicting a high-tech but decaying future, the film is often regarded as both a leading example of neo-noir cinema and a foundational work of the cyberpunk genre. It has influenced many science fiction films, video games, anime, and television series. It also brought the work of Dick to Hollywood's attention and led to several film adaptations of his works. In 1993, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
Seven different versions of Blade Runner exist as a result of controversial changes requested by studio executives. A director's cut was released in 1992 after a strong response to test screenings of a workprint. This, in conjunction with the film's popularity as a video rental, made it one of the earliest movies to be released on DVD. In 2007, Warner Bros. released The Final Cut, a 25th-anniversary digitally remastered version; this is the only version over which Scott retained artistic control.
The film is the first of the franchise of the same name. A sequel, titled Blade Runner 2049, was released in 2017 alongside a trilogy of short films covering the thirty-year span between the two films' settings. The anime series Blade Runner: Black Lotus was released in 2021.
Plot
Note: Since there are several versions of Blade Runner, this summary excludes version-specific events. See the Versions of Blade Runner article for discussion of version-specific plot elements.In 2019 Los Angeles, former police officer Rick Deckard is detained by Officer Gaff, who likes to make origami figures, and is brought to his former supervisor, Bryant. Deckard, whose job as a "blade runner" was to track down bioengineered humanoids known as replicants and terminally "retire" them, is informed that four replicants are on Earth illegally. Deckard begins to leave, but Bryant ambiguously threatens him and Deckard stays. The two watch a video of a blade runner named Holden administering the Voight-Kampff test, which is designed to distinguish replicants from humans based on their emotional responses to questions. The test subject, Leon, shoots Holden on the second question. Bryant wants Deckard to retire Leon and three other Nexus-6 replicants: Roy Batty, Zhora, and Pris.
Bryant has Deckard meet with the CEO of the company that creates the replicants, Eldon Tyrell, so he can administer the test on a Nexus-6 to see if it works. Tyrell expresses his interest in seeing the test fail first and asks him to administer it on his assistant Rachael. After a much longer than standard test, Deckard concludes privately to Tyrell that Rachael is a replicant who believes she is human. Tyrell explains that she is an experiment who has been given false memories to provide an "emotional cushion", and that she has no knowledge of her true nature.
In searching Leon's hotel room, Deckard finds photos and a scale from the skin of an animal, which is later identified as a synthetic snake scale. Deckard returns to his apartment where Rachael is waiting. She tries to prove her humanity by showing him a family photo, but Deckard reveals that her memories are implants from Tyrell's niece, and she leaves in tears.
Replicants Roy and Leon meanwhile investigate a replicant eye-manufacturing laboratory and learn of J. F. Sebastian, a gifted genetic designer who works closely with Tyrell. Pris locates Sebastian and manipulates him to gain his trust.
A photograph from Leon's apartment and the snake scale lead Deckard to a strip club, where Zhora works. After a confrontation and chase, Deckard kills Zhora. Bryant also orders him to retire Rachael, who has disappeared from the Tyrell Corporation. Deckard spots Rachael in a crowd, but he is ambushed by Leon, who knocks the gun out of Deckard's hand and beats him. As Leon is about to kill Deckard, Rachael saves him by using Deckard's gun to kill Leon. They return to Deckard's apartment and, during a discussion, he promises not to track her down. As Rachael abruptly tries to leave, Deckard restrains her and forces her to kiss him, and she ultimately relents. Deckard leaves Rachael at his apartment and departs to search for the remaining replicants.
Roy arrives at Sebastian's apartment and tells Pris that the other replicants are dead. Sebastian reveals that because of a genetic premature aging disorder, his life will be cut short, like the replicants that were built with a four-year lifespan. Roy uses Sebastian to gain entrance to Tyrell's penthouse. He demands more life from his maker, which Tyrell says is impossible. Roy confesses that he has done "questionable things" but Tyrell dismisses this, praising Roy's advanced design and accomplishments in his short life. Roy kisses Tyrell and then kills him by crushing his skull. Sebastian tries to flee and is later reported dead.
At Sebastian's apartment, Deckard is ambushed by Pris, but he kills her as Roy returns. Roy's body begins to fail as the end of his lifespan nears. He chases Deckard through the building and onto the roof. Deckard tries to jump onto another roof but is left hanging on the edge. Roy makes the jump with ease and, as Deckard's grip loosens, Roy hoists him onto the roof to save him. Before Roy dies, he laments that his memories "will be lost in time, like tears in rain". Gaff arrives to congratulate Deckard, also reminding him that Rachael will not live, but "then again, who does?" Deckard returns to his apartment to retrieve Rachael. While escorting her to the elevator, he notices a small origami unicorn on the floor. He recalls Gaff's words and departs with Rachael.
Cast
- Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard
- Rutger Hauer as Roy Batty
- Sean Young as Rachael
- Edward James Olmos as Gaff
- M. Emmet Walsh as Bryant
- Daryl Hannah as Pris
- William Sanderson as J.F. Sebastian
- Brion James as Leon Kowalski
- Joe Turkel as Eldon Tyrell
- Joanna Cassidy as Zhora Salome
- James Hong as Hannibal Chew
- Morgan Paull as Dave Holden
- Hy Pyke as Taffey Lewis
Production
Development
Interest in adapting Philip K. Dick's novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? developed shortly after its 1968 publication. Director Martin Scorsese was interested in filming the novel, but never optioned it. Producer Herb Jaffe optioned it in the early 1970s, but Dick was unimpressed with the screenplay written by Herb's son Robert, saying, "Jaffe's screenplay was so terribly done ... Robert flew down to Santa Ana to speak with me about the project. And the first thing I said to him when he got off the plane was, 'Shall I beat you up here at the airport, or shall I beat you up back at my apartment?'"
