Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Lists

No lists yet!

Ratings & comments

full starfull starfull starempty starempty star

BRRRRMMM and fury

I have noted in the past that I find the original Blade Runner worse on every subsequent visit; its unnecessary sequel fares little better. The look and feel has been updated -- directed by Denis Villeneuve, cinematography by Roger Deakins, BRRRRMMMM soundtrack by Hans Zimmer et al recycling leftovers from Inception -- but it crams an hour of material into three hours of Ryan Gosling emotionless in front of bright lights -- at this point a genre until itself.

The film does touch on interesting questions about memory, perception and about artificial life; it's just unfortunate that the plot chooses to leave these concerns in the background. There is nothing of interest in the foreground, just Ryan Gosling mugging for the camera and an aging Harrison Ford wheeled out to remind audiences of past glories.

By far the most interesting character is Niander Wallace (Jared Leto), successor of Tyrell as the image of power, this time a transhumanist who uses floating camera drones in place of eyes. Wallace seeks an improved method of replicant mass-production as a cheaper workforce in order that humanity can colonise the stars; he gives and takes life with impunity.

Again, though, this is largely background noise. The plot provides no cause to believe in and no heroes to root for (such a cause does appear to exist in the background, but supported and executed by unknown characters off-screen); and at least Wallace does have ambitions for glory. The stars are surely a better dream than is offered by the other side.

- Sam - 2017-10-11 22:23:34