Film: “Blade Runner” Directed by Ridley Scott. Starring Harrison Ford. (1982)
Book: “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick. (1968)
This is an example of a film loosely based on a story, unlike “The Princess Bride,” which was quite faithful to the book. There are many differences between “Blade Runner” and “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”
Book: “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick. (1968)
This is an example of a film loosely based on a story, unlike “The Princess Bride,” which was quite faithful to the book. There are many differences between “Blade Runner” and “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”
Plot:
The basic plot of both movie and film is about a detective who must find androids who are pretending to be human. They are not allowed to be on Earth anymore, in this futuristic dystopia, so they must be terminated. It’s a dirty job, but Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard can do it. The story explores the question of what does it mean to be human. Deckard tests suspects for empathetic response, using a machine that measures bodily reactions such as heart rate, breathing, and eye movement. His mission gets complicated when he meets an android who nearly passes the test, and he begins to wonder about the line between androids and humans.
Theme:
The book and film posit that it gets harder to tell the difference as androids become more advanced and humanlike. It also neglects the possibility, in my opinion, of humans who lack empathy, seeing as this is a sign of major sociopaths. In a story about the morality of killing something that is barely distinguishable from humans, as androids are fighting for freedom and equal rights, I think it could have been a valid point to address.
Adaptation:
The book does get a little long-winded at points, especially where Deckard is obsessed with getting a real live pet, in a world where animals are nearly extinct and highly desired as status symbols, representing the value of real organic life. This was completely left out of the film, even though that is the main theme. Much of the symbolism added to the movie, such as origami unicorns, was lost on me. A lot of it just seemed to be added for weirdness or shock value. The actions of Deckard were also altered so much that I found his character much less sympathetic.
Final Cut:
For these reasons, I’m not sure why the movie became such a cult classic. The book itself has lots of action, violence, and sex already without Hollywood’s changes. I wouldn’t mind seeing a new film adaptation that stays truer to Dick’s story. Despite a handsome young Harrison Ford, overall I would recommend skipping the movie and reading the book.
Posts
4 comments:
I'm glad I'm not the only one who felt that Blade Runner was way off from the book. I never understood the unicorns either in the movie. I'm pretty sure the only redeeming point of that movie is the end fight but not even that was as entertaining as the book.
Looks like Harrison Ford can't save everything ;)
I do love any sort of stories that questions morality with fantasy, which is why I'm kind of surprised I've never read the book or seen the movie. It sounds like I've been missing out!
Sorry but this is the dumbest review of Blade Runner I've ever read.
You seriously didn't understand the symbolism of the unicorn? Entire thesis have been written on "The Unicorn Dream".
Maybe spend a little more time processing what you're seeing instead of rushing to share your idiotic opinions.
Anonymous - first of all, you can't even own your comment by putting your name on it? You're a coward. Why should your opinion matter to anyone?
Second, I think you mean entire "theses" (plural). And yes, I'm sure English and Film majors have come up with bullshit theories to write papers on this nonsense to satisfy an assignment, just like this was written for a class. Sometimes you have to "rush" to share opinions when you have a deadline on an assignment.
Post a Comment