Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford Will Star in Blade Runner 2049
The movie trailer is sure pretty but you won’t find out much about the plot. In 1982, “ Blade Runner ” went from box-office bust to a sci-fi hallmark and strong cult following. Thirty-five years later the sequel “Blade Runner 2049 is about to hit the box office October 6. Ridley Scott, the director of the 1982 original, began working on a follow-up in 2009 but he eventually handed the reins to Denis Villeneuve, who made “Arrival” and “Prisoners.” Villeneuve cast Ryan Gosling as an LAPD officer who, 30 years after the events of “Blade Runner,” tracks down the long-missing Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford reprising his role) to investigate a secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos according to Fox’s plot synopsis. The new trailer doesn’t divulge many specifics, but it does introduce Jared Leto and Robin Wright into the fold showing the same peril of technological advances like artificial intelligence. Those themes are as resonant in 2017 as they were in 1982, if not more so, said Villeneuve. “In 2049, for some reason society lost its memory and its relationship with history in some ways,” Villeneuve said, deliberately steering far clear of any plot spoilers. “That’s something that’s frightening and relevant with our world today.”
Harrison Ford commented, “This film acknowledges and deals with some of the ethical considerations that technology presents us with. There’s no such thing as a free lunch, and we’re really talking about both the benefit of technology and the social consequences of it in a way that I think is really interesting.” For Ford, who has already made late career returns to both the Indiana Jones and Star Wars franchises, finds himself in the gritty yet futuristic world of “Blade Runner” again after 35 years and back in one of his most iconic roles was surreal and gratifying. “The first time I walked on the set it was raining, that made me feel welcome,” the actor, who will turn 75 this summer, said wryly. “Ryan was working with a naked woman. That made me a little sad. But she was a holographic projection, which made me happy again.” Gosling himself was just a toddler when the original “Blade Runner” hit theaters but he grew up in a pop culture landscape that had been deeply affected by it. To walk on the set, with its working props and painstakingly detailed production design, he said, was to be plunged into a world that felt at once alien and familiar. “You were just completely immersed in this universe that you had grown up watching and imagining,” Gosling said. “The trick for me was just not to be impressed by it on camera because it was supposed to be my everyday reality, as if I’d never known anything else.” Gosling deadpanned: “But I’m being nicer to my electronics just in case.”
Will New Sequel Push Further the Dangers of Relying So Much on Technology?
Susan Z’s Conclusion:
Even though they have not revealed much about the new plot, I feel that will be the intent. The first Blade Runner was a prophetic film of the future anticipating advances in artificial intelligence that have begun to blur the line between humans and machines. Blade Runner 2049 should be even more thought provoking with all the technological advances we have made since.
Ten of Swords:
This card is extremely stressful and hard times being faced. I believe the movie will clearly impart the struggle humanity deals with between convenience and survival.
The Hierophant: Inverted (Upside Down)
This is a card of teacher and healer. Inverted, I feel the movie will force many to see the personal responsibility of relying so heavily on tech in their lives. A.I. is still an intelligence and quite possibly have the ability in the future to learn and make decisions on its own.
Justice: Inverted
This card is about being honest with yourself. Because the card in inverted, I believe the movie will force many to take a hard look at a possible outcome for our future generations.
Susan Z Rich is an emotional addiction counselor, spiritual intuitive and holistic therapist. She counsels others to see life in a more positive way and teaches personal accountability for life choices. She is also the author of several children’s books and Soul Windows…Secrets From The Divine.