In 1982, the science fiction genre received one of its most enduring entries, Ridley Scott's Blade Runner. Based on Philip K. Dick's, Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?, the film underperformed at the box office, and underwhelmed audiences and critics alike. As time passed, the film gained a huge cult appreciation and is regarded today as one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made.
For nearly 30 years, fans patiently waited for a sequel. When they finally got one, Blade Runner 2049 somehow mirrored the original film's performance in cinemas, once again underwhelming in the financial sense. The movie did receive critical acclaim, but maybe it was a case of waiting too long to pull the trigger and continue the story of the bio-engineered humans known as replicants.
10 The Much Anticipated Return Of Harrison Ford As Deckard
While he may not be Han Solo or Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford's Rick Deckard is a hugely popular character within the science fiction genre. Ford's career never really slowed down, and with him reprising his iconic roles in Indiana Jones & The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull and The Force Awakens, fans were understandably excited at the prospect of a return for replicant hunter Rick Deckard.
Ever the professional, Ford slipped back into the role with ease, and fans were delighted. His co-star Ryan Gosling may not share the same sentiment though after Ford accidentally punched him in the face filming a scene. Fear not, as the duo would share a bottle of scotch afterward. Accidents can happen after all.
9 It Features A Remarkable Score From Hans Zimmer & Benjamin Wallfisch
If viewers have seen a few movies in their time, it's likely they've had the pleasure of listening as a Hans Zimmer score lifts a film from good to great. From The Lion King to The Dark Knight Trilogy, Zimmer's notes have been a presence in blockbuster films for over 30 years. For Blade Runner 2049, he collaborated with British composer Benjamin Wallfisch with excellent results.
Their mesmerizing score modernizes the style from the original film whilst creating something new entirely. The harsh use of the synthesizer adds a sense of despair and loneliness, helping the audience to greater immerse themselves in the futuristic world.
8 Philip K. Dick's Work Is Far More Established Now Than It Was In 1982
Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? provided the basis for the original Blade Runner, and it's that film that is often credited for bringing Philip K. Dick's work into the mainstream. Many films followed based on his work, including Total Recall, Minority Report, A Scanner Darkly, and The Adjustment Bureau.
Sadly Philip K. Dick died four months before the release of the original Blade Runner, but he surely could not have imagined the influence his work would have on cinema. Today, Dick's work is intertwined with the science fiction genre, with adaptations of his work being greenlit with great frequency.
7 Original Director Ridley Scott Was Involved As Executive Producer
The man behind 1982's Blade Runner, Ridley Scott, has no shortage of accolades in his locker, and franchises continuing on without the original director can sometimes yield fantastic results, take James Cameron's sequel to Scott's own Alien as an example. Yet more often than not, when the original visionary behind the creation departs, the series itself can lose its way.
When a Blade Runner sequel was announced, fans were comforted by the fact Scott would be involved in some aspect. The news offered some reassurance that the original was not being disregarded and that the end product would be a faithful, fan-pleasing addition to the Rick Deckard story.
6 The Unwavering Popularity Of The Original
Reboots, remakes, and reimaginings are all the rage these days, with studios leaning heavily on existing franchises to guarantee maximum profits. The fans are already there, ready and waiting so why not give them more of the characters they know and love. Blade Runner is no exception, its popularity has only strengthened over the last 30 years, so reviving the franchise seemed a sure hit.
Though some were skeptical about a new installment after so long, most fans were pleased with Blade Runner 2049, it's just a shame more of them didn't flock to theatres to see it.
5 It Faced Little Competition At The Box Office
2017 was another excellent year for cinema-goers, with the Marvel, DC, and Star Wars franchises all releasing installments and making megabucks in the process. Blade Runner 2049 opened in cinemas in October, cleverly distancing itself from the summer blockbusters. It would be some time before another big-budget movie reached theatres, Marvel's Thor: Ragnarok debuted a few days shy of a month after Blade Runner 2049, leaving Villeneuve's film a generous window to sell tickets.
Blade Runner 2049 grossed $260 million, and when compared with The Last Jedi's take of $620 million, it's clear it wasn't the money-printing machine the studio had hoped for.
4 It Adds An Excellent Cast Of Newcomers To The Franchise
Along with sensational returns for Rick Deckard and Edward James Olmos's Gaff, Blade Runner 2049 added an exciting selection of new characters, played by rising stars like Dave Bautista, Ana De Armas, and Mackenzie Davis. These actors have each seen their stars brighten since Blade Runner 2049, with the film providing something of a lift to their careers.
The film also utilized the talents of Jared Leto, in a role that was originally intended for David Bowie. Bowie sadly passed away before filming began, yet it's easy to see the music man's inspiration in Leto's performance.
3 Ryan Gosling Is A Genuinely Bankable Star
Leading men in Hollywood are rarely in short supply, yet Ryan Gosling has maintained a commanding presence at the top of the A-list over the last ten years. Performances in Drive, Blue Valentine, First Man, and La La Land all earned the Canadian actor praise and helped keep his name in demand. Though an established star and internet darling, Gosling's role in Blade Runner 2049 may have been his biggest role to date.
His trademark distant and emotionally vacant style lent perfectly, transforming him with ease into the character of K, a replicant on the hunt for rogues of his own kind.
2 The Breathtaking Cinematography Of Roger Deakins
If visuals capable of snatching breath from the viewer are what you're after as a moviemaker, cinematographer Roger Deakins is your man. Generally regarded as one of the greatest eyes in the history of film, Deakins's work has been a constant fixture in easy-on-the-eye cinema for decades, and his influence cannot be understated.
The involvement of Roger Deakins results in Blade Runner 2049 being one of the most stunningly shot films of the 2010s. The film won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, Deakins's first win after an eyebrow-raising 14 nominations. He would go on to win again in 2020 for the British war film 1917.
1 It Showcases Denis Villeneuve's Stunning Talent As A Director
Over the past 10 years, Canadian director Denis Villeneuve has built an impressively strong case for the best movie director on the planet. The Hugh Jackman starring Prisoners established Villeneuve as a serious presence in Hollywood, and his work on 2016's Arrival showed he could not only handle the science fiction genre but master it.
It came as no surprise then when Villeneuve commanded Blade Runner 2049 with exceptional precision. He extracted captivating performances from every member of the cast, and delivered a watertight mystery with twists and turns, leaving many to hail his Blade Runner sequel as a sci-fi masterpiece.
0 Comments