this review was saved by ian vehemently denying ridley's unicorn assertion of replicant deckard. the story works more as human deckard falling for replicant rachel vs replicant on replicant love story. also ian makes a great case of how unicorns can even exist considering it is a mytical creature and how would tyrell get ahold of one to implant it?
*I think the reason Roy saved Deckard's life was because Roy knew that he would be dead in a few minutes, and he didn't want to die alone, he was clinging to every bit of life he could, which is why he held the bird, and why he saved Deckard. He didn't want to die alone, and he also realized how precious ALL life was in his last moments and he wanted to do one good dead in his life, to feel like a good and kind person....a REAL person. It's so saddening.*
you've just summed up my thoughts exactly, roy saving deckard was proof that replicants were people too, they can feel just as much as us, I cried so hard seeing roy die.. he really is a tragic character, a freedom fighter that merely wanted to exist.. 💔
My take on "The Deckard Question": It doesn't matter whether he is or isn't - it matters that you ask the question. What makes a human? Whether we are flesh and blood? Doesn't matter, because the replicants clearly bleed and die. Our memories? But they can be created and manipulated. Our emotions? Yet the replicants' lifespans are stunted to stop them gaining feelings and empathy. So what else? Our reactions? Whether we kill people or save them? Deckard kills, yet Roy Batty saves him. My own interpreation is that Deckard is human. I can list a dozen reasons why, but any of them can be argued against. The most satisfying, for me, is it's far more important that Batty saves a human, not just another replicant. He saves someone he has every reason to let die - someone who looks down on him, who tried to kill him, and who caused the deaths of everyone he cared about. Maybe from an awakening empathy. Maybe from pity. Maybe just to let some of his experiences live on in Deckard's memories. Just to stop them being lost in time. Like tears... in rain.
Maybe the main point is that, what makes someone human is how you feel, and how you live, and how you value your experiences, and not exactly how you come to be able to experience them, and both replicants and humans can be as humane or cold as possibly can
Thanks guys! The Final Cut of Blade Runner is one of my absolute favourite movies and I think in some ways the sequel was even better, and Deckard is *NOT* a replicant.
@@ruhurtin4squrtin34 you should give it another try on the biggest screen TV you can find. If the story and action and acting doesn’t work for you it’s still a gorgeously shot film.
@@captaincrunch7126 and i know cinematography.. it 's not gorgeous 200m in for derivative orange screen shots. lol. i watch 1982version if i watch gorgeously shot film.
Scott added all of the android crap in. Fancher who wrote the script said he is human, he is human in the book. Ford said he is human. Scott changed all of this from the original film. This is why Villineuve left it open in the second one. It kills the film making him a replicant and it makes no sense.
Jay Jay but his eyes shined gold in the original theatrical version in his apartment when he leans forward to talk to Rachel. Ridley directed it in such a way that deckard is just out of focus so it’s not obvious so How do you explain that if Ridley never intended to hint to us that he was a replicant?
Even the source novel's writer Philip K Dick is fine with the fact that the movie chose to make Deckard a replicant rather than human, he's quoted to say that the ways the movie differs from his novel is itself a stroke of genius ... And uhh .. Ridley Scott is THE DIRECTOR, dear dumbo estupido wishful people ! The movie, like most other movies, is the director's vision ... its the director's story to tell, the director has the final say artistically, NOT the script writer, NOT the lead actor, NOT the source novel's writer ! If you do not want Deckard to be a replicant, go make a different movie yourself, or just use a software to edit out the unicorn dream/origami scenes, edit out all the red eye glare, edit out Deckard's ancestral photos on his piano ... yes dear, those old ancestral photos on his piano are planted by his human manipulator to convince him that he is a human with human ancestors, its just like what they did with Rachel, to give her a photo of "her mom" .. to make her believe that she has human parents that she is a human. You'll have to ignore so many painstakingly shot visual symbolisms that the great director planted in the movie to poetically sprinkle clues throughout the movie that Deckard may be replicant, if you can't appreciate the poetic sophistication of his way of conveying such a existential truth, personally I think you are not a very tasteful person ...
I think Roy saved Deckard to show Deckard that he is not just what everyone has made him out to be. He is not some soul-less monster. And to also finally show him that what Deckard just went through by being chased, being hunted, hanging from that roof and knowing that his death is near, fearing for his life, is how the replicants and Roy have been living their entire lives. And it was people like Deckard (Blade Runners) who were the ones doing it. It re-enforces the growing empathy that he has been feeling toward the replicants ever since he first meets Rachael. At the start of the movie, he thinks they are just soul-less machines, then he meets her. He tried to be coarse with her and put her in her place as a replicant, but he softens. She makes him see that replicants are more than just machines. He feels remorse when he kills Zhora. Then Roy saving him really brings that to the forefront. He realizes that he is in love with Rachael and rushes home to take her away. I think Deckard has to be human since it raises the question about what it means to actually be human. Deckard would absolutely have killed Roy had he gotten the chance, but despite all that Roy saved him. Rachael has no real memories of her own, but since she doesn't know that they are implants, they are real to her. As Pris says, "I think, therefor I am". It begs the question of, if the memories and experiences we all consider to be ours aren't real, would we ever even know?
Deckard is a human in Blade Runner. Ridley Scott wanted him to be a replicant, but both the script and the way Harrison Ford played him makes him a human.
When I first saw Blade Runner's theatrical ending on VHS - I always thought Gaff left the unicorn to symbolise how unique or mythical Rachael was meant to be, given that her lifespan was open ended (so a one-off) and that he knew she was inside. You could read the unicorn either way.
I actually think that the sequel beautifully handles the question of Deckard. Either as a replicant or a human, all that matters is his love, implanted or not, for Rachel. In that way, it’s the theme of the whole story. The intangibility of the human spirit!
