BLADE RUNNER Frequently Asked Questions - Part 1 Compiled by Murray Chapman (muzzle@cs.uq.oz.au), from sources too numerous to mention. Thank-you one and all. INTRODUCTION ------------ The movie "Blade Runner" is one of the Internet's most talked about movies. In an attempt to stop the same questions being asked and answered every few months or so, I present the Blade Runner FAQ. This list will be posted monthly to: alt.cult-movies, rec.arts.movies, alt.cyberpunk, rec.arts.sf.movies, news.answers, rec.answers, and alt.answers. and rec.answers as soon as I can sort out a few problems. The followup field is set to alt.cult-movies, because it is the most relevant newsgroup for Blade Runner discussions. This, and MANY other FAQs are available for anonymous FTP wherever news.answers is archived, for example: rtfm.mit.edu:/pub/usenet/news.answers/movies/bladerunner-faq Sites in Europe include: nic.switch.ch cnam.cnam.fr ftp.win.tue.nl also: ftp.u.washington.edu:/public/alt.cyberpunk/FAQS/BladeRunner.FAQ nic.funet.fi:/pub/culture/tv+film/BladeRunner Marcos Contreras M. is translating this file into Spanish. Stay tuned for details. Suggestions welcome for all areas, especially those marked with []s. This FAQ contains spoilers. ------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENTS -------- 1. What is Blade Runner? 2. What book is it based on? 3. Is the sound track available? 4. What are replicants? 5. Who/what is ? 6. I don't like the voice-overs/ending. 7. What different versions of Blade Runner are there? 8. Memorable Quotes 9. What is the significance of the unicorn? 10. What is the significance of the chess game? 11. Problems in Blade Runner 12. Trivia / What makes Blade Runner popular/special? 13. More questions/answers 14. Is Deckard a replicant? The Blade Runner FAQ has settled itself a bit. Further changes are expected to be minimal. After this version, I will only be posting this to news.answers, with pointers in the other newsgroups. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. WHAT IS BLADE RUNNER? Blade Runner (BR) is a science-fiction film starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, and Daryl Hannah. Although it was a box-office failure, it has become perhaps the definitive cult movie, and is one of the few films which remain faithful to the ideals of 20th century science fiction literature. Blade Runner was directed by Ridley Scott, and features music by Vangelis. Plot Synopsis ------------- Preamble from movie: Early in the 21st Century, THE TYRELL CORPORATION advanced Robot evolution into the NEXUS phase -- a being virtually identical to a human -- known as replicants. The NEXUS 6 Replicants were superior in strength and agility, and at least equal in intelligence to the genetic engineers who created them. Replicants were used Off-world as slave labor, in the hazardous exploration and colonization of other planets. After a bloody mutiny by a NEXUS 6 combat team in an Off-world colony, Replicants were declared illegal on Earth -- under penalty of death. Special police squads -- BLADE RUNNER UNITS -- had orders to shoot to kill, upon detection, any trespassing Replicants. This was not called execution. It was called retirement. LOS ANGELES NOVEMBER, 2019 A number of replicants have made it to Earth, and ex-Blade Runner Deckard (Harrison Ford) is convinced to track them down. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. WHAT BOOK IS IT BASED ON? Blade Runner is LOOSELY based on a Philip K. Dick novella, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" (DADoES). Dick also wrote the story that _Total Recall_ was based on, "We Can Remember It For You, Wholesale". A recurring theme in Dick's work is the question of personal and human identity. A question explored more in DADoES and _Total Recall_ than in Blade Runner is "what is reality?" At the most, one can say that the movie borrowed a concept and some characters from the book. You are most likely to find DADoES in a second-hand bookstore. It has been re-released as: "Blade Runner (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?)