After more than three and a half years, and 46 films, the NWTC Film Club has finally answered the call of science fiction devotees with Sunday’s June selection.
It is one of the most famous of this genre, which accelerated during the 70s and 80s with a long list of ground breaking futuristic gems such as “Alien”, “Star Wars”, “Star Trek”, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “ET”.
Sunday’s film is the Ridley Scott classic “Blade Runner”.
Made in 1982, this film has had a fascinating journey in terms of the Director and the studios almost constant attempts to fine tune it to perfection. This has seen about eleven variations of the film, and three major re-releases.
The original, shot in 1982, was followed by a Director’s Cut in 1992 carried out by the studio under Ridley Scott’s suggestions, and a final 2007 “ The Final Cut” which Scott had complete control over.
On Sunday we will be watching the 1992 Director’s Cut of “Blade Runner”, which removes an unpopular, and some claim intrusive, narration from the central character Rick Deckard and also brings the ending to a more “biting” conclusion.
Lets talk about “Blade Runner” generally. The story was sourced from a 1968 novel by Philip K. Dick called “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep”.
If you haven’t heard of it I don’t blame you. The novel was adapted to screen by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples.
“Blade Runner” Is set in Los Angeles in 2019 (yes – we are nearly there). Genetically engineered replicants, which are visually indistinguishable from adult humans, are manufactured by the powerful Tyrell Corporation as well as other “mega corporations” around the world.
The use of replicants on Earth is banned and they are exclusively used for dangerous or menial work on off-world colonies.
Replicants who defy the ban and return to Earth are hunted down and killed by special police operatives known as Blade Runners.
The plot focuses on a desperate group of recently escaped replicants hiding in Los Angeles, and the burnt-out expert Blade Runner (Harrison Ford) who reluctantly agrees to take on one more assignment to hunt them down.
The film is best described by one American film critic who said “’Blade Runner” is now considered one of the most important and influential science fiction movies ever made”.
“ Blade Runner” runs for 111 minutes and is rated M for mature audiences. See it on Sunday at the Roxy at 4pm.
FILM CLUB MEMBERSHIP
A reminder that new members are always welcome. Including Sunday’s there are 7 films left in the 2015 program and membership now costs $36 for the remainder of the year.
Joining is simple – see Jenny Mead at the Visitor Information Centre, or just turn up at the theatre on Sunday a little before 4pm.
See you at the movies!
Contributed by John Wearne