It was not intended Decker was a replicant when the film was made - script writer Hampton Fancher said Decker was human and Ford said that was agreed upon while filming; Ridley Scott then tried to change it retroactivly. I share Ian's view, thus. Also to me (not trying to convince anyone else on this) the focal point of the story is that a human - indeed of the least expected kind, a terminator of these "machines" - can learn to empathise with and even love androids. This acceptance would lose its significance was Decker an android too, as no ethical progress would follow as a result of the events. Indeed, Decker's physichal inferiority aside, what marks an android is the absence of empathy, and I do believe empathy furthermore is required for actual love, so Decker can't be artifical. A possible counter theory theme could be that Decker is an android who do learn empathy, thus erasing the divide between man and replicant (for the audience alone, that already has android sympaties, to "learn"); but I do not detect any argument for that work-around solution in the film, even in Scott's final version (that I still much prefer).
Oh please ...... Ridley Scott had always wanted to suggest Deckard to be a replicant from the very beginning during the original production of the movie, do some research please ..... If you bother to watch the various making of documentaries of the movie, you will see the producers, editor, script writers, actors etc all talking about how Scott had shot the unicorn day dream and unicorn origami scenes but was forced to remove those scenes for the theatrical release by the financiers as they were afraid the audience may not understand its significance.... Also, the difference in viewpoint over Deckard's identity is one of the reasons why Harrison Ford had conflicts with Ridley Scott .... Scott had wanted to lean towards suggesting that Deckard is a replicant with the unicorn daydream/origami connection while Ford wanted Deckard's identity to be more amiguous ..... The producers are also shown talking about shooting the unicorn scene during the original production .... its not an afterthought my friend. Its a false rumour, a myth that the unicorn scenes are borrowed from a later movie Legend, go watch the making of documentaries yourself if you don't believe me ....
Personally, i think Scott gave us a convenient lie saying Deckard is a replicant. I don't think he had that idea in his mind when the movie was made. The unicorn was probably just a metaphore for the love between Deckard and Rachel. Why would they create a replicant Bladerunner so weak, also there is absolutely no "sign" other than the unicorn dream that he is a replicant. No way Scott would have not given us at least another hint. At the time the movie came out nobody left the cinema asking themselves if Deckard was human or not. But, it's only my opinion...
One of the reasons why Riddley Scott's films age so well is his way of using lighting and shades of darkness to camouflage the artificiality of the scenery and special effects. He does this perfectly with Alien as well!
I believe Deckard was human - notice how he gets his arse absolutely handed to him every time he tries to go up against a replicant - if he was a replicant like K in 2049 he would be able to go toe to toe with them - but he doesnt - plus i believe the whole unicorn dream is some kind of LAPD brainwashing - like an assassin’s activation switch - and Gaff leaving the origami unicorn there was more of just his calling card - letting him know he knows about Deckard and Rachel - Gaff folds the unicorn because he has the same image in his mind. Best line in the movie: ‘I’m not in the business…i AM the business.’
18:08 I think Ridley Scott is on record saying the reflection in the replicant's eyes is a device to tell the audience who a replicant is, in-universe they wouldn't see that artifact.
+Off The Shelf Reviews YES YES YES!!! Been waiting for this, immediate thumbs up!! Gary’s closing argument was perfect! 55:57 - 57:24 I’m team Iain on the whole Decker is a replicant argument. Totally NOT a replicant!
I mean, the point in PKD's story is the question, what does it mean to be human? Deckard's character is supposed to go either way - replicant or human. Even in the book the MC questions that. Whether he's human or not, he still relates to the other replicants that he kills and feels regret over it. He doesn't want to be doing what he's doing. That doesn't mean he's a replicant, and it doesn't mean he's a human. Does Deckard have humanity? And is his humanity less than that of the replicants he's killing. Those are the questions the film is trying to ask, I think, and that's why viewers should never get a definitive answer over Deckard's identity. Is he human? Well, by the end of the film, he's human enough.
I've seen things you people wouldn't believe Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser Gate All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain Time to die..
Great video lads. To elevate the story-line, Deckard must be human, he is a burned out case who rediscovers his humanity through a transgressive love affair with Rachel a replicant.
Grandmastergav86 No it was not. It was filmed in LA studios and on various locations around LA. The Shaw connection is that they were one of the producers.
If Deckard is human, Roy saves his life knowing that if he'd let Deckard die, there would be nothing left of Roy when he died. By saving Deckard he manages to live on through Deckard by that one act of compassion.
Replicants haven't always had shorter lifespans that was implemented because when they got older they would sometimes. Rebel. Deckerd is obviously an older model and has a normal human-like lifespan.
Just discovered your channel... You guys really do an amazing & terrific job at reviewing and analyzing films! Definitely one of the best channels for film reviews I've came across, they are tough to find with most of the time crappy reviews and very poor film choices. I love the grounds you guys cover, from big Hollywood productions to more underground unknown movies. Fantastic work guys, you got a new follower :)
Shout out to everyone involved in producing this. Remember, let the ads play all the way through to show the boys support and help them give us this quality content.
In the book there is a device that allows humans to choose their mood and overall feeling. Everybody seems to use it, including Deckard. This brings humans even closer to androids. If you can set and preset how you feel at will, how human are you?
I would never put too much stock in what Ridley Scott might say. Film directors when asked what their films mean often give answers designed to wind up journalists or cause controversy because that's a good way of getting engagement. They may just be joking, or may have just said whatever popped into their head at that moment. Treat their answers like you would a politician's - I.e. with several grains of salt.
This is one of the best debates about Deckard I've ever seen or heard; thank you! The sole drawback that only one of you can be, and is, utterly correct on the topic.
Speaking of the Leon/Holden scene, Holden must be double tough, because even as he’s shot and sent through the wall, you can look close and see he’s pulled his blaster before he’s shot a second time.
Dang, rewatching that scene, both Holden bad Leon are leaning into each other, making me think that if Holden had ben a bit quicker, that he might have got the drop on Leon first.
