Read the original studio notes to a test screening of Ridley Scott's Blade Runner and prepare for irony
Mar. 15, 2013
Arguably one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made, Ridley Scott's BLADE RUNNER was plagued with production and post-production issues. From a troubled shoot, a turbelent Harrison Ford, and fervent studio involvement it's a wonder the film ever got made at all. Eventually, the film was yanked from Scott and re-cut into the theatrical version, which didn't bode well at the theaters. Most audiences agreed it was slow, plodding, and unlike anything they'd ever seen. Which has come to be one of the film's greatest attributes.
These screening notes from January 21, 1981, which are bullet-listed with initials (presumably the J.P. is co-producer Jerry Perenchio, the B.Y. co-executive producer Bud Yorkin), outline a number of things about the film, none of them very flattering. This has made the rounds before, but it's new to me and I thought it would be interesting to share with those who haven't seen it. There's quite a few gems, too, including, "This movie gets worse every screening," and "They have put back more tits into the Zhora dressing room scene." It's a compelling peek into the process of studio involvement when "fine tuning" a film for release, even back in 1981. It would be easy to rip apart the execs, but ultimately the movie didn't do well in theaters initially because of many of the things they brought up, but over time has become a staple to the genre.
Take a look:
Some people don't dig BLADE RUNNER. And, in some ways, I don't begrudge them that opinion, even if I highly disagree. My father showed me the film as a boy and I didn't quite understand its complexities, but was drawn to it nonetheless. As I got older and the more I watched it, the more I loved it. It's a film well ahead of its time and something that doesn't exist as a popcorn tentpole film, but a thought-provoking, imaginitive vision of the future. Also known as a starting template for great sci-fi. If you've never seen the film, I couldn't recommend it more. It holds up beautifully.
If Ridley Scott every gets around to directing the proposed sequel, I'll be the first in line. I'd love to see what he does with another chapter of BLADE RUNNER, for better or worse.
| Extra Tidbit: | Although it may should like sacrilege, I grew up on the voice-over version and still prefer it, although I appreciate the 1997 director's cut. What's your favorite version? |
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| Source: | Movies.com |
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Ugh
replicant! WHAT!
Oh, the irony
Hard to believe, for such a hardcore sci-fi fan as myself to put off watching this movie for so long! It wasn't until 2006 when I first saw BLADE RUNNER, and as you probably could tell from my avatar pic.....yes, I have become quite taken with the picture. But as was the case with many others, I didn't quite 'get it' either upon my 1st viewing. I probably blame the fact that it was the Theatrical
Hard to believe, for such a hardcore sci-fi fan as myself to put off watching this movie for so long! It wasn't until 2006 when I first saw BLADE RUNNER, and as you probably could tell from my avatar pic.....yes, I have become quite taken with the picture. But as was the case with many others, I didn't quite 'get it' either upon my 1st viewing. I probably blame the fact that it was the Theatrical Cut with that lame voiceover narration, nonetheless it blew me away visually but didn't really consider it anything special otherwise. And in viewing the film multiple times and other versions since, unlike what the note says I find that it just keeps getting BETTER with each viewing. This is simply, the very height of brilliance in science fiction cinema. Yet to be matched and shall perhaps remain forever unsurpassed.
Favorite version - the 1992 Director's Cut. They're all better than the Theatrical, the 'Final Cut' just adds a few lines and tweaks here & there that I'm none too crazy about. The only version I haven't seen I believe is the Workprint Cut. If only I had the $$$ to pony up for that superb 30th Anniversary Blu-ray set, damn it!
Blade Runner wasn't really considered a good movie until the much improved director's cut was released. The director's cut is one of my favorite films. The theatrical release was mediocre, and that voice over was painful (just as Ford & Scott intended to persuade the studio to cut
Blade Runner wasn't really considered a good movie until the much improved director's cut was released. The director's cut is one of my favorite films. The theatrical release was mediocre, and that voice over was painful (just as Ford & Scott intended to persuade the studio to cut it, too bad it didn't work).