The screenplay by Hampton Fancher was optioned in 1977. Producer Michael Deeley became interested in Fancher's draft and convinced director Ridley Scott to film it. Scott had previously declined the project but, after leaving the slow production of Dune, wanted a faster-paced project to take his mind off his older brother's recent death. He joined the project on February 21, 1980, and managed to push up the promised Filmways financing from US$13 million to $15 million. Fancher's script focused more on environmental issues and less on issues of humanity and religion, which are prominent in the novel, and Scott wanted changes. Fancher found a cinema treatment by William S. Burroughs for Alan E. Nourse's novel The Bladerunner (1974), titled Blade Runner (a movie). Scott liked the name, so Deeley obtained the rights to the titles. Eventually, he hired David Peoples to rewrite the script and Fancher left the job over the issue on December 21, 1980, although he later returned to contribute additional rewrites.
Having invested more than $2.5 million in pre-production, as the date of commencement of principal photography neared, Filmways withdrew financial backing. In ten days Deeley had secured $21.5 million in financing through a three-way deal between the Ladd Company (through Warner Bros.), the Hong Kong-based producer Sir Run Run Shaw and Tandem Productions.
Dick became concerned that no one had informed him about the film's production, which added to his distrust of Hollywood. After Dick criticized an early version of Fancher's script in an article written for the Los Angeles Select TV Guide, the studio sent Dick the Peoples rewrite. Although Dick died shortly before the film's release, he was pleased with the rewritten script and with a 20-minute special effects test reel that was screened for him when he was invited to the studio. Despite his well-known skepticism of Hollywood in principle, Dick enthused to Scott that the world created for the film looked exactly as he had imagined it. He said, "I saw a segment of Douglas Trumbull's special effects for Blade Runner on the KNBC news. I recognized it immediately. It was my own interior world. They caught it perfectly." He also approved of the film's script, saying: "After I finished reading the screenplay, I got the novel out and looked through it. The two reinforce each other so that someone who started with the novel would enjoy the movie and someone who started with the movie would enjoy the novel." The motion picture was dedicated to Dick. Principal photography of Blade Runner began on March 9, 1981, and ended four months later.
In 1992, Ford revealed, "Blade Runner is not one of my favorite films. I tangled with Ridley." Apart from friction with the director, Ford also disliked the voiceovers: "When we started shooting it had been tacitly agreed that the version of the film that we had agreed upon was the version without voiceover narration. It was a f**king [sic] nightmare. I thought that the film had worked without the narration. But now I was stuck re-creating that narration. And I was obliged to do the voiceovers for people that did not represent the director's interests." "I went kicking and screaming to the studio to record it." The narration monologs were written by an uncredited Roland Kibbee.
In 2006, Scott was asked "Who's the biggest pain in the arse you've ever worked with?" He replied: "It's got to be Harrison ... he'll forgive me because now I get on with him. Now he's become charming. But he knows a lot, that's the problem. When we worked together it was my first film up and I was the new kid on the block. But we made a good movie." Ford said of Scott in 2000: "I admire his work. We had a bad patch there, and I'm over it." In 2006 Ford reflected on the production of the film saying: "What I remember more than anything else when I see Blade Runner is not the 50 nights of shooting in the rain, but the voiceover ... I was still obliged to work for these clowns that came in writing one bad voiceover after another." Ridley Scott confirmed in the summer 2007 issue of Total Film that Harrison Ford contributed to the Blade Runner Special Edition DVD, and had already recorded his interviews. "Harrison's fully on board", said Scott.
The Bradbury Building in downtown Los Angeles served as a filming location, and a Warner Bros. backlot housed the 2019 Los Angeles street sets. Other locations included the Ennis-Brown House and the 2nd Street Tunnel. Test screenings resulted in several changes, including adding a voice-over, a happy ending, and the removal of a Holden hospital scene. The relationship between the filmmakers and the investors was difficult, which culminated in Deeley and Scott being fired but still working on the film. Crew members created T-shirts during filming saying, "Yes Guv'nor, My Ass" that mocked Scott's unfavorable comparison of U.S. and British crews; Scott responded with a T-shirt of his own, "Xenophobia Sucks", making the incident known as the T-shirt war.
Casting
See also: List of Blade Runner charactersCasting the film proved troublesome, particularly for the lead role of Deckard. Screenwriter Hampton Fancher envisioned Robert Mitchum as Deckard and wrote the character's dialogue with Mitchum in mind. Director Ridley Scott and the film's producers spent months meeting and discussing the role with Dustin Hoffman, who eventually departed over differences in vision. Harrison Ford was ultimately chosen for several reasons, including his performance in the Star Wars films, Ford's interest in the Blade Runner story, and discussions with Steven Spielberg who was finishing Raiders of the Lost Ark at the time and strongly praised Ford's work in the film. Following his success in those two films, Ford was looking for a role with dramatic depth. According to production documents, several actors were considered for the role, including Gene Hackman, Sean Connery, Jack Nicholson, Paul Newman, Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Peter Falk, Nick Nolte, Al Pacino and Burt Reynolds.
