First Take Classics: Blade Runner: The Final Cut- do androids dream of electric sheep?

SYNOPSIS:

A blade runner must pursue and try to terminate four replicants who stole a ship in space and have returned to Earth to find their creator.

So, why The Final Cut? Ridley Scott has had various versions of the film issued over the years, but this one is the definitive version in his eyes- so this is what we’re going with. It’s understandably clear why this set the benchmark for science fiction back in 1982, and well over 30 years later, the film still looks and sounds as good.

Scott obviously puts everything he knows into directing the definitive 1 hour 52 minute version of the film (which lacks the ‘happy’ ending that the film’s financiers glued on to the original cinema cut), which is paced really well throughout, and has a certain visual charm thanks to the cinematography from Jordan Cronenweth and the visual effects pioneered by the legendary Douglas Trumbull. The script from Hampton Fancher and David Peoples is also one of those things that gets better with age, adapting Philip K. Dick’s source material with ease, and the score is iconic in itself, with Vangelis providing a very synth based soundtrack that once again stands the test of time.

The performances are just sublime. With a cast including Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer and Daryl Hannah amongst others, the whole cast have well developed characters, and it will be interesting to see how much more we get in the sequel, especially as Ford is coming back to reprise the role of Deckard. The film has really stood in a league of its own since its release, and quite rightly- this is filmmaking in its purest art form. 

THE VERDICT

Science fiction filmmaking at its finest. It’s hard to write about this film without repeating what others have said, but this is a masterclass in how to make a film feel unique and still relevant nearly 30 years later. This is one of those films that everyone must see.

RATING: 5/5