Film/TV

Curtains Up on Blade Runner 2049

A true sci-fi masterpiece.

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Blade Runner 2049 is the rare sequel that is better then the original.  I’ll be honest in saying I’m no fan of Ridley Scott’s 1982 science fiction film noir. I know there are scores of film fans who say it’s one of greatest films of all time but I am not one of them. On a technical level, it is superb, but that is where it ends for me.  It had too many characters, a convoluted plot, studio tampering and it seemed to be only interested in style then story. But for some reason I feel that this new film, directed by Montreal’s Denis Villeneuve, enhances the Ridley Scott film. He seems to have found the balance between artistry and storytelling that eluded Scott.

It is 2049 and replicants, bioengineered humans, are integrated into society. LAPD Agent K, a replicant (Ryan Gosling), is a “blade runner” whose job is to hunt down rogue older models.  After a routine job, he makes a discovery that leads him down a mysterious rabbit hole that involves his own manufactured memories and the possibility of a “miracle” among replicants. Delving into the plot will release most of its twisty intricacies that Villeneuve weaves with the technique of a true master filmmaker.

This film is impressive on all levels. Villeneuve and his team have crafted a beautiful looking film, from the score to the production design to the lighting. My God, the lighting by Roger Deakins is the stuff film classes will be looking at 25 years from now. It is stunning. The visual effects are worthy of attention since they are flawless.

Ryan Gosling continues his winning streak. His agent K is basically an souped up android who wants to feel what it’s like to be human. He plays house with a hologram girlfriend, played by Ana De Armas. Harrison Ford reprises his role of Deckard from the original film and does some of his best work since the 1980’s.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets an oscar nomination for this. 

See this on the big screen. This isn’t a film to stream or catch on Netflix. This is one of the best films of the year.

 

 

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