Blade Runner: Where to begin?

[Solo4114]

I think that's dependent on how the movie is set up. Deckard's humanity is not a central "mystery" element of the film. The "Is he/isn't he" dynamic isn't heavily emphasized. It's really only there in the Director's Cut thanks to the unicorn bit. Otherwise? Nobody would think twice about it.

It'd be something else entirely if the film was "about" that question and THEN failed to answer it, or if the film made heavy emphasis of the underlying "mystery" and failed to deliver. I don't get that sense from the film, though. It's more a function of fan speculation after the fact, coupled with Scott's own mucking about with the film.

 

[Carson Dyle]

Deckard's humanity is not a central "mystery" element of the film.

"Mystery" may not be the right word, but the question of Deckard's humanity (or lack thereof) goes to the very heart of the story.

Scott drops numerous hints that Deckard may be a replicant in the theatrical release, even going so far as to include a shot in which Deckard's eyes glow (a la the replicants he's hunting). Later, when Rachel asks Deckard if he's ever used the VK machine on himself, the question is left hanging.

If the "is he or isn't he?" question fails to resonate in the mind of the viewer I respectfully submit it's because the viewer in question is not paying attention.

 

[androidandy]

I do find it ironic that the same guy that decided against the Voice Over because it explained too much, at the same time decided to add something that explained something best left up to the viewer.

Andy

 

[Carson Dyle]

I still think the unicorn thing is ambiguous enough that it can be disregarded if you don't LIKE the notion that Deckard is a replicant.

Oh, please, there's nothing ambiguous about it.

Deckard experiences a fleeting "vision" of a unicorn, only to be "gifted" with a unicorn origami from Gaff shortly thereafter. We have no reason to believe Rachel ever dreamed of unicorns, and we certainly have no reason to believe Rachel's hypothetical unicorn dream prompted Deckard's unicorn vision.

Obviously anything is possible, but I don't care to make so dramatically unfounded a leap of faith simply to justify a dodgy creative call on Scott's part.

 

[Carson Dyle]

I do find it ironic that the same guy that decided against the Voice Over because it explained too much, at the same time decided to add something that explained something best left up to the viewer.

You and me both, pal.

Absolutely mind-boggeling.

The Director's Cut is so good in so many respects, but that ****ing unicorn shot sticks out like a sore, eyeball-gouging thumb.

 

[CessnaDriver]

Deckard as declared replicant is excessivley complicating and creates a great deal of baggage for the story, and in my opinion, plot holes that can only be filled with conspiracy explainations.

It was never meant to go that far pondering so much how to make it fit.


The father/****er line, Yeah that is what we heard in 82, and I guess I am attached to it.
But we already had lines supporting that kind of relationship, "It's not an easy thing to meet your maker."

It adds a moment of dark humor, it served a purpose, brought some laughs in the theater
back then. Batty was angry and this served to remind us.

"father" just comes off too soft and a moment that was oh shi** now is replaced with this warm greeting.

Perhaps the change was to reinforce Batty somewhat as a ****** figure, he was putting a nail through his hand later.


"father" seems a big step down.

 

[CessnaDriver]

You and me both, pal.

Absolutely mind-boggeling.

The Director's Cut is so good in so many respects, but that ****ing unicorn shot sticks out like a sore, eyeball-gouging thumb.

That is a good point.

I don't mind it there as far as story, I don't see it as proof of replicantness.

But yeah, it really is chopped in there.

 

[Larry Young]

When you stand in line in 1982 and buy a ticket, and respond to the film so well that you buy another four or five or ten times tickets again, closed elevator doors and unicorns and alternate tracks without VO might as well be walkie talkies instead of guns and Greedo having a fair chance at defending himself.

If you put down the ink to make the line on the paper, so should the line stay as a testament to the resources and ability you had available at the time. Like John Buscema said: if you draw a telephone and you feel you can do it better, don't go back and redraw it; draw it better the next time.

 

[Carson Dyle]

Yeah, I have no problem in theory with Scott being given an opportunity to finish a masterpiece he was prevented from finishing in the first place. God knows Ford's narration was a dreadfully delivered, unintentionally funny piece of noir cliche; I hated it from the beginning, and I was delighted to see it go.

It's that damned unicorn that busts my balls.

 

[nick daring]

That's what my wife used to call me.

Sushi.

Cold Fish.



Nick

 

[robstyle]

Its "ex wife", memories are implanted remember. Deckard would have these memories that gift him that past to deal with the present. With no failed past and distaste for the job, he may question everything or even enjoy it. That leaves no control over his actions.

 

[nick daring]

Replicants don't have scales!

Nick

 

[mr deckard]

work print version is the best

 

[Nwerke]

You know, that'd be a neat prop to have, wouldn't it? Replica origami chickens, folded to the original pattern. Would be nice if someone could do that.

 

[CessnaDriver]

Here's for the unicorn, takes two pieces and one side is not silvered.

Look at the instructions, where did Gaff find the time!????

How to fold the UNICORN

 

[CTF]

At one point, wasn't someone offering them?

 

[Nwerke]

That rings some vague bell, yeah.

Thanks for the unicorn, CD.

 

[Colin Droidmilk]

Anyone know where the unicorn shot came from? Was it an '82 outtake - did it come from Legend? Or what?

 

[Nwerke]

Yup, Legend.

 

[nick daring]

Nick