Rutger Hauer was cast as Roy Batty, the violent yet thoughtful leader of the replicants. Scott cast Hauer without having met him, based on his performances in Paul Verhoeven's movies that Scott had seen (Katie Tippel, Soldier of Orange, and Turkish Delight). Hauer's portrayal of Batty was regarded by Philip K. Dick as "the perfect Batty – cold, Aryan, flawless". Of the many films Hauer made, Blade Runner was his favorite. In a live chat in 2001, he said "Blade Runner needs no explanation. It just . All of the best. There is nothing like it. To be part of a real masterpiece which changed the world's thinking. It's awesome." Hauer rewrote his character's "tears in rain" speech himself and presented the words to Scott on set prior to filming.
Blade Runner used a number of then-lesser-known actors: Sean Young portrays Rachael, an experimental replicant implanted with the memories of Tyrell's niece, causing her to believe she is human; Nina Axelrod auditioned for the role. Fancher originally wrote the role for his then girlfriend Barbara Hershey. Daryl Hannah portrays Pris, a "basic pleasure model" replicant; Stacey Nelkin auditioned for the role, but was given another part in the film, which was ultimately cut before filming. Debbie Harry turned down the role of Pris. Casting Pris and Rachael was challenging, requiring several screen tests with Morgan Paull playing the role of Deckard. Paull was cast as Deckard's fellow bounty hunter Holden based on his performances in the tests. Brion James portrays Leon Kowalski, a combat and laborer replicant, and Joanna Cassidy portrays Zhora, an assassin replicant.
Edward James Olmos portrays Gaff. Olmos drew on diverse ethnic sources to help create the fictional "Cityspeak" language his character uses in the film. His initial address to Deckard at the noodle bar is partly in Hungarian and means, "Horse dick ! No way. You are the Blade ... Blade Runner." M. Emmet Walsh portrays Captain Bryant, a rumpled, hard-drinking and underhanded police veteran typical of the film noir genre. Joe Turkel portrays Dr. Eldon Tyrell, a corporate mogul who built an empire on genetically manipulated humanoid slaves. William Sanderson was cast as J. F. Sebastian, a quiet and lonely genius who provides a compassionate yet compliant portrait of humanity. J. F. sympathizes with the replicants, whom he sees as companions, and he shares their shorter lifespan due to his rapid aging disease. Joe Pantoliano had earlier been considered for the role. James Hong portrays Hannibal Chew, an elderly geneticist specializing in synthetic eyes, and Hy Pyke portrayed the sleazy bar owner Taffey Lewis – in a single take, something almost unheard-of with Scott, whose drive for perfection resulted at times in double-digit takes.
Design
Scott credits Edward Hopper's painting Nighthawks and the French science fiction comics magazine Métal Hurlant, to which the artist Jean "Moebius" Giraud contributed, as stylistic mood sources. He also drew on the landscape of "Hong Kong on a very bad day" and the industrial landscape of his one-time home in northeast England. The visual style of the movie is influenced by the work of futurist Italian architect Antonio Sant'Elia. Scott hired Syd Mead as his concept artist; like Scott, he was influenced by Métal Hurlant. Moebius was offered the opportunity to assist in the pre-production of Blade Runner, but he declined so that he could work on René Laloux's animated film Les Maîtres du temps – a decision that he later regretted. Production designer Lawrence G. Paull and art director David Snyder realized Scott's and Mead's sketches. Douglas Trumbull and Richard Yuricich supervised the special effects for the film, and Mark Stetson served as chief model maker.
Blade Runner has numerous similarities to Fritz Lang's Metropolis, including a built-up urban environment, in which the wealthy literally live above the workers, dominated by a huge building – the Stadtkrone Tower in Metropolis and the Tyrell Building in Blade Runner. Special effects supervisor David Dryer used stills from Metropolis when lining up Blade Runner's miniature building shots.
The extended end scene in the original theatrical release shows Rachael and Deckard traveling into daylight with pastoral aerial shots filmed by director Stanley Kubrick. Ridley Scott contacted Kubrick about using some of his surplus helicopter aerial photography from The Shining.
Spinner
Main article: Spinner (Blade Runner)"Spinner" is the generic term for the fictional flying cars used in the film. A spinner can be driven as a ground-based vehicle, and take off vertically, hover, and cruise much like vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. They are used extensively by the police as patrol cars, and wealthy people can also acquire spinner licenses. The vehicle was conceived and designed by Syd Mead who described the spinner as an aerodyne – a vehicle which directs air downward to create lift, though press kits for the film stated that the spinner was propelled by three engines: "conventional internal combustion, jet, and anti-gravity". A spinner is on permanent exhibit at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in Seattle, Washington. Mead's conceptual drawings were transformed into 25 vehicles by automobile customizer Gene Winfield; at least two were working ground vehicles, while others were light-weight mockups for crane shots and set decoration for street shots. Two of them ended up at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, but were later destroyed, and a few others remain in private collections.
Voight-Kampff machine
– Description from the original press kit.A very advanced form of lie detector that measures contractions of the iris muscle and the presence of invisible airborne particles emitted from the body. The bellows were designed for the latter function and give the machine the menacing air of a sinister insect. The VK is used primarily by Blade Runners to determine if a suspect is truly human by measuring the degree of his empathic response through carefully worded questions and statements.