Great review guys. Agree with both Ian and Gary on different aspects. Gary makes a good point about arguing what's in the movie rather than arguing what's in a viewers head..... which is a 100% fantastic point. It's a waste of time and everything else to argue against what comes from someone's head and no place else. Sure, watching a movie might help put something in your head..... but it's only in your head. And the movie didn't put it there. You did. I've seen things you people would believe...
I was quite proud of my 13 year old son when we saw Blade Runner 2049 at the cinema, as it has similar pacing to the original - and he really enjoyed it :) But his fave movie is Scott Pilgrim vs the World so he has different tastes than many his age. The themes are echoed in both movies; Tyrell says, "More human THAN human" and it's true that the replicants seem to have more humanity than most of the humans that otherwise populate the world. Immense potential coupled with a child-like wonder at the world and the nature of existence - no wonder the humans are so frightened of them.
Roy saves Deckhard to show him he is not just a machine, he has a soul and is capable of empathy. His soul is symbolised as the dove that leaves him when he dies and lets go of it. Roy also wanted Deckhard to experience living in fear like the replicants do and give him something to think about before continuing his murderous job as a blade runner.
Bladerunner is one of the greatest things committed to celluloid. But there is one glaring hole in the plot. Why would the void comp test be necessary if the Bladerunners had mug shots of the escaped replicants? Which they do. If I'm missing something please set me straight. Fantastic review. Thanks!
I guess the most logical answer to this is that Scott just wanted to open the movie with the Void-Kampff test to immediately show whats going on. Realistically it of course would have made more semse for the police to just send the mugshots to Tyrell corp. And then they can check every employee. So no in-universe explanation i guess, but that really doesn't bother me.
Yes, the Void-Kampff test is a thoroughly entertaining way of setting things up. As a writer of fiction by trade myself, I would have added a single line of dialogue about the replicants hacking a database and erasing their images. It’s plausible to imagine they wouldn’t bother keeping hard copies prior to an escape. Just. I do wonder if they simply overlooked this inconsistency. The woods for the trees and all that.
The way I see it, whether he is human or a replicant is a moot point now. The sequel makes him human. End of story. It makes me thing of the Luke/Leia romance scenes in Episode 4. Once episode 5 states them as brother and sister, that's set in stone. People who shipped them can't just avoid the canon.
53:00 I think what's cool about this movie is you can choose in what to believe. Deckard can be an android, or human, both versions make sense ( the cut without a unicorn which shows him as a human for sure, and the one with those scens which are not clearly saying he's not human, but makes both you and Deckard doubt and think). It's a pitty Ridley defends so much the option he's an android, it takes some magic from the movie.
Deckard is not a replicant. Anybody (including producers) who says he is is just intentionally creating post-production confusion to keep people talking. Because why. Why would he be? Replicants serve specific roles, and they know it, and they know their existential limitations. That's kind of a central premise to the plot, that's why they came back to Earth. And Rachel was a special exception, in that she didn't know she was a replicant, and that's what makes her character unique. So now we are supposed to think that Deckard, who is a fairly ordinary BR, is actually also one of those few replicants who doesn't know? Because... reasons? Nah.
The fact that when we first meet Deckard he is an _ex_ Blade Runner is what tells me he's not a replicant, cos he retired without being _'retired'_ . They seem to be slaves, sent off to fight wars, service the troops / colonists, except for Rachel, but her purpose seems to be to serve Tyrell. Why would someone make a slave Deckard and then allow him to just walk off the job when he got sick of it? Deckard as a hard drinking ex cop makes sense. he has a distate for the job he did so he left. Replicants are never given that option.
I had the same experience with BladeRunner watched it as a kid and didn't get it, but when I rewatched it years after, it was totally another movie, indeed one of the best scifi movies ever.
Thank you both, for your unique perspectives and how dynamic they are, it is refreshing to see such a brilliant point/counterpoint argument for both opinions about this masterwork of cinema. Cheers!
Recently I was lucky enough to see this movie on a big screen for the first time. I had shivers donw my spine, and tears in my eyes so many times. What an expierience! Amazing movie.
I love the theatrical cut just hate the ending with them getting away. I'd prefer a version with the monologues and an ending that cuts like the director's cut/final cut.
I am not putting forth an opinion about Deckard, but I do feel that even the creator of art is not necessarily the final judge as to what art means. Even though Scott had a vision for the film, it does not mean that it is the best vision. Case in point: George Lucas.
Deckard's eyes also gleam when he's giving Rachel the test. I think there WAS a Deckard, but he died and was replaced with a Replicant version. That would explain his 'retirement'. I also get why Gary is disregarding the sequel. He's focusing on the information provided solely in this film. That's something reviewers tend to ignore, referencing info provided in sequels during a video about a movie that had no sequels at the time.
Thank you for another GREAT review, guys! To be honest... first time watching Blade Runner... I had the same reaction... "This is boring!" ;D And YES!!!! I also noticed that monitor with the same visuals from the Nostromo... When this review started, I was wondering if you would've noticed that too... Well DUH... Alien fans notice that, of course... Sorry, how could I've doubted you? ;)
If you want to see the Bradbury Building in good light, watch Jack Nicholson in WOLF (1994). The office scenes are filmed there. It's clean and bright and a total shock once you realise what they had to do to it for Blade Runner.
I love this movie. I never thought of Eldon Tyrell was a "bad guy". I watched this film at the cinema a few weeks ago and the love scene got a laugh from the audience, especially when the saxophone started playing. Edward James Olmos is great in this film. The sequel, for me was unnecessary and dull. Thnx guys. Roy saves Dekard to show him that he is very much human.
This discussion about Deckard is an android or not is almost the same as "Han shot first". George Lucas later added this stupid CGI effect making it looks like Han shot after when it's quite obvious in the original he shot first. Same with Riddley later hinting that Deckard might be a skinjob. I believe Deckard is human too. Since he is physical weaker than all the other androids he fights.
