You going to be watching the Final Cut? It's pretty much my favorite film ever as it combines my two favorite genres (Sci-Fi and Noir) in a way that had never been remotely attempted before and hasn't been matched since. I think some people are thrown off by how deeply Noir it actually is.
Deckard fills the role of the flawed anti-hero and serves the narrative as both a detective and gun for hire. He's hardened, cynical, and by the time we find him, world-weary and alienated in a crumbling society and environment. During his investigation, he carries out orders the implications of which could be deemed morally questionable, but in a blade-sharp pivot, it turns out it isn't only the criminals he's searching for but rather himself: for his own humanity and identity.
Rachel is introduced as the mysterious, insolent, cigarette-smoking femme fatale right down to the 1940s style up-do, coloured arm bands and shoulder pads. However, like Deckard she undergoes a metamorphosis that adds a layer of depth, distinguishes and elevates her from stereotypical trappings and comes to form a complete and credible character. She is a fusion of two separate archetypes.
Genetic bioengineering serves the base of the plot, many of the major players are A.I. 'replicant' humanoids; the central theme explores the boundaries of humanity and the primary question posed - "What does it mean to be human?" - is examined repeatedly throughout, in a multitude of ways from varying angles (anxiety, memories, fear, choice, consciousness).
Yet still, it expands and lends itself to convey and highlight a range of large scale issues that include but aren't limited to: globalization, totalitarianism, environmental degradation, scientific and technological advancement. The setting presents a retrofitted dystopian future, a gloomy urban sprawl of high-tech ingenuity and possibility that's been soured by apparent ecological and societal devastation.
Visually, there's near perpetual night, darkness, and rain-soaked streets; smog and steam permeate the atmosphere at seemingly every twist and turn with neon advertisements flashing down from up above the city and reflecting off the steel, glass and damp asphalt. The stark contrast, unconventional angles, shadowy figures, smoke filled rooms, lamp lighting and even the damn venetian blinds are all prominently featured. Two of the most evident characteristics visually are the strong backlighting and utilization of light shafts.