The Voight-Kampff machine is a fictional interrogation tool, originating from the novel (where it is spelled "Voigt-Kampff"). The Voight-Kampff is a polygraph-like machine used by blade runners to determine whether an individual is a replicant. It measures bodily functions such as respiration, blush response, heart rate and eye movement in response to questions dealing with empathy. In real life an approximation of the test using questions was created and used in jest by a newspaper in 2003 on the Mayoral candidates for the city of San Francisco, United States, apparently proving that at least half of them would be classified as replicants.
Music
Main article: Blade Runner (soundtrack)The Blade Runner soundtrack by Vangelis is a dark melodic combination of classic composition and futuristic synthesizers which mirrors the film noir retro-future envisioned by Scott. Vangelis, fresh from his Academy Award-winning score for Chariots of Fire, composed and performed the music on his synthesizers. He also made use of various chimes and the vocals of collaborator Demis Roussos. Another memorable sound is the tenor sax solo "Love Theme" by British saxophonist Dick Morrissey, who performed on many of Vangelis's albums. Ridley Scott also used "Memories of Green" from the Vangelis album See You Later, an orchestral version of which Scott would later use in his film Someone to Watch Over Me.
Along with Vangelis's compositions and ambient textures, the film's soundscape also features a track by the Japanese ensemble Nipponia – "Ogi no Mato" or "The Folding Fan as a Target" from the Nonesuch Records release Traditional Vocal and Instrumental Music – and a track by harpist Gail Laughton from "Harps of the Ancient Temples" on Laurel Records.
Despite being well received by fans and critically acclaimed and nominated in 1982 for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe as best original score, and the promise of a soundtrack album from Polydor Records in the end titles of the film, the release of the official soundtrack recording was delayed for over a decade. There are two official releases of the music from Blade Runner. In light of the lack of a release of an album, the New American Orchestra recorded an orchestral adaptation in 1982 which bore little resemblance to the original. Some of the film tracks would, in 1989, surface on the compilation Vangelis: Themes, but not until the 1992 release of the Director's Cut version would a substantial amount of the film's score see commercial release.
These delays and poor reproductions led to the production of many bootleg recordings over the years. A bootleg tape surfaced in 1982 at science fiction conventions and became popular given the delay of an official release of the original recordings, and in 1993 "Off World Music, Ltd" created a bootleg CD that would prove more comprehensive than Vangelis' official CD in 1994. A set with three CDs of Blade Runner-related Vangelis music was released in 2007. Titled Blade Runner Trilogy, the first disc contains the same tracks as the 1994 official soundtrack release, the second features previously unreleased music from the film, and the third disc is all newly composed music from Vangelis, inspired by, and in the spirit of the film.
Special effects
The film's special effects are generally recognized to be among the best in the genre, using the available (non-digital) technology to the fullest. Special effects engineers who worked on the film are often praised for the innovative technology they used to produce and design certain aspects of those visuals. In addition to matte paintings and models, the techniques employed included multipass exposures. In some scenes, the set was lit, shot, the film rewound, and then rerecorded over with different lighting. In some cases this was done 16 times in all. The cameras were frequently motion controlled using computers. Many effects used techniques which had been developed during the production of Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Release
Theatrical run
Blade Runner was released in 1,290 theaters on June 25, 1982. That date was chosen by producer Alan Ladd Jr. because his previous highest-grossing films (Star Wars and Alien) had a similar opening date (May 25) in 1977 and 1979, making the 25th of the month his "lucky day". Blade Runner grossed reasonably good ticket sales in its opening weekend; earning $6.1 million during its first weekend in theaters. The film was released close to other major science-fiction and fantasy releases such as The Thing, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Conan the Barbarian and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which affected its commercial success.
Versions
Main article: Versions of Blade RunnerSeveral versions of Blade Runner have been shown. The original workprint version (1982, 113 minutes) was shown for audience test previews in Denver and Dallas in March 1982. Negative responses to the previews led to the modifications resulting in the U.S. theatrical version. The workprint was shown as a director's cut without Scott's approval at the Los Angeles Fairfax Theater in May 1990, at an AMPAS showing in April 1991, and in September and October 1991 at the Los Angeles NuArt Theater and the San Francisco Castro Theatre. Positive responses pushed the studio to approve work on an official director's cut. A San Diego Sneak Preview was shown only once, in May 1982, and was almost identical to the U.S. theatrical version but contained three extra scenes not shown in any other version, including the 2007 Final Cut.
Two versions were shown in the film's 1982 theatrical release: the U.S. theatrical version (117 minutes), known as the original version or Domestic Cut (released on Betamax, CED Videodisc and VHS in 1983, and on LaserDisc in 1987), and the International Cut (117 minutes), also known as the "Criterion Edition" or "uncut version", which included more violent action scenes than the U.S. version. Although initially unavailable in the U.S. and distributed in Europe and Asia via theatrical and local Warner Home Video releases, the International Cut was later released on VHS and The Criterion Collection Laserdisc in North America, and re-released in 1992 as a "10th Anniversary Edition".
Ridley Scott's Director's Cut (1992, 116 minutes) had significant changes from the theatrical version including the removal of Deckard's voice-over, the re-insertion of the unicorn sequence, and the removal of the studio-imposed happy ending. Scott provided extensive notes and consultation to Warner Bros. through film preservationist Michael Arick, who was put in charge of creating the Director's Cut.
