“Blade Runner 2049” is, beyond any doubt, the most peculiar major studio film to be released in recent memory. This film is a meticulously well-crafted, thoughtful cinematic wonder that defies every convention of our current blockbuster climate.
It contains a multi-layered, intricate story set in a visually fantastic environment in which we are introduced to unique technologies, concepts, and characters. Every set piece and line of dialogue ooze with meaning and thoughtful ambiguity that are sure to satisfy and intrigue the actively-involved moviegoer.
The film avoids dulling itself with excessive exposition and instead allows for the audience to immerse itself in the dystopian world of 2049 Los Angeles, and, in doing so, take part in Officer K’s (Ryan Gosling) detective work and the resultant narrative twists and turns.
Plenty is familiar in “Blade Runner 2049.” We revisit the miserable, cyber-punk Los Angeles of Ridley Scott’s 1982 science fiction classic, and the themes of humanity and race of the first film are re-introduced and expanded upon.
However, this film does not attempt to purely emulate its predecessor. New and unfamiliar settings, themes, and plot points are included in this film, and, along with the impeccable artistic direction of director
Denis Villeneuve, this new take on the world of “Blade Runner” forms a distinct and refreshing personality of its own. Unfortunately, this film’s pride in its own impressive set design and cinematographic competence is most likely its greatest fault. At points, it takes a little too much time building atmosphere and producing beautiful shots instead of progressing scenes.
With a two hour and fort-five-minute running time, this film could stand to curb its vanity and put a slightly smaller emphasis on establishing its atmosphere and setting; the film, at times, seems more interested in displaying its style over its substance.
All things considered, “Blade Runner 2049” may not offer the most fun movie going experience of the year with its intentional slow burn, but it is a masterfully constructed and executed motion picture.
I would recommend this film to anyone prepared to stay awake through a nearly three-hour picture, for the competence displayed by this film and its director is a rarity worth experiencing.