+elguitarTom Don't be stupid, those unicorn scenes are NOT taken from Legend, how can they take anything from Legend when it has not even begun production ! Ridley Scott had always wanted the unicorn dream/origami twist ending FROM THE VERY BEGINING during the original production of BR !! Go watch all the making of documentaries and the written articles if you do not believe. There are interviews with production crews talking about how they shot the unicorn dream DURING BLADE RUNNER"S ORIGINAL PRODUCTION SCHEDULE. They also talk about how the financiers of the movie could not understand why the unicorn scene was in the movie and instructed the editor to remove it and they refused to allow those scenes to be re-inserted back into the movie for the theatrical release because they are worried the audience will not get it and so they dumbed down the movie to a simpler typical cop and robber formula and even hired another new script writer to add in the silly smarty-alecky voice over to explain everything according to their own demands.
This is one of those films, that when you're younger, you basically don't get. Well, maybe somebody does, but I didn't ;) Other film, that I thought was a totally boring film when I first saw it, was The Shining. When I have watched these films at a later age, they totally hit home to me. Awesome, awesome films... And I loved the "new" Bladerunner too!
the unicorn symbolizes the finding of love in a crappy world, and the perfect woman for decker. something that most will never find in this world of the future.
Deckard had to have worked his way up the ladder in the LAPD to become a detective...that would take many years and would have a "history" with the LAPD. In the lore, there is nothing to show that Tyrell corp are "replacing" humans with replicants, SOOOOO, it doesn't make sense that Deckard is a replicant.
The eye glow was more for the audience rather in universe as the VK would be useless as a replicat detection tool as then all you would have to do is look for eyeshine
Tyrell: "I have invented the most sophisticated robot yet seen. What shall we call it?" Marketing: "How about the most EVIL-sounding name we can think of? That'll help alienate them from real humans forever." Tyrell: "Replicant it is".
31:00 Remember that Deckard makes her say "put your hands on me". He literally tells her "consent or we don't go further". I think this scene is really misunderstood. Their weird and "off" behavior is because they are confused, especially her. Do you realize that she doesn't even know if this would be the first time for her because what she thinks are memories of previous lovers could be implants?
You guys are the British Siskel & Ebert, only more entertaining. Loved the heated discussion about Deckard, and I found myself agreeing with you both: Scott said he was a droid, Ford said he wasn't, and with all the different versions available, every viewer has to make up their own mind.
“E.T.” definitely overshadowed this movie. I remember going to the theater to watch “E.T.” as a kid. I saw plenty of advertisements and promotions for “E.T.”, but I don’t remember hearing or seeing anything about “Bladerunner”. As a kid, I was probably too enamored with the former movie. lol Actually, I didn’t even realize that these two movies came out around the same time, until it was mentioned in this review. smh Also, I didn’t watch “Bladerunner” until I was an adult. That was after constantly hearing , about how it’s such an amazing movie. Anyway, excellent review you two! 👍
Yeah why would you build a android hunter , that get his ass handed to him by every android he meets , makes no sense that he would be replicant . My version is the 1 h 57 min long , with narrative from Harrison Ford , its what was shown here . Later they have shown the version without the narrative , did not feel like a Blade Runner to me
The last 10 mins is golden on the arguing of either harrison ford is a replicant or not. XD
Definitely my favorite part of this one
this review was saved by ian vehemently denying ridley's unicorn
assertion of replicant deckard. the story works more as human deckard
falling for replicant rachel vs replicant on replicant love story. also
ian makes a great case of how unicorns can even exist considering it is
a mytical creature and how would tyrell get ahold of one to implant it?
*I think the reason Roy saved Deckard's life was because Roy knew that he would be dead in a few minutes, and he didn't want to die alone, he was clinging to every bit of life he could, which is why he held the bird, and why he saved Deckard. He didn't want to die alone, and he also realized how precious ALL life was in his last moments and he wanted to do one good dead in his life, to feel like a good and kind person....a REAL person. It's so saddening.*
you've just summed up my thoughts exactly, roy saving deckard was proof that replicants were people too, they can feel just as much as us, I cried so hard seeing roy die.. he really is a tragic character, a freedom fighter that merely wanted to exist.. 💔
My take on "The Deckard Question": It doesn't matter whether he is or isn't - it matters that you ask the question. What makes a human? Whether we are flesh and blood? Doesn't matter, because the replicants clearly bleed and die. Our memories? But they can be created and manipulated. Our emotions? Yet the replicants' lifespans are stunted to stop them gaining feelings and empathy. So what else? Our reactions? Whether we kill people or save them? Deckard kills, yet Roy Batty saves him.
My own interpreation is that Deckard is human. I can list a dozen reasons why, but any of them can be argued against. The most satisfying, for me, is it's far more important that Batty saves a human, not just another replicant. He saves someone he has every reason to let die - someone who looks down on him, who tried to kill him, and who caused the deaths of everyone he cared about. Maybe from an awakening empathy. Maybe from pity. Maybe just to let some of his experiences live on in Deckard's memories.
Just to stop them being lost in time. Like tears... in rain.
*Gary definitely liked this.*
He isn't a replicant.
The question about Deckard's humanity or lack thereof is far more interesting that the answer would be
again, cue ridley scott...
Maybe the main point is that, what makes someone human is how you feel, and how you live, and how you value your experiences, and not exactly how you come to be able to experience them, and both replicants and humans can be as humane or cold as possibly can
The PURGE Computer screen is not from the NARCISSUS in ALIEN, but when the NOSTROMO detaches from the refinery.
The idea of Deckard being a Replicant kinda ruins the ending for me cuz Roy going out of his way to save him means WAY more if he's saving a human.
The unicorn is a symbol for Rachael. She's a rare nigh-mythical, metal creature.
Gary, Deckard is NOT a replicant. The unicorn shot was from "Legend". They just added it to keep you guessing.
