We Weren't Ready for Blade Runner 2049

By now any mainstream audience attention toward this movie has wavered almost completely seeing as Madea's Halloween 2 took the box office last weekend (as of writing) and now it looks to have done no better overseas starting in China's market. It’s unfortunate to think that a movie so well received and highly praised has somehow done so poorly at the box office, which is no reflection of its quality in the least. The studio's will probably mark this formula as a miss with the more general audiences even though the entire team behind this film was at the top of their game. Roger Deakins who’s honed his craft as one of the most well-regarded cinematographers is in top form here, shooting picturesque visuals frame to frame throughout most of the run time. 

Production designer Dennis Gasner who’s helped bring to life a slew of the most recent Bond films has helped realize one of the most intriguing and beautiful sci-fi worlds depicted on screen. If you’ve seen the film in XD or IMAX you probably noticed (or maybe you didn’t) the sound design is on point and completely immerses your senses into the story. Everything from the pummeling sound of agent K’s blaster to the ominous sounds on the dystopian streets Los Angeles. The score, which blends perfectly with the sound design, brings elements of Jóhann Jóhannson’s musical prowess (who has worked with Villenue on a few previous films) of low reverberating chants with updated elements of the first Blade Runner’s iconic score due in part to Hans Zimmers involvement halfway through production along with Benjamin Wallfisch to help match the iconic cues of the original and meld a sweeping wave of synth that adds to the scope of the meticulously re-created world.

Director Denis Villeneuve is on a bit of a hot streak at this point, ranging from his recent film Arrival to Sicario and Prisoners and fortunately this film is no exception to the careful detail and dedication to creating something that will force you to think about it days or weeks after viewing. I don’t even feel like you need to have seen the first one to necessarily “get it” as both films stand completely on their own and you could probably even watch the original after seeing this one to help fill in backstory. If you’re a fan of Sci-Fi and you haven’t seen this yet, do yourself a favor and go check it out right now before it leaves the big screen. For a film of this scale (budget of $150 mill, nothing wasted), the living room viewing for a first time won’t even compare to the immersion you get at the theater with quality sound and optimum picture. Don’t sleep on this one like everyone else already has.