Blade Runner (1982) - Episode 118

The Rewind Movie Podcast

Quite an experience to live in fear, isn't it? We delve into the murky, rain-soaked neon streets of 2019 Los Angeles for Ridley Scott’s seminal 1982 sci-fi slow burner Blade Runner.

Retired replicant hunter Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is pulled back into duty when four illegal synthetic humanoids are reported to be loose in the sprawling, polluted megalopolis. Led by the enigmatic Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer), the creations seem to have developed an emotional range that their kind was never built for, and seek fundamental answers from the genius founder of the company that made them. Questions also plague the downtrodden Deckard as he falls for the tragic, beautiful replicant Rachael, and the true nature of his brutal task becomes murkier than ever.

An infamous flop on release, saddled with studio-mandated edits and voiceover narration, the film’s reputation was salvaged by a 10 year anniversary recut that cemented its place as a visually resplendent, influential work of importance. But questions raised during its release by a mixed, occasionally hostile critical community, continue to swirl around the film, as even the primary creatives express conflicting opinions about the answers. Join Gali, Devlin and Matt as they set down their noodles and take on the case.

Thanks to listener James for the suggestion! If you have a film you’d like the gang to tackle, send us an email at [email protected]. For introductions, essays, playlists, and the full back catalogue of episodes and specials, find us at rewindmoviecast.com. For specially designed merchandise, movie shirts, posters, and our famous Bingo Trope Totes and a poster based on this week’s episode cover image, head to DevlinDoesDrawing on Teemill.

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