Blade Runner

Ridley Scott has designed a beautiful universe for his science fiction magnum opus, Blade Runner. In fact, it's the strongest aspect of this picture. The production design was immaculate! A crowded, overpopulated, dark, grim, neon, chaotic, multicultural and futuristic Dystopia! However, one can't help but feel that the grouping of these myriad elements were just thrown in there for a fusion. Do any of these carry real meaning or necessity to the plot? No.

The same can be said about Vangelis' score! Euphoric stuff! It pretty much established the film's nervous system, transmitting energetic, sonic and electrical impulses to the viewers! But, certain portions of the feature which displayed background music with multiple ethnic flavors did not have specific purposes either.

A few humanoids named Replicants who pose threat are on the loose, and the burden falls on Deckard (Harrison Ford), a Blade Runner to hunt them down. Seriously, what an interesting premise! Too bad, many elements concerning the screenwriting didn't facilitate in providing us with an equally promising movie.

Major issue would be pacing. The screenplay was slow, and the reason why one would feel that way would be because of the lack of tension, conflict and thrills. Their presence were sprinkled far apart, therefore the 2-hour runtime wasn't able to contain and tighten those. Our main character didn't go through much struggle in extracting the information he required. Whatever he needed, was easily taken or given to him. Villains on the other side, who can be killed with one gunshot weren't imposing either. Where were the struggles, conflicts, tensions and thrills?

None of these characters were more than just 2-dimensional cardboards, which barred us from latching onto them in this journey. We learnt nothing about their personal facets, how are we supposed to like or care for them? The final duel could have simply ended in few minutes since nothing was built from the start. Instead, what we got was weird howling and name-calling which didn’t entice one bone!

The only absorbing part of the motion picture would be the character of Rachael (Sean Young). Although there weren't any concrete emotional justifications as to why she fell in love with the protagonist or vice versa, the potential for this conflict was strong. A man who retires humanoids is interested in one, and when the time comes, he has to gun her down as well. Again, interesting idea with a below average execution. Rachael's in constant dilemma and disbelief that her memories were implanted and that she wasn't human. Despite extra story procession after the climax, the open-ended solution to the feature was a nice touch.

Speaking of things happening without reasons or justifications, no one knew what's the motivation behind J.F. Sebastian (William Sanderson) helping the two humanoids. Interactions between them were really awkward. Also, there wasn't a solid basis as to why Deckard has to tie with this mission compulsorily. Things just happen, you see!

Another factor that contributed to the pacing problem would be the arrangement of main plot and subplot. The screenwriters did a poor job balancing both these tracks, failing to find creative ways in interlacing, thus preventing one narrative to completely disappear for a long time once the other appears.

Furthermore, running text backstory and dumping hell load of expositions by sitting opposite a computer were the laziest things these screenwriters could have done! Leon (Brion James) attacking Deckard on the street was artificially processed. If there are any positives left to dig from here, it would be Deckard's investigation of the photograph by zooming it in and out plus Pris (Daryl Hannah) disguising as a frozen robot. Engaging to an extent, you could say.