It is often falsely claimed that the unicorn sequence was an outtake from Ridley Scott's follow-up film Legend which also features unicorns, but it was in fact shot for Blade Runner as "additional photography" by second unit cinematographer Brian Tufano.
Scott's definitive The Final Cut (2007, 117 minutes) was released by Warner Bros. theatrically on October 5, 2007, and subsequently released on DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray Disc in December 2007. This is the only version over which Scott had complete artistic and editorial control.
Reception
Critical response
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 89% approval rating based on 132 reviews, with an average rating of 8.50/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Misunderstood when it first hit theaters, the influence of Ridley Scott's mysterious, neo-noir Blade Runner has deepened with time. A visually remarkable, achingly human sci-fi masterpiece." Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 84 out of 100 based on 15 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".
Initial reactions among film critics were mixed. Some wrote that the plot took a back seat to the film's special effects and did not fit the studio's marketing as an action and adventure film. Others acclaimed its complexity and predicted it would stand the test of time. Negative criticism in the United States cited its slow pace. Sheila Benson from the Los Angeles Times called it "Blade Crawler", and Pat Berman in The State and Columbia Record described it as "science fiction pornography". Pauline Kael praised Blade Runner as worthy of a place in film history for its distinctive sci-fi vision, yet criticized the film's lack of development in "human terms". Ares magazine said, "Misunderstood by audiences and critics alike, it is by far the best science fiction film of the year."
Cultural analysis
Academics began analyzing the film almost as soon as it was released. One of the first books on the film was Paul M. Sammon's Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner (1996), which dissects all the details concerning the film making. He was followed by Scott Bukatman's Blade Runner and other books and academic articles. In Postmodern Metanarratives: Blade Runner and Literature in the Age of Image, Décio Torres Cruz analyzes the philosophical and psychological issues and the literary influences in Blade Runner. He examines the film's cyberpunk and dystopic elements by establishing a link between the Biblical, classical and modern traditions and the postmodern aspects in the film's collage of several literary texts.
The boom in home video formats helped establish a growing cult around the film, which scholars have dissected for its dystopic aspects, questions regarding "authentic" humanity, ecofeminist aspects and use of conventions from multiple genres. Popular culture began to reassess its impact as a classic several years after it was released. Roger Ebert praised the visuals of both the original and the Director's Cut and recommended it for that reason; however, he found the human story clichéd and a little thin. He later added The Final Cut to his "Great Movies" list. Critic Chris Rodley and Janet Maslin theorized that Blade Runner changed cinematic and cultural discourse through its image repertoire and subsequent influence on films. In 2012, Time film critic Richard Corliss surgically analyzed the durability, complexity, screenplay, sets and production dynamics from a personal, three-decade perspective. Denis Villeneuve, who directed the sequel, Blade Runner 2049, cites the film as a huge influence for him and many others.
It has also been noted for its postmodernist approach and that it contributes to the historical development of modern dystopia in film. Furthermore, the futuristic version of Los Angeles has been widely discussed by academics with some comparing it to Milton's descriptions of hell in Paradise Lost. A 2019 retrospective in the BBC argued that elements of the film's socio-political themes remained prescient in the real year of the film's setting, such as its depiction of climate change. From a more philosophical perspective, Alison Landsberg described Scott's direction of the film as a "prosthetic memory"—an action that has never happened and appears to be divorced from lived experience, yet it defines personhood and identity within the wider Blade Runner universe.
Awards and nominations
Blade Runner won or received nominations for the following awards:
Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
1982 | British Society of Cinematographers | Best Cinematography | Jordan Cronenweth | Nominated |
Los Angeles Film Critics Association | Best Cinematography | Won | ||
1983 | British Academy Film Awards | Best Cinematography | Won | |
Best Costume Design | Charles Knode and Michael Kaplan | Won | ||
Best Editing | Terry Rawlings | Nominated | ||
Best Film Music | Vangelis | Nominated | ||
Best Makeup and Hair | Marvin Westmore | Nominated | ||
Best Production Design | Lawrence G. Paull | Won | ||
Best Sound | Peter Pennell, Bud Alper, Graham V. Hartstone, and Gerry Humphreys | Nominated | ||
Best Special Visual Effects | Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich, and David Dryer | Nominated | ||
Hugo Award | Best Dramatic Presentation | Won | ||
London Film Critics' Circle | Special Achievement Award | Lawrence G. Paull, Douglas Trumbull, and Syd Mead | Won | |
Golden Globe Awards | Best Original Score | Vangelis | Nominated | |
Academy Awards | Best Art Direction | Lawrence G. Paull, David Snyder, and Linda DeScenna | Nominated | |
Best Visual Effects | Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich, and David Dryer | Nominated | ||
Saturn Award | Best Director | Ridley Scott | Nominated | |
Best Science Fiction Film | Nominated | |||
Best Special Effects | Douglas Trumbull and Richard Yuricich | Nominated | ||
Best Supporting Actor | Rutger Hauer | Nominated | ||
Fantasporto | International Fantasy Film Award | Ridley Scott | Nominated | |
1993 | Fantasporto | International Fantasy Film Award | Best Film – Ridley Scott (Director's Cut) | Nominated |
1994 | Saturn Award | Best Genre Video Release | Blade Runner (Director's Cut) | Nominated |
2008 | Best DVD Special Edition Release | Blade Runner (5-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition) | Won |
Themes
Main article: Themes in Blade RunnerThe film operates on multiple dramatic and narrative levels. It employs some of the conventions of film noir, among them the character of a femme fatale; narration by the protagonist (in the original release); chiaroscuro cinematography; and giving the hero a questionable moral outlook – extended to include reflections upon the nature of his own humanity. It is a literate science fiction film, thematically enfolding the philosophy of religion and moral implications of human mastery of genetic engineering in the context of classical Greek drama and hubris. It also draws on Biblical images, such as Noah's flood, and literary sources, such as Frankenstein and William Blake. Although Scott said any similarity was merely coincidental, fans claimed that the chess game between Sebastian and Tyrell was based on the famous Immortal Game of 1851.
