Blade Runner

Blade Runner is a 1982 science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott, depicting a dystopic Los Angeles in November 2019.

Reception

Blade Runner was released in 1,290 theaters on June 25 1982. That date was chosen by producer Alan Ladd, Jr. because his previous highest-grossing films (' and Alien) had the same opening date in 1977 and 1979, making the date his "lucky day."{{ref|brbible3}}{{Dubious}} However, the gross for the opening weekend was a disappointing $6.15 million. Film critics were polarized as some felt the story had taken a back seat to special effects and that it was not the action/adventure the studio had advertised. Others acclaimed its complexity and predicted it would stand the test of time.{{ref|brbible4}}

Related Topics:
June 25 - 1982 - Alan Ladd, Jr. - Alien

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A general criticism was its slow pacing takes away from other elements;{{ref|hicks}} one film critic went so far as to call it "Blade Crawler."{{ref|flynn}} Roger Ebert praised Blade Runner's visuals, but found the human story a little thin. Ebert says Tyrell's unconvincing character and the apparent lack of security measures allowing Roy to murder Tyrell are problems. Also he believes the relationship between Deckard and Rachael seems "to exist more for the plot than for them."{{ref|ebert}}

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Other critics have countered that the strong visuals serve to create a dehumanized world where human elements stand out. Furthermore the relationship between Deckard and Rachael could be essential in reaffirming their respective humanity.{{ref|rutledge}} In a later episode of their show, Ebert and Gene Siskel admit they were wrong about their early negative reviews and say that they consider the film to be a modern classic.

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