Thanks guys! The Final Cut of Blade Runner is one of my absolute favourite movies and I think in some ways the sequel was even better, and Deckard is *NOT* a replicant.
cue Ridley Scott again.....
2049 sucks ass and it proves deckard is a replicant.
Andre Isis Niether of those statements are true.
@@ruhurtin4squrtin34 you should give it another try on the biggest screen TV you can find. If the story and action and acting doesn’t work for you it’s still a gorgeously shot film.
@@captaincrunch7126
and i know cinematography.. it 's not gorgeous 200m in for derivative orange screen shots. lol. i watch 1982version if i watch gorgeously shot film.
Scott added all of the android crap in. Fancher who wrote the script said he is human, he is human in the book. Ford said he is human. Scott changed all of this from the original film. This is why Villineuve left it open in the second one. It kills the film making him a replicant and it makes no sense.
Jay Jay but his eyes shined gold in the original theatrical version in his apartment when he leans forward to talk to Rachel. Ridley directed it in such a way that deckard is just out of focus so it’s not obvious so How do you explain that if Ridley never intended to hint to us that he was a replicant?
@@thebossman80s Scott added all of this in Charly.
@NADS IQ
It doesn't, but okay then.
kevin striker: it does. cuz how does a human survive in nuclear wasteland for 30yrs on whiskey?
Even the source novel's writer Philip K Dick is fine with the fact that the movie chose to make Deckard a replicant rather than human, he's quoted to say that the ways the movie differs from his novel is itself a stroke of genius ...
And uhh .. Ridley Scott is THE DIRECTOR, dear dumbo estupido wishful people !
The movie, like most other movies, is the director's vision ... its the director's story to tell, the director has the final say artistically, NOT the script writer, NOT the lead actor, NOT the source novel's writer !
If you do not want Deckard to be a replicant, go make a different movie yourself, or just use a software to edit out the unicorn dream/origami scenes, edit out all the red eye glare, edit out Deckard's ancestral photos on his piano ... yes dear, those old ancestral photos on his piano are planted by his human manipulator to convince him that he is a human with human ancestors, its just like what they did with Rachel, to give her a photo of "her mom" .. to make her believe that she has human parents that she is a human.
You'll have to ignore so many painstakingly shot visual symbolisms that the great director planted in the movie to poetically sprinkle clues throughout the movie that Deckard may be replicant, if you can't appreciate the poetic sophistication of his way of conveying such a existential truth, personally I think you are not a very tasteful person ...
I think Roy saved Deckard to show Deckard that he is not just what everyone has made him out to be. He is not some soul-less monster. And to also finally show him that what Deckard just went through by being chased, being hunted, hanging from that roof and knowing that his death is near, fearing for his life, is how the replicants and Roy have been living their entire lives. And it was people like Deckard (Blade Runners) who were the ones doing it. It re-enforces the growing empathy that he has been feeling toward the replicants ever since he first meets Rachael.
At the start of the movie, he thinks they are just soul-less machines, then he meets her. He tried to be coarse with her and put her in her place as a replicant, but he softens. She makes him see that replicants are more than just machines. He feels remorse when he kills Zhora. Then Roy saving him really brings that to the forefront. He realizes that he is in love with Rachael and rushes home to take her away.
I think Deckard has to be human since it raises the question about what it means to actually be human. Deckard would absolutely have killed Roy had he gotten the chance, but despite all that Roy saved him. Rachael has no real memories of her own, but since she doesn't know that they are implants, they are real to her. As Pris says, "I think, therefor I am". It begs the question of, if the memories and experiences we all consider to be ours aren't real, would we ever even know?
The soundtrack is amazing.
The soundtrack is the best,from Vangelis whit the at that time new super analog Yamaha CS80 synt :)
@@kentxx12 RIP Vangelis, man.
Seeing these two discussion different views of a movie is what makes this channel so great.
From one Gary to another
your knowing looks into camera when Iain goes off on one
had me in stitches
Deckard is a human in Blade Runner. Ridley Scott wanted him to be a replicant, but both the script and the way Harrison Ford played him makes him a human.
A thinking man's film..was great watching this in the theatre back in the day...R.I.P Brion James and Rutger Hauer.
When I first saw Blade Runner's theatrical ending on VHS - I always thought Gaff left the unicorn to symbolise how unique or mythical Rachael was meant to be, given that her lifespan was open ended (so a one-off) and that he knew she was inside.
You could read the unicorn either way.
I actually think that the sequel beautifully handles the question of Deckard. Either as a replicant or a human, all that matters is his love, implanted or not, for Rachel.
In that way, it’s the theme of the whole story. The intangibility of the human spirit!
2049 is a poS FAILURE. THX VILLEQUEER
It was not intended Decker was a replicant when the film was made - script writer Hampton Fancher said Decker was human and Ford said that was agreed upon while filming; Ridley Scott then tried to change it retroactivly. I share Ian's view, thus.
Also to me (not trying to convince anyone else on this) the focal point of the story is that a human - indeed of the least expected kind, a terminator of these "machines" - can learn to empathise with and even love androids. This acceptance would lose its significance was Decker an android too, as no ethical progress would follow as a result of the events.
Indeed, Decker's physichal inferiority aside, what marks an android is the absence of empathy, and I do believe empathy furthermore is required for actual love, so Decker can't be artifical. A possible counter theory theme could be that Decker is an android who do learn empathy, thus erasing the divide between man and replicant (for the audience alone, that already has android sympaties, to "learn"); but I do not detect any argument for that work-around solution in the film, even in Scott's final version (that I still much prefer).
Oh please ...... Ridley Scott had always wanted to suggest Deckard to be a replicant from the very beginning during the original production of the movie, do some research please .....
If you bother to watch the various making of documentaries of the movie, you will see the producers, editor, script writers, actors etc all talking about how Scott had shot the unicorn day dream and unicorn origami scenes but was forced to remove those scenes for the theatrical release by the financiers as they were afraid the audience may not understand its significance....
