(A review by Mehak Wadhwa and Lia Elizabeth Thomas)
Blade Runner 2049 is not your typical sci- fi film. It is slow but deliberately so; cynical yet hopeful, dark yet enlightening, and finally, existential to its very core. From only its first few moments, Blade Runner– the sequel to Ridley Scott’s iconic original neo- noir film released in 1982- immerses you in a riveting visual and intellectual experience, and tells you that it is not going to be a film that communicates its story by the book. It is set in the dystopian world of futuristic Los Angeles- a city that is incessantly dark, grey, and rainy, whose streets are bathed in the glare of neon lights from giant screens on the face of skyscrapers, to blimps blaring out advertising graphics. As one can tell, it’s a society where advanced technology co-exists with societal decay.
As the main character, Ryan Gosling plays Officer K, a replicant assigned to find other members of his type. Gosling’s portrayal is compelling because it captures the inner conflict that arises when a person considers their identity and existence. As Rick Deckard, Harrison Ford returns to the part, returning to the character that made the first Blade Runner so memorable. Gosling and Ford’s interaction creates a fascinating foundation for the movie.
The film really makes you recalibrate your notion about what makes humanity humane. Its premise is such that the replicants seem to be more humane than the “real ones” themselves, a case that is best highlighted through the character of Joi, K’s holographic A.I. girlfriend. Although Joi is designed to be customised for K’s pleasure and is programmed to be submissive, the film devotes a significant part of its runtime to observe her journey to assert her own identity and emotions; she essentially represents the soul of the film, which depicts a future where humans have lost themselves in the sea of technological advancement, while androids precisely know what they want- to be human.
It is clear from the beginning that the visuals are a major component of this movie. Cinematographer Roger Deakins creates a dystopian future with great attention to detail. A cyberpunk mood is created by the neon-drenched cityscapes and holographic screens, emphasizing the contrast between the natural and artificial worlds. Its striking visuals and aesthetic style remained with you long after the end credits roll. From the neon- lit and smog- covered cityscape of Los Angeles, to post- apocalyptic Las Vegas that is deserted and suspended in an orange haze; one can spend the entire 152-minute runtime of the film in a hypnotic dream-like state, completely transported into the film’s futuristic dystopian world.
The film’s cyberpunk themes are reflected in the use of synthesizers and electronic components, which pays homage to Vangelis’ legendary Blade Runner score. Important scenes have a greater emotional impact because the music takes on a life of its own. The directing of Denis Villeneuve is nothing short of extraordinary. The pacing never feels slow, and every scene has a purpose in solving the central mystery of the movie. Blade Runner 2049 succeeds not only as a sequel but as a standalone work of art. It captures the essence of the original while pushing the boundaries of what a sci-fi film can achieve. As a visual and auditory feast for the senses, Blade Runner 2049 is an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Tabeer 