On this day in 1977 Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope opened in theaters across the US. It went on to be a blockbuster in science fiction fantasy filled with memorable characters and computer generated worlds of first-rate entertainment. A franchise worth billions grew out of the film but few of the chapters that have followed in the last forty years, in my opinion, have equaled or exceeded the excitement of the original. Earlier today I planned to write a post about Star Wars but a radio comment reminded me that the composer, Vangelis, died last week. That reminded me of his score for the highly influential sci-fi cult classic, Blade Runner, released in 1982.
Blade Runner opened in theaters on June 25 in the midst of some extraordinary competition. It was a dystopic, contemplative film competing with pure entertainment. Unfortunately, it had a mediocre reception at the box office primarily because its release coincided with that of Star Trek - The Wrath of Khan, widely considered the best of the Star Trek films, and E.T. The Extraterrestrial. As a dystopic, complex, contemplative film, it's no wonder it's recognized as a cult classic among sci-fi buffs rather than a deserving blockbuster among a wider audience. It will not answer any questions for audiences but it surely will prompt viewers to ponder what it means to be human.
In the forty years since its release Blade Runner has notable influenced all stages of science fiction and fantasy fiction film productions including those of the Star Wars franchise. It also occupies a comfortable spot on the American Film Institute's all time list of the top ten science fiction films and top five of science fiction soundtracks.
In the following scene the "organic robot." Roy Batty, saves the life of Rick Deckard, the blade runner who comes out of retirement to kill him. Before Roy's programmed life comes to an end, he delivers one of the most notable monologues ever spoken on film.
If you happened to enjoy Star Wars in 1977 reading this post likely brings a smile to your face. It was 121 minutes of pure entertainment. To see a film that created the anti-Star Wars genre that followed, see the darker entertainment of Blade Runner. You will not be disappointed.
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