Also, the difference in viewpoint over Deckard's identity is one of the reasons why Harrison Ford had conflicts with Ridley Scott .... Scott had wanted to lean towards suggesting that Deckard is a replicant with the unicorn daydream/origami connection while Ford wanted Deckard's identity to be more amiguous .....
The producers are also shown talking about shooting the unicorn scene during the original production .... its not an afterthought my friend.
Its a false rumour, a myth that the unicorn scenes are borrowed from a later movie Legend, go watch the making of documentaries yourself if you don't believe me ....
Personally, i think Scott gave us a convenient lie saying Deckard is a replicant. I don't think he had that idea in his mind when the movie was made. The unicorn was probably just a metaphore for the love between Deckard and Rachel. Why would they create a replicant Bladerunner so weak, also there is absolutely no "sign" other than the unicorn dream that he is a replicant. No way Scott would have not given us at least another hint. At the time the movie came out nobody left the cinema asking themselves if Deckard was human or not. But, it's only my opinion...
One of the reasons why Riddley Scott's films age so well is his way of using lighting and shades of darkness to camouflage the artificiality of the scenery and special effects. He does this perfectly with Alien as well!
Personally I think Vangelis' score and the sound design are the high points of the film.
I believe Deckard was human - notice how he gets his arse absolutely handed to him every time he tries to go up against a replicant - if he was a replicant like K in 2049 he would be able to go toe to toe with them - but he doesnt - plus i believe the whole unicorn dream is some kind of LAPD brainwashing - like an assassin’s activation switch - and Gaff leaving the origami unicorn there was more of just his calling card - letting him know he knows about Deckard and Rachel - Gaff folds the unicorn because he has the same image in his mind.
Best line in the movie:
‘I’m not in the business…i AM the business.’
Seminal, in every way, shape and form. A breathtaking piece of art!!!👏🏾👌🏽👍🏾
18:08 I think Ridley Scott is on record saying the reflection in the replicant's eyes is a device to tell the audience who a replicant is, in-universe they wouldn't see that artifact.
Cheers guys this is amazing! Absolutely love this! 😁👊👍
+Off The Shelf Reviews YES YES YES!!! Been waiting for this, immediate thumbs up!!
Gary’s closing argument was perfect! 55:57 - 57:24
I’m team Iain on the whole Decker is a replicant argument. Totally NOT a replicant!
I mean, the point in PKD's story is the question, what does it mean to be human? Deckard's character is supposed to go either way - replicant or human. Even in the book the MC questions that. Whether he's human or not, he still relates to the other replicants that he kills and feels regret over it. He doesn't want to be doing what he's doing. That doesn't mean he's a replicant, and it doesn't mean he's a human. Does Deckard have humanity? And is his humanity less than that of the replicants he's killing. Those are the questions the film is trying to ask, I think, and that's why viewers should never get a definitive answer over Deckard's identity. Is he human? Well, by the end of the film, he's human enough.
I've seen things you people wouldn't believe
Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion
I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser Gate
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain
Time to die..
Great video lads. To elevate the story-line, Deckard must be human, he is a burned out case who rediscovers his humanity through a transgressive love affair with Rachel a replicant.
My favorite film of all time and absolutely love the sequel
The sequel was amazing. Best film of 2017.
100 percent agree
Ian just changed my mind after years of embracing Scott's view 😄😄😄 the last 10 mins discussion is epic
I have seen reviews on this film you wouldn't believe
There's a reason why the police station looked like a train station. That's because it was.
Deckard is human in Bladerunner.
Some of Blade Runner was filmed on the studio sets of the legendary Shaw Brothers in Hong Kong.
Grandmastergav86
No it was not. It was filmed in LA studios and on various locations around LA.
The Shaw connection is that they were one of the producers.
Absolutely love your review of this classic sci fi film, it’s a cinematic gem and will always be one of my favourite films of all time.
If Deckard is human, Roy saves his life knowing that if he'd let Deckard die, there would be nothing left of Roy when he died. By saving Deckard he manages to live on through Deckard by that one act of compassion.
I'm with Iain on the replicant argument. I always felt that Deckard being a replicant ruins the feeling of the movie.
Replicants haven't always had shorter lifespans that was implemented because when they got older they would sometimes. Rebel. Deckerd is obviously an older model and has a normal human-like lifespan.
Just discovered your channel... You guys really do an amazing & terrific job at reviewing and analyzing films! Definitely one of the best channels for film reviews I've came across, they are tough to find with most of the time crappy reviews and very poor film choices. I love the grounds you guys cover, from big Hollywood productions to more underground unknown movies. Fantastic work guys, you got a new follower :)
I´m asking for years now: when will we get a "death machine" review? Please?
I remember that although it was entertainingly terrible.
@@MrLorenzovanmatterho well, it´s a B-Movie.
its crazy how good this movie looks in hd.
Stepped it up big time on this one bros.
Shout out to everyone involved in producing this. Remember, let the ads play all the way through to show the boys support and help them give us this quality content.
In the book there is a device that allows humans to choose their mood and overall feeling. Everybody seems to use it, including Deckard. This brings humans even closer to androids. If you can set and preset how you feel at will, how human are you?
And Deckard had a wife, Iran.
I would never put too much stock in what Ridley Scott might say. Film directors when asked what their films mean often give answers designed to wind up journalists or cause controversy because that's a good way of getting engagement. They may just be joking, or may have just said whatever popped into their head at that moment. Treat their answers like you would a politician's - I.e. with several grains of salt.
This is one of the best debates about Deckard I've ever seen or heard; thank you! The sole drawback that only one of you can be, and is, utterly correct on the topic.
I still think The Hitcher is Rutger Hauer's best villain role
Speaking of the Leon/Holden scene, Holden must be double tough, because even as he’s shot and sent through the wall, you can look close and see he’s pulled his blaster before he’s shot a second time.