Blade Runner delves into the effects of technology on the environment and society by reaching to the past, using literature, religious symbolism, classical dramatic themes, and film noir techniques. This tension between past, present, and future is represented in the "retrofitted" future depicted in the film, one which is high-tech and gleaming in places but decayed and outdated elsewhere. In an interview with The Observer in 2002, director Ridley Scott described the film as "extremely dark, both literally and metaphorically, with an oddly masochistic feel". He also said that he "liked the idea of exploring pain" in the wake of his brother's death: "When he was ill, I used to go and visit him in London, and that was really traumatic for me."
A sense of foreboding and paranoia pervades the world of the film: corporate power looms large; the police seem omnipresent; vehicle and warning lights probe into buildings; and the consequences of huge biomedical power over the individual are explored – especially regarding replicants' implanted memories. The film depicts a world post ecocide, where warfare and capitalism have led to destruction of 'normal' ecological systems. Control over the environment is exercised on a vast scale, and goes hand in hand with the absence of any natural life; for example, artificial animals stand in for their extinct predecessors. This oppressive backdrop explains the frequently referenced migration of humans to "off-world" (extraterrestrial) colonies. Eyes are a recurring motif, as are manipulated images, calling into question the nature of reality and our ability to accurately perceive and remember it. The film also consists of themes of Japan as a power, coming amid a time of anti-Japanese sentiment in the United States.
These thematic elements provide an atmosphere of uncertainty for Blade Runner's central theme of examining humanity. In order to discover replicants, an empathy test is used, with a number of its questions focused on the treatment of animals – seemingly an essential indicator of one's "humanity". Replicants will not respond the same way humans would, showing a lack of concern. The film goes so far as to question if Deckard might be a replicant, in the process asking the audience to re-evaluate what it means to be human.
The question of whether Deckard is intended to be a human or a replicant has been an ongoing controversy since the film's release. Both Michael Deeley and Harrison Ford wanted Deckard to be human, while Hampton Fancher preferred ambiguity. Ridley Scott has stated that in his vision, Deckard is a replicant. Deckard's unicorn-dream sequence, inserted into Scott's Director's Cut and concomitant with Gaff's parting gift of an origami unicorn, is seen by many as showing that Deckard is a replicant – because Gaff could have retrieved Deckard's implanted memories. The interpretation that Deckard is a replicant is challenged by others who believe the unicorn imagery shows that the characters, whether human or replicant, share the same dreams and recognize their affinity, or that the absence of a decisive answer is crucial to the film's main theme. The film's inherent ambiguity and uncertainty, as well as its textual richness, have permitted multiple interpretations.
Legacy
Cultural impact
See also: Tears in rain monologueWhile not initially a success with North American audiences, Blade Runner was popular internationally and garnered a cult following. The film's dark style and futuristic designs have served as a benchmark and its influence can be seen in many subsequent science fiction films, video games, anime, and television programs. Its influence has also extended beyond the science fiction genre, especially in the creation of cinematic worlds. For example, Denis Villeneuve, Christopher Nolan, Guillermo del Toro, Gareth Edwards, Rian Johnson, Ronald D. Moore and David Eick have all cited it as an influence. Nolan notes that he has seen Blade Runner "literally hundreds of times", while del Toro describes it as "one of those cinematic drugs, that when I first saw it, I never saw the world the same way again."
The film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1993 and is frequently taught in university courses. In 2007, it was named the second-most visually influential film of all time by the Visual Effects Society. The film has also been the subject of parody, such as the comics Blade Bummer by Crazy comics, Bad Rubber by Steve Gallacci, and the Red Dwarf 2009 three-part miniseries "Back to Earth". The anime series Psycho-Pass by Production I.G was also highly influenced by the film.
Blade Runner continues to reflect modern trends and concerns, and an increasing number of critics consider it one of the greatest science fiction films of all time. It was voted the best science fiction film ever made in a 2004 poll of 60 eminent world scientists. Blade Runner is also cited as an important influence to both the style and story of the Ghost in the Shell franchise, which itself has been highly influential to the future-noir genre. Blade Runner has been very influential to the cyberpunk movement. It also influenced the cyberpunk derivative biopunk, which revolves around biotechnology and genetic engineering. The film is also considered to be one of the early examples of the tech noir subgenre.
The dialogue and music in Blade Runner has been sampled in music more than any other film of the 20th century. The 2009 album I, Human by Singaporean band Deus Ex Machina makes numerous references to the genetic engineering and cloning themes from the film, and even features a track titled "Replicant".
