Director: Denis Villeneuve
By Alex Watson
After 30 plus years of questions, doubts, delays, and fears, finally, Blade Runner 2049 comes to our screens. Many doubted its credibility and others simply wanted to believe it was a bad idea. In the hands of Denis Villeneuve, we have been given one of the greatest sequels of all time. Still engrossed in the grimy and neon-soaked world that Ridley Scott delivered- this is a picture that has both heart and brains.
In 2049, LAPD officer KD6-3.7 (Ryan Gosling) is assigned with hunting down the obsolete Nexus 8 replicants. However, while investigating on a protein farms, K finds an old box which contains a big secret. The contents of this box could spark a war between human's and replicants and his boss Lt.Joshi (Robin Wright) is keen for it to disappear. While on the hunt for clues, K's investigation will lead him to old Blade Runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford).
Villeneuve has stayed true to his source material and the future he shows us is equally as bleak and haunting as the 1991's directors cut version. Veteran Roger Deakins' provides some lush and colourful cinematography which contrasts beautifully with Dennis Gassner's retro set designs. The old Tyrell corporation has gone broke and now visionary Niander Wallace (Jared Leto) creates all 'skin jobs' walking the streets. K as a character is almost like a blank slate- a dutiful officer who does his job without arguments and has a hologram for a girlfriend (Ana De Armas). Subject to hate and scorn by his fellow officers and neighbours for his 'Blade Runner' status, K is just a man doing a job. Watching him undergo a weird 'Voight- Kampff' type test will make your head spin as you hear 'integrated' so many times. His investigation begins with something so innocuous. While investigation old Nexus 8 farmer Sappar Morton (Dave Bautista) he happens upon an old box containing bones. The secret behind them is truly mind-blowing and any preconceived notions of replicants are blown out of the water.
Anyone in a hurry to get results needs to be patient because this is one investigation that rolls along at a steady pace. Blade Runner 2049 is a movie intent on revealing the puzzle one piece at a time. We understand early on something earth-shattering is coming our way. Wallace, in particular, has his eye's on the big prize and sends his faithful assistant/assassin Luv (an impressive Sylvia Hoeks) out to stake his claim. Visually this is a stunning ride and we see such sights such as a scorched Las Vegas ruin (Deakins photography shines brightly against the neon orange glow) and a derelict orphanage in a junkyard that used to be San Diego which looks like a cross between Oliver meets Dune. Taking us beyond the rainy and snow-swept streets of urban LA, Villeneuve shows us the true decay of planet earth and how those left behind are playing the price.
Smartly the appearance of Deckard is left until almost the final act- giving us time to understand K's mission and his motives for giving chase. Very much a secondary character but still so vital to everything, Deckard still hasn't lost any of the old charms. Possibly the most beautiful looking movie of 2017, it's actually astounding just how much Denis Villeneuve has achieved with this sequel. Subtle nods to the old one are there in droves, but their presentation of life in 2049 makes for a much grittier and bleaker atmosphere. Humanity is on its last legs and is now reduced to using protein farms to avoid famine and death. In this universe, Replicants might just be the way of the future. Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch's score is one that captures the mood and emotions that go with this sequel- while also saluting the legendary Vangelis score that came before it. Few sequels will achieve this level of brilliance in the next few years.
Ryan Gosling is perfectly cast as new Blade Runner K. His air of cool gives his character a much-needed edge. On the surface, he is a barely drawn character, but underneath he is far more complex. Driven to solve this mystery, K fears just what he may find and that he might just be an important cog in the machine. Harrison Ford also boasts his strongest performance in many years. Rather than just showing up, Ford digs deep and shows us a hollowed out wreck of a man who is conflicted about past actions. Ford's screen time is simply electric and but he also stays true to the principles of this character and 30 plus years on- Deckard is still a great character.
Blade Runner 2049 is simply magnificent- Denis Villeneuve has taken this sequel to heights never thought possible. As Gaff said in the original 'They've done a man's job sir!"
