Turing Tested
There’s no hope for our future. No justice. No closure. No utopia. But if “Blade Runner: 2049” sets the standard for a future of sequels that go above and beyond, then lock me in for this dystopia.
In one of the year’s most anticipated releases and a follow-up to one of cinema’s greatest sci-fi cult classic, Denis Villeneuve’s “Blade Runner: 2049” lives up to it’s gargantuan expectations and defies the perennial run of sub-par sequels. With an even-gloomier outlook of humanity’s future than the original, “Blade Runner: 2049” delivers a piece of work that melds seamlessly into the universe built by the first film, while executing a tale strong enough to warrant it’s own stand-alone brilliance. With a strong cast of characters, impeccable world-building, graceful score and masterful cinematography, “Blade Runner: 2049” makes a strong case as our next great cult classic.
The world of “Blade Runner: 2049” is likely what makes is such a compelling film, one that does not nearly feel as long as its 160 minute run-time. With dense, dark mega-cities of Los Angeles that rival that of the original, sporadically lit by Tokyo-esque advertising and neon, the universe of this sequel feels far larger and expansive, making for greater interplay between characters, surrounds and cinematography. From rain-drenched urban jungles, desert wastelands or dead-quiet farmlands, Villeneuve crafts a truly real world that is a character in itself. With cinematographer Roger Deakins, they ensure appropriate time is given to the people and places of “Blade Runner: 2049”, and nothing is shown for the sake of it. Even the CGI of the film feels seamless, and everything shown feels like it has a real place in the world of 2049.
When it comes to the cast of “Blade Runner: 2049”, it proves that this is one of those perfect parts made for Ryan Gosling. His brooding, gruff portrayal of K, a LAPD Blade Runner is a suitable reflection of Ford’s original protagonist, yet the two actor’s interactions feel like perfect foils albeit not as prolonged as the film’s marketing would indicate. It’s difficult to pick stand-outs from a very solid ensemble of acting talent, though some consideration must be given to the strong female supporting actresses of de Armas and Hoeks as digital love interest and ruthless enforcer respectively.
One of the main take-aways from “Blade Runner: 2049” is its handling of following up the original film. At no time does it feel like the movie over-extended its hand in the wink-wink, nudge-nudge call-backs to the original, and never feels like it retroactively ruins the work that Scott invested in the world of the original. But it founds the essence of “Blade Runner” in it’s themes and film-making techniques in the best ways. Zimmer/Wallfisch’s score may not command the ethereal heights of Vangelis but paves its own legacy with an outstanding darker, synth-based soundtrack that better fits the bigger, badder world of “Blade Runner: 2049”. The narrative itself it tight for a 2.5 hour film and manages to wrap up it’s plot nicely by movie’s end. Of course there are still the ambiguous questions left to ponder reminiscent of the original and now “Blade Runner: 2049” hones in on a more cynical look at what it means to not be human.
With enthralling twists and turns, spectacular set-pieces and lifting the standard for movie sequels (and thankfully little Jared Leto), “Blade Runner: 2049” is one of those films to see before it takes on its cult classic status. So secure your ticket if you are craving the same sci-fi wonder and world-building that the original “Blade Runner” brought to life. Or just see it and say you didn’t like it if that’s how you seek attention. Just give it a chance either way.