Friday, April 22, 2016

EDITORIAL: My Thoughts on Blade Runner 2


I'd known Blade Runner 2 was happening for a while before I finally actually SAW the original Blade Runner. I'd known that I was a big deal, but honestly, it wasn't until I saw the original that it really dawned on me: Blade Runner 2 is ACTUALLY happening. It's got a director, it's got a cast, and it's about to start filming in July. As someone who's just recently become familiar with how much of a sci-fi masterpiece Blade Runner is, it's pretty surreal, and I'm beginning to come to terms with it, and I thought, to cap off my other coverage on this movie, I'd give my thoughts on the project as it's looking so far. Like I mentioned before, the production really seems like it's happening, finally emerging from development hell after several years of ideas being kicked around. Originally, Ridley Scott was working with his brother, Tony Scott, on a prequel before Tony Scott's untimely death. Christopher Nolan was even sought after at one point to direct (I'd have LOVED to have seen that, though I'm not sure how good it would've actually been), so the project has changed a lot over the years. But what do I think of the project as it stands?



Honestly, I see the potential for something great. Comebacks like this are always tricky. You could either end up with a Mad Max: Fury Road, a sequel that stands as it's own grand epic all on its own, and you can also end up with a Star Wars Episode I. As it stands, I think this has the potential to end up more like a Creed or a Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Sequels that don't exactly reach the same heights the original does, but has something to offer on its own, and that all comes from the team behind it. In the director's chair, they have Denis Villeneuve, whose movies I haven't actually seen, but have heard nothing but critical praise for. Sicario is a movie that I'm still kicking myself about that I missed last year, and I'm excited to see if he can do a cyberpunk noir, especially since he's bringing his Sicario cinematographer, Oscar nominated Roger Deakins, with him.. Meanwhile, original Blade Runner writer, Hampton Fancher, is returning to pen the script, the story of which has been approved and overseen by Ridley Scott himself, who's an executive producer on the project. The pedigree is there, it's all about if they stick the landing.

Starring in this sequel is Ryan Gosling, who will be joining fellow newcomers, Dave Bautista and Robin Wright. Oddly enough, the one of those I'm most excited for is actually Dave Bautista, and I hope he ends up cast as a replicant. Bautista's been appearing in more and more movies lately, and I think this movie, and the character he could play, could give him an opportunity to really start expanding himself as an actor. I don't want to compare Dave Bautista to Rutger Hauer, especially at this point, but a Roy Batty-esque character might just be what Dave Bautista needs for his career. The part of this cast that worries me is actually returning star, Harrison Ford. As of now, we don't know to what extent he's going to be in the movie, but what I worry about is the movie answering that crucial question that's kept people talking for years: is Deckard a replicant? The way I see it, the joy in that question is the debate, and answering it in the sequel would, in a lot of ways, defeat the purpose of the question. It's a question that represents many of the questions of humanity and identity in Blade Runner, so I think that the filmmakers should take care not to give us too many hints about that.

Consider me cautiously optimistic for Blade Runner 2. Part of my was also a bit cautious because of its release date, January of 2018. January is usually considered a dumping ground for movies, but that concern actually just recently disappeared. Just the other day, word came that the movie has been pushed up to a far more suitable release date of October 6th, 2017, meaning we're just about a year-and-a-half away from the return to cyberpunk L.A., which is definitely exciting. October feels like a more appropriate location for it (certainly more rainy, and there's a LOT of rain in Blade Runner). I await the next installment with bated breath. Until then, we'll just have the original in its many cuts to tide us over.

What do you guys think? Are you excited about the prospect of a sequel to Blade Runner? Do you want them to leave it alone? What do you think about Harrison Ford coming back? Let me know in the comments below, and thanks for reading.

2 comments:

  1. If its a remake of the same story I don't see it. A prequel explaining Roy Batty eascape. The movie is a masterpiece. Filmed in excellent dark light, well acted, great story line. Mess with a masterpiece and you may come out looking like a bad copy. Prequel or Post would be ok. What about a different story associated with Blade Running. A parallel case With a a cameo of a washed up ex Blade Runner like Decker.

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    1. I believe they've already confirmed that it takes place after the original. Like maybe 20 years after the original or something.

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