Possibly he was wearing body armour? Plus future medicine was probably able to revive him.
Dang, rewatching that scene, both Holden bad Leon are leaning into each other, making me think that if Holden had ben a bit quicker, that he might have got the drop on Leon first.
Great review guys. Agree with both Ian and Gary on different aspects. Gary makes a good point about arguing what's in the movie rather than arguing what's in a viewers head..... which is a 100% fantastic point. It's a waste of time and everything else to argue against what comes from someone's head and no place else. Sure, watching a movie might help put something in your head..... but it's only in your head. And the movie didn't put it there. You did.
I've seen things you people would believe...
I was quite proud of my 13 year old son when we saw Blade Runner 2049 at the cinema, as it has similar pacing to the original - and he really enjoyed it :)
But his fave movie is Scott Pilgrim vs the World so he has different tastes than many his age.
The themes are echoed in both movies; Tyrell says, "More human THAN human" and it's true that the replicants seem to have more humanity than most of the humans that otherwise populate the world. Immense potential coupled with a child-like wonder at the world and the nature of existence - no wonder the humans are so frightened of them.
Roy saves Deckhard to show him he is not just a machine, he has a soul and is capable of empathy. His soul is symbolised as the dove that leaves him when he dies and lets go of it. Roy also wanted Deckhard to experience living in fear like the replicants do and give him something to think about before continuing his murderous job as a blade runner.
Bladerunner is one of the greatest things committed to celluloid. But there is one glaring hole in the plot. Why would the void comp test be necessary if the Bladerunners had mug shots of the escaped replicants? Which they do. If I'm missing something please set me straight. Fantastic review. Thanks!
I guess the most logical answer to this is that Scott just wanted to open the movie with the Void-Kampff test to immediately show whats going on.
Realistically it of course would have made more semse for the police to just send the mugshots to Tyrell corp. And then they can check every employee. So no in-universe explanation i guess, but that really doesn't bother me.
Yes, the Void-Kampff test is a thoroughly entertaining way of setting things up. As a writer of fiction by trade myself, I would have added a single line of dialogue about the replicants hacking a database and erasing their images. It’s plausible to imagine they wouldn’t bother keeping hard copies prior to an escape. Just. I do wonder if they simply overlooked this inconsistency. The woods for the trees and all that.
The way I see it, whether he is human or a replicant is a moot point now. The sequel makes him human. End of story. It makes me thing of the Luke/Leia romance scenes in Episode 4. Once episode 5 states them as brother and sister, that's set in stone. People who shipped them can't just avoid the canon.
He is human.
R.I.P Rutger 😢🌹 your iconic moment on screen won't be lost in time like tears in the rain
Review the new one! It might not be as groundbreaking but it's certainly a fantastic film.
Alien, Terminator, Aliens, Blade Runner. I'm sure that was around 95 on ITV (Sponsored by Liletts) Saturday night movie
Yeah I remember watching all on ITV in the early/mid nineties. Especially Terminator 2
And dont forget the fantastic music in this movie by Vangelis that plays on the legendary Yamaha CS-80 synth.
53:00 I think what's cool about this movie is you can choose in what to believe.
Deckard can be an android, or human, both versions make sense ( the cut without a unicorn which shows him as a human for sure, and the one with those scens which are not clearly saying he's not human, but makes both you and Deckard doubt and think).
It's a pitty Ridley defends so much the option he's an android, it takes some magic from the movie.
Deckard is not a replicant. Anybody (including producers) who says he is is just intentionally creating post-production confusion to keep people talking.
Because why. Why would he be? Replicants serve specific roles, and they know it, and they know their existential limitations. That's kind of a central premise to the plot, that's why they came back to Earth. And Rachel was a special exception, in that she didn't know she was a replicant, and that's what makes her character unique.
So now we are supposed to think that Deckard, who is a fairly ordinary BR, is actually also one of those few replicants who doesn't know? Because... reasons?
Nah.
The fact that when we first meet Deckard he is an _ex_ Blade Runner is what tells me he's not a replicant, cos he retired without being _'retired'_ .
They seem to be slaves, sent off to fight wars, service the troops / colonists, except for Rachel, but her purpose seems to be to serve Tyrell. Why would someone make a slave Deckard and then allow him to just walk off the job when he got sick of it?
Deckard as a hard drinking ex cop makes sense. he has a distate for the job he did so he left. Replicants are never given that option.
I had the same experience with BladeRunner watched it as a kid and didn't get it, but when I rewatched it years after, it was totally another movie, indeed one of the best scifi movies ever.
I really, really wish I could erase this film from my mind, just to experience it all again for the first time.
Never Seen this Movie .
Thank you both, for your unique perspectives and how dynamic they are, it is refreshing to see such a brilliant point/counterpoint argument for both opinions about this masterwork of cinema. Cheers!
I rented 3 films regularly in the early 80's Blade Runner, Empire Strikes Back and Rocky III
Hello all. Deckard is a Replicant.
Recently I was lucky enough to see this movie on a big screen for the first time.
I had shivers donw my spine, and tears in my eyes so many times.
What an expierience!
Amazing movie.
I immediately recognized Tyrell as Lloyd the Bartender
It was so ahead of its time looking at futuristic LA of the film noir of the 40s LA to LA of the 80s together
Ultimately it doesn't matter if Deckard is a replicant. This movie was my first exploration into what is really human.
Great review. Blade Runner is one of my all time favourite sci-fi film along side T2.
I love the theatrical cut just hate the ending with them getting away. I'd prefer a version with the monologues and an ending that cuts like the director's cut/final cut.
Totally on board with Iain on this. So much to the point that when I hear someone say Deckard is a replicant I lose interest in the film
I am not putting forth an opinion about Deckard, but I do feel that even the creator of art is not necessarily the final judge as to what art means. Even though Scott had a vision for the film, it does not mean that it is the best vision. Case in point: George Lucas.
