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Deckard is underused and too much of a reactive character
Verfasst von fan_of_filmsSTAFFMOD am 28. Dezember 2017 um 23:07
I think one legitimate criticism of BR 2049 is the total underuse of Rick Deckard. He's a completely reactive character. He reacts to the events around him, he does not take a proactive lead in the narrative.
K meets up with Deckard so Deckard reacts and has a fight with K.
K wants questions answered so Deckard reacts and gives answers.
Deckard is captured by the bad guys. He reacts to the attack on the hotel but has no proactive plan how to escape.
Deckard is interrogated at Wallace's base. Deckard has few lines of dialogue. Most of the scene involves Deckard just sitting there as Wallace explains the plot to him!
During the final battle scene Deckard takes no part. He's handcuffed to a chair - he just reacts to his surroundings! He cannot push the story forward because he's physically chained to the spot. Deckard doesn't escape the sinking ship, K has to save him.
Compare this reactive version of Deckard with Deckard from the original Blade Runner movie. In the original movie Deckard is completely proactive. Within five minutes of the opening Deckard is given his mission. He sets out to find and retire the replicants. He meets and interviews Rachael, they form a relationship. Deckard continues his investigation, finds clues to the location of the replicants, finds out what they trying to achieve. He propels the narrative forward. The final scene of the movie - Deckard chooses to go with Rachael. He won't retire her. He makes a conscious decision to keep her alive.
Decker makes no decisions in BR 2049. He has no discernible 'Blade Runner' character. He doesn't help K to track and retire any replicants, he doesn't have any connection with his former job. Deckard is just some guy wearing casual clothes, likes a drink, and has a pet dog! I believe the representation of Deckard in BR 2049 is badly done. The character is woefully underused. We don't get to see him as a Blade Runner and I feel this makes for a weaker sequel.
Antwort von OddRob
am 28. Dezember 2017 um 23:40
Deckard/Harrison Ford is to old to be a Blade Runner anymore. They used him the best they could while trying to pass on the baton to K/a newer generation. I think Ford actually seemed like he liked working on this project, unlike Star Wars where I think he just showed up for the paycheck. BR2049 wasnt Deckards story, it was Ks story thats why he was underused in this story line. I really enjoyed this film and think its probably one of the best sequels I have ever seen.
Antwort von fan_of_films
am 28. Dezember 2017 um 23:46
There's not much actual 'Blade Running' in the movie, though. The central concept of the Blade Runner universe is really downplayed in the sequel. If Ford could have done a bit of Blade Runner action - investigating/locating the replicants - I dunno, might have felt a bit closer to the original. On the other hand, I suppose you could argue a sequel shouldn't be too similar to the original.
I did enjoy the movie but not as a Blade Runner sequel. A bit too flat and weirdly too Hollywood in tone.
Antwort von OddRob
am 29. Dezember 2017 um 00:24
Really? Because from what I hear people didnt like it because it was to much like the original. Slow burn, not that much action, intellectual, and long. I feel like it would have done better with the general audience if it was cut down a bit. I also think you def had to have seen the original in preparation for this one. Not a stand alone for sure. I also agree if maybe they had K 'run' down another skin job it would have helped.
Antwort von fan_of_films
am 29. Dezember 2017 um 10:34
Yeah, imagine the movie is more or less as it is but in the third act K convinces Deckard about Wallace's evil intent. Wallace has elite replicants out to kill K and he needs help. Deckard is a bit reluctant "my time has passed" but K says "you said you were good at your job, why not prove it and help me." (dramatic pause) "Please."
Deckard agrees and the third act goes in a different direction.
There is a big shoot-out in the hotel, perhaps Luv does capture Deckard, and K gives chase. The cinematography in the hotel scenes is really cool - an exciting replicants vs K/Deckard action scene had major potential and it makes sense to up the action stakes in the final act.
As mentioned in a previous post, Deckard does nothing in the movie. Heck, I reckon the younger Deckard would have found a way to break the lock and free himself but the older Deckard looks a bit gormless. It's a bit sad to see Deckard so useless. ""I had your job once - I was good at it" he says. Well he didn't show much of it in this movie!
Antwort von Renovatio
am 3. Februar 2018 um 13:58
People get slow when grow old... He's 70 or so in the movie having spent the past 30 years in hiding...