." The title comes from Alan E. Nourse, who wrote a story called "The Bladerunner". William S. Burroughs took the book and wrote "Bladerunner (A Movie)" in 1979. Rights to the title only ("in perpetuity throughout the universe") were sold to Ridley Scott. Similarities between Nourse's "The Bladerunner" and Scott's BR are in name only. Nourse's title refers to people who deliver medical instruments to outlaw doctors who can't obtain them legally. [Source: Locus, September 1992 (p. 76)] A great deal of the "visuals" were inspired from one of the issues in the "Wonders of the Universe" comic book series, drawn by Moebius (Jean Giraud). The original comic book title is "L'homme est-il bon?" (Is man good?). One story in this book (written by Dan O'Bannon, who co-wrote _Aliens_), is called "The Long Tomorrow". The back of the comic book says (translated from French): "This comic-book also contains other famous stories, like "The Long Tomorrow", which originally was thought to be a parody, but ended up being more real, than what is was meant to be a parody of: the classic american detective-story. This story was later used as a visual reference for the movie "Blade Runner"." ------------------------------------------------------------------ 3. IS THE SOUND TRACK AVAILABLE? The original movie soundtrack has never been officially released, although the credits claim it is available on Polydor records. There is an album called the "Blade Runner Soundtrack" (WEA 1982), but it is NOT the music from the movie, rather it is an orchestral arrangement. It contains the following tracks: Love Theme (4:12) Main Title (5:01) One More Kiss, Dear (4:00) Memories Of Green (4:50) End Title (4:17) Blade Runner Blues (4:38) Farewell (3:10) Love Theme (4:12) Vangelis released an album called "Themes", which contains: End Titles from "BLADERUNNER" (4:57) Love Theme from "BLADERUNNER" (4:55) Memories of Green (5:42) "Memories of Green" was originally released on Vangelis' album "See You Later". Vangelis' 1979 album "VANGELIS: Opera Sauvage" contains some tracks similar to those used in Blade Runner. There are recurring but unsubstatiated rumors that a few LPs of the real soundtrack were sold in Europe. (Cassette only, France only) Scott used the orchestrated version of "Memories of Green" in his film _Someone to Watch Over Me_ The Japanese vocals associated with the Blimp are from: "Japan: Traditional Vocal and Instrumental Music, Shakuhachi, Biwa, Koto, Shamisen" [compact disc] - performed by Ensemble Nipponia - 1976, Electra Asylum Nonesuch Records/Warner Communications Inc. The lyrics are part of a Japanese epic about the tragic and utter destruction of one clan by another. Gail Laughton's "Harps of the Ancient Temples" is used as the bicyclists pass by Leon and Batty on their way to Chew's Eye World. [Anybody know how to get this music?] ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4. WHAT ARE REPLICANTS? The following definitions appear in the BR script, the Marvel Comics adaptation of the film, but not the movie itself: _android_ (an'droid) adj. Possessing human features -n. A synthetic man created from biological materials. Also called humanoid. (Late Greek androeides, manlike: ANDR(O) - OID.) THE AMERICAN HERITAGE DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE (1976) _android_ (an'droid) n, Gk. humanoid automation. more at robot./ 1. early version utilized for work too boring, dangerous or unpleasant for humans. 2. second generation bio-engineered. Electronic relay units and positronic brains. Used in space to explore inhospitable environments. 3. third generation synthogenetic. REPLICANT, constructed of skin/flesh culture. Selected enogenic transfer conversion. Capable of self perpetuating thought. Paraphysical abilities. Developed for emigration program. WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY New International (2012) Replicants are manufactured organisms designed to carry out work too boring, dangerous, or distasteful for humans. The new "NEXUS 6" replicants are nearly indistinguishable from humans. (An early draft of the script contained an autopsy scene, in which the surgeons were unaware that the body they were examining was a replicant, until two hours into the procedure.) Replicants differ from humans in one important factor: they are lacking in empathy. In BR, replicants' eyes glow, however Ridley Scott has stressed that this is merely a cinematic technique, and the glow can't be seen by the characters in the story, only by the audience. A test, called the "Voight-Kampff Test" (VK) is administered to determine if the subject is a human by trying to elicit an empathetic response. NEXUS 6 (and possibly all other) replicants are manufactured by the Tyrell Corporation, although there is evidence that third party manufacturers are utilized. (Chew's Eye World). Replicants can endure greater pain than humans, and are generally physically superior. NEXUS 6 replicants have a in-built fail-safe mechanism, namely a four year lifespan. It was noticed that replicants had eccentricities because they were emotionally immature. Rachael was a NEXUS 6 replicant with experimental memory implants, designed to provide a cushion for her emotions. Consequently, she was unaware that she was a replicant. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 5. WHO/WHAT IS ? "BLADE RUNNER" GLOSSARY (from the 1982 Presskit) ------------------------------------------------ BLADE RUNNER -- The nickname given to those police detectives who are specially trained in the use of the Voight-Kampff machine and whose specific function is to track down and eliminate any replicants that manage to escape into human society and attempt to pass as real human beings. The official name of the Blade Runner division is Rep-Detect. REPLICANT -- A genetically engineered creature composed entirely of organic substance. Animal replicants (animoids) were developed first for use as pets and beasts of burden after most real animals became extinct. Later, humanoid replicants were created for military purposes and for the exploration and colonization of space. The Tyrell Corp. recently introduced the Nexus 6, the supreme replicant - - much stronger and faster than, and virtually indistinguishable from, real human beings. Earth law forbids replicants on the planet, except in the huge industrial complex where they are created. The law does not consider replicants human and therefore accords them no rights nor protection. ESPER -- A high-density computer with a very powerful three- dimensional resolution capacity and a cryogenic cooling system. The police cars and Deckard's apartment contain small models which can be channeled into the large one at police headquarters. This big apparatus is a well-worn, retro-fitted part of the furniture. Among many functions, the Esper can analyze and enlarge photos, enabling investigators to search a room without being there. VOIGHT-KAMPFF MACHINE -- A very advanced form of lie detector that measures contractions of the iris muscle and the presence of invisible airborne particles emitted from the body. The bellows were designed for the latter function and give the machine the menacing air of a sinister insect. The V-K is used primarily by blade runners to determine if a suspect is truly human by measuring the degree of his empathic response through carefully worded questions and statements. SPINNER -- The generic term for all flying cars in use around the year 2020. Only specially authorized people and police are licensed to operate these remarkable vehicles, which are capable of street driving, vertical lift-off, hovering and high-speed cruising. The Spinner is powered by three engines -- conventional internal combustion, jet and anti-gravity. Behind the Scenes ----------------- RIDLEY SCOTT: Director. A veteran television commercial maker, Scott consistently makes quality movies. His feature-film credits include: The Duellists, Alien, Blade Runner, Someone to Watch Over Me, Legend, Black Rain, Thelma and Louise, 1492. Ridley Scott also directed the first ever Macintosh television advertisment (the "hammer thrower"), which aired once only, during the Superbowl in January 1984. Ridley's brother Tony is also a director, and his film credits include Top Gun, Days of Thunder, and The Last Boy Scout. MICHAEL DEELEY: Producer. Acadamy Award winner for producing "The Deer Hunter" SYD MEAD: Visual Futurist: Syd Mead suggested using the term "visual futurist" for his credit in the Blade Runner movie. (As he is not a union/guild member, he could not use credits such as "creative designer".) He has been co-sponsoring an International Student Design Competition with Sony since 1989. Some of his works are: California Pavilion, Seville Expo (1992) Future Terminal, for Japan Railways East (1990) Club Car, for Japan Railways East (1990) Dr. Jeekans [This is futuristic cafe/video arcade in Tokyo] (1990) Office for the Future, for Okamura Furniture Co, Japan (1989) Club House (Tokyo Bayside Project) (1989) Tron Computer (1988) San Rio Theatre (1987) Office of the Future, for GE (1985) LAWRENCE G. PAULL: Production Designer. Holds degrees in Architecture and City Planning, his feature-film credits include: Blue Collar, Which Was Is Up?, and The Star Spangled Girl". DAVID SNYDER: Art director. VANGELIS (Evangelos Papathanassiou): Greek Composer. He has written numerous movie scores, perhaps the most famous being for "Chariots of Fire". Also wrote some of the music for the TV series "Cosmos". Prio to writing movie scores, Vangelis was the keyboard player of the band "Aphrodite's Child". Vangelis wrote the score for Scott's 1992 film: _1492_. HAMPTON FANCHER, DAVID PEOPLES: Screenplay writers. Peoples wrote Clint Eastwood's _Unforgiven_ JORDAN CRONENWETH: Cinematographer. (Altered States, Stop Making Sense) DOUGLAS TRUMBULL: Special Effects (2001: A Space Odyssey, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Brainstorm (also directed)) On Screen --------- DECKARD (Harrison Ford): (Ex) Blade Runner. DR ELDON TYRELL (Joe Turkel): Owner/Chairman of the Tyrell Corp, manufacturers of replicants. Extremely intelligent, designed the NEXUS 6 brain RACHAEL (Sean Young): Prototype NEXUS 6 replicant. Works for Tyrell. ROY BATTY (Rutger Hauer): Leader of the renegade replicants. INCEPT DATE: 8 Jan, 2016 FUNCTION: Combat, Colonization Defense Prog PHYS: A MENT: A PRIS (Daryl Hannah): Replicant, (Bryant: "Yer standard pleasure model") INCEPT DATE: 14 Feb, 2016 FUNCTION: Military/leisure PHYS: A MENT: B ZHORA (Joanna Cassidy): Replicant. INCEPT DATE: 12 June, 2016 FUNCTION: Retrained (9 Feb, 2018) Polit. Homicide PHYS: A MENT: B LEON KOWALSKI (Brion James): Replicant. INCEPT DATE: 10 April, 2017 FUNC: Combat/loader (Nuc. Fiss.) PHYS: A MENT: C J F SEBASTIAN (William Sanderson): Genetic designer for the Tyrell Corporation. Still on Earth because of a premature geriactricism (Methuselah's Syndrome). Has defeated Tyrell once in chess. H BRYANT (M Emmett Walsh): Inspector of the Police force, Deckard's former boss GAFF (Edward James Olmos): A member of the Police Force. Makes origami. HOLDEN (Morgan Paull): Blade Runner, shot by Leon. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 6. I DON'T LIKE THE VOICE-OVERS/ENDING. Ridley Scott made BR in a style called "film noir". Film noir is the "hardboiled detective" style of story-telling, perhaps the most famous example is the Humphrey Bogart movie "The Maltese Falcon" (directed by John Huston). A characteristic of film noir is the voice-overs by the detective, explaining what he is thinking/doing at the time. Having said that, it is interesting to note that Ridley Scott originally made BR *without* the voice-overs, but due to its poor reception when sneak previewed, the studio insisted that the voice-overs be added. Ridley Scott has said in an interview on American television that in film noir, voice-overs sometimes work, and sometimes don't, and they didn't work in BR. "(A)n extensive voice-over was added to help people relate to Harrison Ford's character and make following the plot easier. (A)fter a draft by novelist-screenwriter Darryl Ponicsan was discarded, a TV veteran named Roland Kibbee got the job. As finally written, the voice-over met with universal scorn from the filmmakers, mostly for what Scott characterized as its 'Irving the Explainer' quality.... It sounded so tinny and ersatz that, in a curious bit of film folklore, many members of the team believe to this day that Harrison Ford, consciously or not, did an uninspired reading of it in the hopes it wouldn't be used. And when co-writers Fancher and Peoples, now friends, saw it together, they were so afraid the other had written it that they refrained from any negative comments until months later." [Source: Los Angeles Times Magazine, September 13, 1992] The ending of the film was also changed by the studio. Scott wanted to end the film with Deckard and Rachael getting into the elevator, but the studio decided that the film needed a happier, less ambiguous ending. The aerial landscape photography used in the theatrical release was outtakes from Stanley Kubrik's _The Shining_. In 1992, Ridley Scott released a "Director's Cut" of Blade Runner (BRDC), which eliminates the voice-overs and the happy ending. This version is discussed in more detail below. @~See next issue - o -