Blade Runner is cited as a major influence on Warren Spector, designer of the video game Deus Ex, which displays evidence of the film's influence in both its visual rendering and plot. Indeed, the film's look – and in particular its overall darkness, preponderance of neon lights and opaque visuals – are easier to render than complicated backdrops, making it a popular reference point for video game designers. It has influenced adventure games such as the 2012 graphical text adventure Cypher, Rise of the Dragon, Snatcher, the Tex Murphy series, Beneath a Steel Sky, Flashback: The Quest for Identity, Bubblegum Crisis video games (and their original anime), the role-playing game Shadowrun, the first-person shooter Perfect Dark, the shooter game Skyhammer, and the Syndicate series of video games.
The logos of Atari, Bell, Coca-Cola, Cuisinart, Pan Am, and RCA, all market leaders at the time, were prominently displayed as product placement in the film, and all experienced setbacks after the film's release, leading to suggestions of a Blade Runner curse. Coca-Cola and Cuisinart recovered, and Tsingtao beer was also featured in the film and was more successful after the film than before.
The design of Tesla's Cybertruck was inspired by the film. Prior to its release Elon Musk promised that it would "look like something out of Blade Runner". Besides referring to the truck as the "Blade Runner Truck", Musk chose to debut the truck in order to coincide with the film's setting of November 2019. The film's art designer Syd Mead praised the truck and said he was "flattered" by the homage to Blade Runner.
Media recognition
Year | Presenter | Title | Rank | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|
2001 | The Village Voice | 100 Best Films of the 20th Century | 94 | |
2002 | Online Film Critics Society (OFCS) | Top 100 Sci-fi Films of the Past 100 Years | 2 | |
Sight & Sound | Sight & Sound Top Ten Poll 2002 | 45 | ||
50 Klassiker, Film | — | |||
2003 | 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die | |||
Entertainment Weekly | The Top 50 Cult Movies | 9 | ||
2004 | The Guardian, scientists | Top 10 Sci-fi Films of All Time | 1 | |
2005 | Total Film's editors | 100 Greatest Movies of All Time | 47 | |
Time magazine's critics | "All-Time 100" Movies | — | ||
2008 | New Scientist | All-time favorite science fiction film (readers and staff) | 1 | |
Empire | The 500 Greatest Movies of All Time | 20 | ||
2010 | Total Film | 100 Greatest Movies of All Time | — | |
2012 | Sight & Sound | Sight & Sound 2012 critics top 250 films | 69 | |
Sight & Sound | Sight & Sound 2012 directors top 100 films | 67 | ||
2017 | Empire | The 100 Greatest Movies Of All Time | 13 | |
2022 | IGN | Top 25 Sci-Fi Movies of All Time | 2 | |
2022 | Sight & Sound | Sight & Sound 2022 critics top 100 films | 54 |
American Film Institute recognition
- AFI's 100 Years...100 Thrills – No. 74
- AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition) – No. 97
- AFI's 10 Top 10 – No. 6 Science Fiction Film
In other media
Before filming began, Cinefantastique magazine commissioned Paul M. Sammon to write a special issue about Blade Runner's production which became the book Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner. The book chronicles Blade Runner's evolution, focusing on film-set politics, especially the British director's experiences with his first American film crew; of which producer Alan Ladd, Jr. has said, "Harrison wouldn't speak to Ridley and Ridley wouldn't speak to Harrison. By the end of the shoot Ford was 'ready to kill Ridley', said one colleague. He really would have taken him on if he hadn't been talked out of it." Future Noir has short cast biographies and quotations about their experiences as well as photographs of the film's production and preliminary sketches. A second edition of Future Noir was published in 2007, and additional materials not in either print edition have been published online.
Philip K. Dick refused a $400,000 offer to write a Blade Runner novelization, saying: " told the cheapo novelization would have to appeal to the twelve-year-old audience" and it "would have probably been disastrous to me artistically". He added, "That insistence on my part of bringing out the original novel and not doing the novelization – they were just furious. They finally recognized that there was a legitimate reason for reissuing the novel, even though it cost them money. It was a victory not just of contractual obligations but of theoretical principles." Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? was eventually reprinted as a tie-in, with the film poster as a cover and the original title in parentheses below the Blade Runner title. Additionally, a novelization of the movie entitled Blade Runner: A Story of the Future by Les Martin was released in 1982. Archie Goodwin scripted the comic book adaptation, A Marvel Comics Super Special: Blade Runner, published in September 1982, which was illustrated by Al Williamson, Carlos Garzon, Dan Green, and Ralph Reese, and lettered by Ed King.
Blue Dolphin Enterprises published the film's screenplay combined with selected production storyboards as The Illustrated Blade Runner (June 1982); a book of original production artwork by Syd Mead, Mentor Huebner, Charles Knode, Michael Kaplan, and Ridley Scott as Blade Runner Sketchbook (1982); and The Blade Runner Portfolio (1982), a collection of twelve photographic prints, similar to the artist portfolios released by their Schanes & Schanes imprint.
