Review of Blade Runner 2049 (2017) by Frame R — 03 Apr 2018

Deckard may be a Replicant, Han may have shot first but Villeneuve definitely shot better!

BLADE RUNNER 2049.

You know you have big shoes to fill when you have to make a sequel to every film buff's wet dream, the original sci-fi noir from Ridley Scott. This new version certainly isn't going to be as seminal or as divisive, nor will it create such a strong fanbase. However, it is to be enjoyed as what it tries to be: a well-crafted blockbuster with a unshakable ideological stand-point. Apart from plot or ideology, nonetheless, the prodigious directing of Villeneuve proves once again that he is one of the best working in the film industry today. Despite never reaching the heights of Arrival, this movie (which is not a film noir) is compelling to its core and every shot feels right at home. Contrary to many Hollywood directors, Villeneuve isn't afraid to keep some shots longer than they're expected and to compose them in an innovative way. He manages to imprint into the movie an overall sense of eeriness caused by its vastness, the off always feeling far greater than what you're watching. I would say that the only thing working against his vision is Walker's editing and some lack of character development in most of the characters. But even if it can be said that the shots are too short, the same can't be said about each scene as each one of them has room to breathe and has a narrative pay off. It's such a long movie that never gets to be cyclical or dull, as every integrant part of the movie is working together as whole to be captivating. Furthermore, the casting is fitting, especially Gosling who is balanced and grounded in that dystopian world. However, every single element of the film is outshined by the most revolutionary and stunning cinematography of the year. You really don't expect that every single shot in a blockbuster will showcase such an amount of detail and care for visual storytelling. Even if you dislike the movie as whole, you have to appreciate the visual wonder it displays, as the color palette is crafted to a point in which it fits each scene's necessities, despite its variable content.I would say that it can be considered as one of Villeneuve's worse but it speaks volumes that it is still incredibly solid. It's a film that gets you hooked by its plot, but makes you stay for continuous technical and creative achievement. It will certainly be rewatched time and time again, and will serve as an example of a sequel done extremely right.