Blade Runner 2049
2.5/5
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Written by: Hampton Fancher and Michael Green
Rated: R
Writer's express their worldviews through genres, and science fiction is the most apt and malleable gateway for a writer's thoughts on the world around them. Through the technologically advanced worlds in science fiction, screenwriters have illustrated their thoughts on policies, social issues and generalized norms. In 1982 Hampton Fancher employed this genre, combined with film noir, and wrote the screenplay for Ridley Scott's critically acclaimed Blade Runner. 35 years later, Fancher and director Denis Villeneuve (Arrival 2016) have revamped Scott's vision to reflect their new worldviews. Based upon Blade Runner's science fiction themes and environment, Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049 inhabits a new atmosphere with an original narrative tackling a wide variety of social issues and ambiguous situations.
Blade Runner 2049's story is an unexpected narrative approach for a science fiction block buster. It is an investigative look at what defines humanity and what lies the world foolishly believes. Because the film's narrative does not have the gravitas of other science fiction block busters, Blade Runner 2049's story can feel sluggish and monotonous. Though the story covers a wide variety of topics and social issues, the film's narrative does not successfully interweave these concepts into a coherent ideology. This does not mean the film does not feature compelling scenes. The action sequences are unflinching, the romantic moments are sensuous, the dialogue is fascinating, and the story is intriguing, but the film's decision to treat all of the story's themes as ambiguous entities makes the film an overall unrewarding experience.
Blade Runner 2049's story is an unexpected narrative approach for a science fiction block buster. It is an investigative look at what defines humanity and what lies the world foolishly believes. Because the film's narrative does not have the gravitas of other science fiction block busters, Blade Runner 2049's story can feel sluggish and monotonous. Though the story covers a wide variety of topics and social issues, the film's narrative does not successfully interweave these concepts into a coherent ideology. This does not mean the film does not feature compelling scenes. The action sequences are unflinching, the romantic moments are sensuous, the dialogue is fascinating, and the story is intriguing, but the film's decision to treat all of the story's themes as ambiguous entities makes the film an overall unrewarding experience.
What keeps this story somewhat engaging and worth watching is its main protagonist. Officer K. is a Blade Runner charged with the task of hunting down and retiring replicants, artificially made people. Ryan Gosling portrays this standout character with a brazen charm and razor sharp subtlety. This seasoned actor is able to show his character's thoughts and beliefs through the intensity and gentleness in his eyes. It is clear every twitch of his face; every curl of his mouth; every flare of his nostrils; every step he walks speaks K's inner emotional conflicts and mental competence as the lead hero of Blade Runner 2049.
Accompanying Gosling's performance are actors and actresses Ana De Armas as Joi, Robin Wright as Lieutenant Joshi, Sylvia Hoeks as Luv, and Jared Leto as Niander Wallace. Though all of these performers suit their on screen personas, their line delivery and idiosyncrasies can become predictable and eventually unstimulating. These performers play their parts well, but their character's inert natures give them little room for exploration and discovery.
Accompanying Gosling's performance are actors and actresses Ana De Armas as Joi, Robin Wright as Lieutenant Joshi, Sylvia Hoeks as Luv, and Jared Leto as Niander Wallace. Though all of these performers suit their on screen personas, their line delivery and idiosyncrasies can become predictable and eventually unstimulating. These performers play their parts well, but their character's inert natures give them little room for exploration and discovery.
Along with this considerably immobile cast of characters, Blade Runner 2049 is comprised of a vapid and tiresome atmosphere. While cinematographer Roger Deakins provides shots with adequate composition, they have little variety. His shots seldom include camera movement and only depict one shade of color. There are no hue gradients in Deakins' color pallet, and as such his shots feel lifeless and inactive. The best element in this film's visuals is its lighting design. It is wondrous watching character's slowly cross a massive corridor, as a golden light illuminates their path with each step they take. It is an impactful part of this film's aesthetic, and it does not attract attention to itself. However, an element that demands attention is this film's score. Hans Zimmer ,musical composer, tries to add energy to Deakins' devoid scenes, but he does so with overbearingly loud drones, inconsequential ethereal synthesizers and harsh bass drops. All of Blade Runner 2049's atmospheric pieces gives this film a unique look and feel, but make the film an unengaging experience that would be better watched on a home viewing screen.Verdict: Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049 features a top notch performance from Ryan Gosling and excellent lighting design, but its slow paced story told through devoid images and stagnant color palettes and characters makes this film an ultimately unrewarding cinematic experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment