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. Last year when this post first appeared I had planned to write about Star Wars but a radio comment reminded me that the composer, Vangelis, had died a few days earlier. That reminded me of his score for the highly influential sci-fi cult classic, Blade Runner, adapted from Philip K. Dick's novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968) and released in 1982.
Most people know a lot about the Star Wars films but unless you're a sci-fi fan you likely don't know much if anything about Blade Runner. It opened in theaters on June 25 in the midst of some extraordinary competition. The 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, a sci-fi treat that would go on to earn the American Film Institute's ranking as the 24th greatest film of all time. Blade Runner, a dystopic, complex, contemplative, and often misunderstood film went on to receive a mediocre box office reception and mixed reviews. In time it would be recognized as a cult classic among sci-fi buffs rather than, at the time of its release, a deserving blockbuster among a wider audience. The film will not answer any questions for audiences but, given today's interest in artificial intllegence, will surely prompt viewers to ponder what it means to be human.
In the forty years since its release Blade Runner has notably influenced all stages of science fiction and fantasy fiction film productions including those of the Star Wars franchise. It also occupies a comfortable spot in several American Film Institute categories.
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. Batty then goes on to deliver one of the most memorable monologues 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 as well as a model for many science fiction fantasy films to come, see the darker entertainment of Blade Runner. You will not be disappointed.
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