In the summer of 1982 it was released Blade Runner. And it seemed to have everything going for it to become an instant blockbuster. Although it was not highly favored by revenue or by critics, the film became an icon. Especially in terms of theme and style.
Sci-fi movies were all the rage. The success of Star Wars, along with other titles such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind y Alien: the eighth passenger, they gave realism. It was (and still is) a genre that needs verisimilitude in order to convince viewers.
Harrinson Ford, the protagonist, was the star of the moment. After jumping to the world stage as Han Solo, his definitive consecration would come in 1981 with Indiana Jones.
The plot of the film was based on an original short story by Philip K. Dick, famous science fiction writer.
Your director, Ridley Scott, it was also in fashion. In 1977 he had just won the award for Best First Film at the Cannes Film Festival. And in 1979, with Alien, had already marked a milestone in the history of cinema.
However, the movie didn't work.
What "failed" in Blade Runner?
Critics at the time were divided on the quality of the film. Although they praised his impeccable staging and his visual proposal, they questioned the slow pace of the narrative.
It also failed to attract the public. Many ended up disappointed with a plot in which existentialist and philosophical debates carried more weight than action.
It also contributed to the initial failure of Blade Runner another sci-fi tape: ET the alien. Steven Spielberg's famous movie had been released just two weeks earlier and no one wanted to hear about replicants.
From fiasco to cult movie
Despite the initial disappointment, the prestige of the film grew little by little. Still in the first half of the 1980s, it would become a notable success in the home video segment. Almost 15 years after its release, it remained as one of the most sought after titles in video clubs. The progression was so great that in 1995 it was selected as one of the films that would inaugurate the DVD era.
On the other hand, its philosophical complexity would lead it to be part of academic debates on humanity. The role of technology and the future of life on earth are other topics that are still part of the discussion today.
He went on to integrate the study program of universities, schools of Arts and Cinema. The neatness of photography (despite the fact that most of the story takes place at night, in a dark city and in perpetual rain) is one of the most revised aspects. So is his script, an exquisite combination of science fiction with film noir.
The soundtrack is another point that contributed to solidify the universe of Blade Runner. And this despite the fact that the release of the album with the film's music would be delayed for more than a decade.
It was composed by the Greek musician Vangelis, based on electric synthesizers and using the saxophone as a differentiating element.
A late sequel
La idea of a second part of Blade Runner It has been latent for quite some time. However, it would not be until 2011 that the project was officially launched.
Ridley Scott was called to repeat as director. But the multiple occupations of the British director lengthened the wait another five years. Was busy directing prometehus, late prequel to Alien, another of his classics. He also worked alongside Matt Damon on the laureate Mars (The Martian), among other projects.
To avoid further delays, in 2015 it announced that its work on the new Blade Runner they would be limited to Executive Production.
Canadian Denis Villenueve was hired as director, who in 2016 premiered The arrival, critically acclaimed film.
The second parts are never good?
In 1982 no one could imagine that Blade Runner would have second part. Much less than this continuation (like the original tape itself) would enter the category of work of art.
Most sequels, especially when they occur late, do not usually generate high expectations. But with Blade Runner: 2049, this rule is broken. The first part had left so many questions unanswered that the audience was hungry for more.
Villenueve, together with cinematographer Roger Deakins they don't just replicate the atmosphere of the original tape. Both take the use of lights and shadows, reflections and rain to a higher stage.
While Hans Zimmer, in collaboration with the British pianist and composer Benjamin Wallfisch, transcend what was built by Vangelis. Of course, they are completely faithful to the sounds created at the time by the Greek musician. On Blade Runner: 2049, synthesizers and industrial tones not only accompany the story, they are an integral part of it.
The cast headed by Ryan Gosling is efficient and compact. Dave Bautista, Robin Wright, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hacks and Jared Leto also play their part. AND Harrison Ford achieves with his new start-up as Dick Deckard, to replicate (on a smaller scale), the effect that the return of Han Solo had on the public.
The enthusiasm it has sparked Blade Runner: 2049, has led some voices to affirm that it is the best sequel ever made.
New movie and new questions
In keeping with the lines of the 1982 film, Villenueve's film tries to answer some of the questions that were in the air since then. But it also leaves many others open, so the possibilities and interpretations seem to be endless.
While the box office performance has been below estimates (many blame this throughout the film), there are chances of keep digging into the replicants' dreams and memories. Or at least that's what fans (old and new) expect from this dystopian world.
Image sources: The things that make us happy / Publines