Futuristic Triumph or Critical Backlash? Ridley Scott Unleashes Unfiltered Thoughts on Blade Runner After 41 Years

Summary

Ridley Scott reflects on his time making Blade Runner, revealing that he was in business with "horrendous" people.

Scott remembers being informed that the film was excessively slow, but highlights that it is presently recognized as one of the most significant science-fiction movies ever created.

Despite its initially underwhelming reception, Blade Runner ultimately discovered its viewers, establishing the cyberpunk subgenre with its bleak and gritty depiction of the future.

Blade Runner director Ridley Scott openly reflects on the negative feedback he received for his iconic science-fiction film. Loosely based on Philip K. Dick's novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Scott's influential 1982 movie follows the journey of blade runner Rick Deckard, played by Harrison Ford, as he aims to eliminate four replicants. Despite initially underperforming at the box office and facing criticism from critics, Blade Runner is now widely regarded as a masterpiece of the science-fiction genre.

In a recent interview with Total Film (via Slash Film), Scott discusses the challenges he faced while creating Blade Runner and reflects on the film's misinterpretations at the time of its release. The director also has some choice words for the critics who deemed the movie "too slow." Read Scott's complete statement below:

The shoot was an awful experience for me due to the horrible partners I had - financial guys who made my life miserable every day. Despite my previous success in running a company, I was aware that I was creating something incredibly unique and special. Therefore, I refused to accept any negative responses. However, my partners failed to comprehend the significance of the project. As we proceeded with shooting, editing, and mixing, everyone started complaining that it was progressing too slowly. As a director, I had to learn not to listen to others' opinions. I was confident that I was creating something truly exceptional. And now, it has become one of the most significant science-fiction films that everyone draws inspiration from. Every single film out there owes this success to it.

For 20 years, I hadn't watched 'Blade Runner.' But recently, I took the time to see it again. To my surprise, it is not slow-paced at all. The information presented is incredibly original and captivating, exploring topics such as biological creations and mining in space - concepts that were deemed as silly in the past. In response to the critics, I can only say, 'Please disregard their thoughts.'"

How Blade Runner Changed The Science Fiction Movie Genre

Blade Runner, initially not a standout upon its release, eventually found its audience and now holds the distinction of being one of the most significant science fiction films ever made. Notably, it is also considered one of the first major works to popularize the cyberpunk subgenre.

Visually, Blade Runner is remarkable, depicting a cityscape that is neon-heavy, crime-ridden, and grimy. Rather than presenting a utopian science fiction setting, the film showcases a bleaker vision of the future, where large advertisements from greedy corporations dominate every inch of available space. The streets are densely packed and filthy, and the film's R rating allowed director Ridley Scott to portray the violence and prostitution that accompany urban living.

Blade Runner has influenced a range of projects such as Alita: Battle Angel, Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Mute, Minority Report, the Cyberpunk 2077 video game, and many others. Set in 2019, although Ridley Scott's future vision did not entirely materialize, there are noticeable resemblances between the film's world and reality. Despite not being fully recognized upon its release, Blade Runner demonstrates Scott's enduring impact.