Deckard's eyes also gleam when he's giving Rachel the test. I think there WAS a Deckard, but he died and was replaced with a Replicant version. That would explain his 'retirement'.
I also get why Gary is disregarding the sequel. He's focusing on the information provided solely in this film. That's something reviewers tend to ignore, referencing info provided in sequels during a video about a movie that had no sequels at the time.
Thank you for another GREAT review, guys!
To be honest... first time watching Blade Runner... I had the same reaction... "This is boring!" ;D
And YES!!!! I also noticed that monitor with the same visuals from the Nostromo...
When this review started, I was wondering if you would've noticed that too... Well DUH... Alien fans notice that, of course...
Sorry, how could I've doubted you? ;)
If you want to see the Bradbury Building in good light, watch Jack Nicholson in WOLF (1994). The office scenes are filmed there. It's clean and bright and a total shock once you realise what they had to do to it for Blade Runner.
50:24! Why would they put a unicorn in his mind, Gary!? Then 51:45 and I fell off my chair.
I love this movie. I never thought of Eldon Tyrell was a "bad guy". I watched this film at the cinema a few weeks ago and the love scene got a laugh from the audience, especially when the saxophone started playing. Edward James Olmos is great in this film. The sequel, for me was unnecessary and dull. Thnx guys. Roy saves Dekard to show him that he is very much human.
Enjoyed you 2 guys putting your own different viewpoints on this classic.
I'll never warm to the narrative, but the visuals & that Vangelis score are utterly engrossing every time.
This discussion about Deckard is an android or not is almost the same as "Han shot first".
George Lucas later added this stupid CGI effect making it looks like Han shot after when it's quite obvious in the original he shot first.
Same with Riddley later hinting that Deckard might be a skinjob.
I believe Deckard is human too. Since he is physical weaker than all the other androids he fights.
makes it more interesting that a human fall for a replicant. vs replicant on replicant 2049 thesis.
+elguitarTom
Don't be stupid, those unicorn scenes are NOT taken from Legend, how can they take anything from Legend when it has not even begun production ! Ridley Scott had always wanted the unicorn dream/origami twist ending FROM THE VERY BEGINING during the original production of BR !!
Go watch all the making of documentaries and the written articles if you do not believe. There are interviews with production crews talking about how they shot the unicorn dream DURING BLADE RUNNER"S ORIGINAL PRODUCTION SCHEDULE. They also talk about how the financiers of the movie could not understand why the unicorn scene was in the movie and instructed the editor to remove it and they refused to allow those scenes to be re-inserted back into the movie for the theatrical release because they are worried the audience will not get it and so they dumbed down the movie to a simpler typical cop and robber formula and even hired another new script writer to add in the silly smarty-alecky voice over to explain everything according to their own demands.
Still my favorite Ridley Scott movie.
Just imagine asking what comes out this month and someone telling you Blade Runner and The Thing.
How about reviewing either of the two Dredd films that have been released? Would love to see your take on the Stallone one.
Everyone grab your tinfoil Unicorn hats
Finally! Thanks for doing one of my all time favorite movies. Saw this in the theater as a kid and was instantly entranced.
Great work, I have the origami unicorn tattooed on my arm
This is one of those films, that when you're younger, you basically don't get.
Well, maybe somebody does, but I didn't ;)
Other film, that I thought was a totally boring film when I first saw it, was The Shining.
When I have watched these films at a later age, they totally hit home to me. Awesome, awesome films...
And I loved the "new" Bladerunner too!
the unicorn symbolizes the finding of love in a crappy world,
and the perfect woman for decker.
something that most will never find in this world of the future.
Deckard is a human!
Guillermo del Toro said it best about this film: "it is pure cinema"
Deckard had to have worked his way up the ladder in the LAPD to become a detective...that would take many years and would have a "history" with the LAPD. In the lore, there is nothing to show that Tyrell corp are "replacing" humans with replicants, SOOOOO, it doesn't make sense that Deckard is a replicant.
The eye glow was more for the audience rather in universe as the VK would be useless as a replicat detection tool as then all you would have to do is look for eyeshine
Tyrell: "I have invented the most sophisticated robot yet seen. What shall we call it?"
Marketing: "How about the most EVIL-sounding name we can think of? That'll help alienate them from real humans forever."
Tyrell: "Replicant it is".
31:00 Remember that Deckard makes her say "put your hands on me". He literally tells her "consent or we don't go further". I think this scene is really misunderstood. Their weird and "off" behavior is because they are confused, especially her. Do you realize that she doesn't even know if this would be the first time for her because what she thinks are memories of previous lovers could be implants?
You guys are the British Siskel & Ebert, only more entertaining. Loved the heated discussion about Deckard, and I found myself agreeing with you both: Scott said he was a droid, Ford said he wasn't, and with all the different versions available, every viewer has to make up their own mind.
“E.T.” definitely overshadowed this movie. I remember going to the theater to watch “E.T.” as a kid. I saw plenty of advertisements and promotions for “E.T.”, but I don’t remember hearing or seeing anything about “Bladerunner”. As a kid, I was probably too enamored with the former movie. lol Actually, I didn’t even realize that these two movies came out around the same time, until it was mentioned in this review. smh Also, I didn’t watch “Bladerunner” until I was an adult. That was after constantly hearing , about how it’s such an amazing movie. Anyway, excellent review you two! 👍
Been looking forward to you guys reviewing this and it was worth the wait OTSR 👊👊
Once again , great job boys !
Great review guys as always.. Heavy Metal 1981 next please?
Hell yes 👌
I never understood the whole Deckard is a Replicant thing? He's too human.
Yeah why would you build a android hunter , that get his ass handed to him by every android he meets , makes no sense that he would be replicant .
My version is the 1 h 57 min long , with narrative from Harrison Ford , its what was shown here .
Later they have shown the version without the narrative , did not feel like a Blade Runner to me