Why ‘Blade Runner’ Ruled the ’80s

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How important is context for a movie?

In discussing “Casablanca,” a movie from 1942, knowing some background information can enhance your viewing experience, but it’s not strictly necessary. A basic understanding of World War II, Vichy France, the Nazi regime, and the geographical and historical context of Czechoslovakia might be useful, though.

The same applies to Casablanca, Morocco.

The situation isn’t urgent yet. You understand that this is a tale of a man whose heart was previously shattered, who finds himself in a position where he must deliberately cause pain for the greater good – all within the context of a love story.

It remains a classic and one of the best movies ever made.

Blade Runner” is essentially two different films if viewed outside of its original 1980s theater context. While it remains excellent, there’s an intangible element that seems to be absent when watched today.

The most important context: the Detective archetype, Reagan’s 80s and the rise of Cyberpunk.

The Character Type of the Detective: For about five decades prior to “Blade Runner”, detective characters have been a common sight in films. This trend can be traced back to the 1930s with Sherlock Holmes, continuing through Humphrey Bogart in the ’30s and ’40s, up until characters like Dirty Harry in the 1970s.

Over time, prominent mystery authors such as Chandler, Christie, Hammett, Doyle, Spillane, and even Poe, each contributed to the classic detective character. However, by the 1980s, this archetype had become exhausted, depleted, and financially unviable.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but recall the cinematic brilliance of “Chinatown” in 1974 and “The Long Goodbye” in 1973. However, it seemed like the narrative took a dramatic turn towards intense violence, reminiscent of the gritty “Dirty Harry” series. This shift was evident with films such as “Magnum Force” in 1973 and “The Enforcer” in 1976.

The violence depicted in “Blade Runner” wasn’t original; it had been used before. However, Ridley Scott’s film transformed and reshaped this familiar trope into something fresh and daring – a tough detective set in the future. This innovation was groundbreaking and unsettling, as all remarkable art tends to be.

2. The ’80s: The Radiant Decade

The ’80s could be described as a period that radiated brightly, much like the neon glow of that era. Imagine “Morning in America” and “The Shining City on the Hill.” Fitness trends, such as aerobics, swept across the nation (and if you think they’re crazy now, just wait until you hear about their beginnings in the ’80s).

In an attempt to move past historical issues like high inflation, stagnation, and the free-spirited atmosphere of the past, we aimed for a sleek, Miami Vice-inspired transformation. This was marked by stylish cars, attractive individuals, and fashionable attire.

The Go-Gos and cocaine ruled … GO GO! The film’s dystopian vision couldn’t be more different.

A grimy, grungy counterpoint to the shiny veneer of corporate advertising emerged within it: Cyberpunk. It’s a bleak, sooty challenge to the polish of big business.

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In stark contrast to that sleek marketing campaign, a gritty, grimy underdog arose: Cyberpunk. This is a dark, dirty, rough-around-the-edges critique of corporate sheen.

3. The Emergence of Cyberpunk: To truly understand the origin of Cyberpunk, it’s essential to trace its roots back to punk. Punk was a rebellious cultural movement that emerged in London, New York City, and Los Angeles during the 1970s, serving as a counterpoint to disco, lingering hippie attitudes, and the glossy commercialism of the time.

I’ve observed an intriguing shift in power dynamics, where oligarchs and corporations have risen as dominant forces, surpassing even the church and state in influence. It’s as if wealth has become our new deity, technology a pervasive mindset that sometimes feels like a virus, and the very essence of humanity is being stripped down to its bare essentials, often leaving us feeling more like refuse than human beings. In this complex soup of misery, poverty, and discarded technology, only those who are strong enough can thrive.

Harrison Ford’s Deckard is a survivor. He is a punk. He is the blade runner of grunge.

Speaking of the groundbreaking nature of “Blade Runner” upon its release in 1982, it’s important to note that the Vietnam War had only concluded seven years prior, and we were still grappling with the aftermath of the Korean War and the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Deckard serves as a war veteran from a conflict that humankind ultimately lost. It’s crucial to remember that only the remnants of society survive on this barren planet, as the Elon Musk-like individuals departed for more promising environments in the colony worlds, where replicants are employed.

On our planet, corporations manage the police force, which serves as the sole form of governance. Translated to “Cityspeak,” the phrase “Iri Hi Katamuku” means figuratively “The day is ending.

Indeed it does.

If you hadn’t experienced that time period, you might never fully grasp or appreciate that particular movie, even if you were to watch every version of it. The sadness portrayed by Deckard while playing the piano and gazing at the old photos serves as a poignant reminder of what was lost before that moment.

Similar to ‘Casablanca,’ ‘Blade Runner’ can be seen as a tale of love, for love transcends both time and space. To truly comprehend this aspect, one needs to understand its setting and circumstances.

An unexpected twist: “Blade Runner” didn’t fare well during its initial cinema release, yet it ultimately became a beloved classic in the realm of science fiction.

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2025-01-11 23:01