There are two video games based on the film, both titled Blade Runner: one from 1985, a side-scrolling video game for Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC by CRL Group PLC, which is marked as "a video game interpretation of the film score by Vangelis" rather than of the film itself (due to licensing issues); and another from 1997, a point-and-click adventure for PC by Westwood Studios. The 1997 game has a non-linear plot based in the Blade Runner world, non-player characters that each ran in their own independent AI, and an unusual pseudo-3D engine (which eschewed polygonal solids in favor of voxel elements) that did not require the use of a 3D accelerator card to play the game. Eldon Tyrell, Gaff, Leon, Rachael, Chew, J. F. Sebastian and Howie Lee appear, and their voice files are recorded by the original actors, with the exception of Gaff, who is replaced by Javier Grajeda (as Victor Gardell) and Howie Lee, who is replaced by Toru Nagai. The player assumes the role of McCoy, another replicant-hunter working at the same time as Deckard.
The television film (and later series) Total Recall 2070 was initially planned as a spin-off of the film Total Recall (based on Philip K. Dick's short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale"), but was produced as a hybrid of Total Recall and Blade Runner. Many similarities between Total Recall 2070 and Blade Runner were noted, as well as apparent influences on the show from Isaac Asimov's The Caves of Steel and the TV series Holmes & Yoyo.
Documentaries
The film has been the subject of several documentaries.
- Blade Runner: Convention Reel (1982, 13 minutes)
- Co-directed by Muffet Kaufman and Jeffrey B. Walker, shot and screened in 16 mm, featured no narrator, was filmed in 1981 while Blade Runner was still in production and featured short "behind-the-scenes" segments showing sets being built and sequences being shot, as well as interviews with Ridley Scott, Syd Mead and Douglas Trumbull. Appears on the Blade Runner Ultimate Collector's Edition.
- On the Edge of Blade Runner (2000, 55 minutes)
- Directed by Andrew Abbott and hosted/written by Mark Kermode. Interviews with production staff, including Scott, give details of the creative process and the turmoil during pre-production. Insights into Philip K. Dick and the origins of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? are provided by Paul M. Sammon and Hampton Fancher.
- Future Shocks (2003, 27 minutes)
- Directed by TVOntario. It includes interviews with executive producer Bud Yorkin, Syd Mead, and the cast, and commentary by science fiction author Robert J. Sawyer and from film critics.
- Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner (2007, 213 minutes)
- Directed and produced by Charles de Lauzirika for The Final Cut version of the film. Its source material comprises more than 80 interviews, including extensive conversations with Ford, Young, and Scott. The documentary is presented in eight chapters, with each of the first seven covering a portion of the filmmaking process. The final chapter examines Blade Runner's controversial legacy.
- All Our Variant Futures: From Workprint to Final Cut (2007, 29 minutes)
- Produced by Paul Prischman, appears on the Blade Runner Ultimate Collector's Edition and provides an overview of the film's multiple versions and their origins, as well as detailing the seven-year-long restoration, enhancement and remastering process behind The Final Cut.
- Blade Runner Phenomenon (2021, 53 minutes)
- Directed by Boris Hars-Tschachotin and made by the France and Germany European public service channel ARTE, this documentary informs viewers using behind-the-scenes material from various sets, photos, original locations in Los Angeles, and interviews with those involved in the production.
Sequel and related media
Main article: Blade Runner (franchise)A sequel was released in 2017, titled Blade Runner 2049, with Ryan Gosling alongside Ford in the starring roles. It entered production in mid-2016 and is set decades after the first film. Harrison Ford reprised his role as Rick Deckard. The film won two Academy Awards, for cinematography and visual effects.
The world of Blade Runner has also come to be explored in animation. Blade Runner 2049 was preceded by the release of three short films that served as prequels, where the chronological first, Blade Runner Black Out 2022, was anime (the other two, 2036: Nexus Dawn and 2048: Nowhere to Run, were live action, not animated).
In November 2021, a Japanese-American anime television series called Blade Runner: Black Lotus was released. The series tells the story of a female replicant protagonist, rather than that of a male Blade Runner one.
Dick's friend K. W. Jeter wrote three authorized 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 (1995), Blade Runner 3: Replicant Night (1996), and Blade Runner 4: Eye and Talon (2000).
Blade Runner co-writer David Peoples wrote the 1998 action film Soldier, which he referred to as a "sidequel" or spiritual successor to the original film; the two are set in a shared universe. A bonus feature on the Blu-ray for Prometheus, the 2012 film by Scott set in the Alien universe, states that Eldon Tyrell, CEO of the Blade Runner Tyrell Corporation, was the mentor of Guy Pearce's character Peter Weyland.
In late 2022, Amazon announced a Blade Runner 2049 sequel series would be produced. On October 12, 2022, an apparent official approval to actually make a Blade Runner 2099 TV series was reported.
See also
- Arcology
- Biorobotics
- List of adaptations of works by Philip K. Dick
- List of cult films
- List of dystopian films
- List of fictional robots and androids
- Synthetic biology
Notes
- Sebastian's death was never shot because of concerns over too much violence in the film.
- Some editions of Nourse's novel use the two-word spacing Blade Runner, as does the Burroughs book.
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Bibliography
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External links
- Official website
- Blade Runner at IMDb
- Blade Runner at Metacritic
- Blade Runner at Box Office Mojo
- Blade Runner at Rotten Tomatoes
- Blade Runner at the TCM Movie Database
- Blade Runner at the AFI Catalog of Feature Films
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Based on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968) by Philip K. Dick | |
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Ridley Scott | |
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Categories:
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