View Full Version : Blade Runner tops SFX poll
Ridley Scott's Blade Runner has topped a poll by SFX magazine to document the top 100 SciFi, Fantasy & Horror movies of all time: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/blade-runner-named-best-scifi-film-20120524-1z7g0.html
Alien gets to number 8 but Aliens hits number 3 with Empire strikes back at number 2!
You've got to buy the mag to get the full top 100: http://www.sfx.co.uk/2012/05/21/new-sfx-top-100-movies-special-out-now/
I wanna know how 2001: A Space Odessey missed out on the top 10 :o
Skybird
05-26-12, 04:59 AM
Okay with all, Empire was the best of all SW movies and already the most liked SW movie in the 80s. BR at the top, I do not complain. But that 2001 is not there, is disappointing. Popcorn eaters today probably consider it too calm, too long, too boring.
There are many other good SF movies that many people even do not have heared off. Quite Earth. Solaris both versions, and many more.
But what are the criterions for such lists? How to compare Avatar with an old black-and-white movie by Jack Arnold, or the Metaluna IV-movie?
Catfish
05-26-12, 05:27 AM
Blade Runner, Minority report, Screamers and all those others - all films based on stories from Philip K. Dick. He was one great writer, with lots of imagination about the future - almost better than Ray Bradbury.
And very critical .. would not surprise me if he's on some index .. which has become a sign of quality in itself :-?
I think you could make a phantastic (sic) film of everyone of his stories, and they will all be a success.
Greetings,
Catfish
Skybird
05-26-12, 06:07 AM
Blade Runner, Minority report, Screamers and all those others - all films based on stories from Philip K. Dick.
Total Recall (=Martian Time Slip), not forget this one. Probably the most successful PKD movie adaptation after Blade Runner.
But all these movies did not reach the literaric original in quality. Whereas the movie Blade Runner surpassed the novel, and I would say: by far.
Minority Report I did not like. Too much Spielberg, too much Cruise, and the story and point left me so uninterested and unimpressed that I always forget it, although I saw it repeatedly in attempts to find the fascination in it.
He was one great writer, with lots of imagination about the future - almost better than Ray Bradbury.
And very critical .. would not surprise me if he's on some index .. which has become a sign of quality in itself :-?
He had his conflicts with the US government and the CIA in the late 60s and early 70s. I seem to recall that for some time he even fled the country.
I think you could make a phantastic (sic) film of everyone of his stories, and they will all be a success.
"Flow my tears, the policeman said", could come out next, maybe. The company behind the Terminator franchise said two or three years ago they plan to adapt it, they already had secured legal rights for it.
Not a bad novel, but also not one of his best, imo. But it won the John W. Campbell Award, and was nominated for the Hugo and the Nebula as well.
Sailor Steve
05-26-12, 08:33 AM
I have never liked Blade Runner. Don't ask my why, because I don't know. It just left me cold.
Two of the Star Wars films were in the top 4. That's cool. Not my favorites, but I like them.
Aliens was good, though not my favorite genre.
Lord Of The Rings isn't even science fiction. Loved them, but what are they doing there?
Matrix? Meh.
Serenity? Love it, glad to see it in the top ten, but would much rather it had been the full second season of Firefly. So while it's one of my all-time favorites I don't really consider it to be a movie, just cut-up segments from a TV show.
Alien? A slasher flick with monsters. Cool effects and I loved the cast, but also not really my idea of sci-fi.
Back To The Future. A lot of fun, but again not among my favorites, as in I don't own a copy or watch it once every year.
The Dark Knight? Maybe the best Batman movie, but again hardly science fiction.
But my own tastes are weird, so don't trust my opinion. :sunny:
Sailor Steve
05-26-12, 08:38 AM
Blade Runner, Minority report, Screamers and all those others - all films based on stories from Philip K. Dick.
And all butchered beyond redemption or forgiveness.
He was one great writer, with lots of imagination about the future - almost better than Ray Bradbury.
And very critical .. would not surprise me if he's on some index .. which has become a sign of quality in itself :-?
No argument there, but as with Bradbury his stories don't really translate well as feature films. Maybe half-hour Twighlight Zone episodes.
I think you could make a phantastic (sic) film of everyone of his stories, and they will all be a success.
Unfortunately no one has made what I would consider an even passable film from one of his stories.
Skybird
05-26-12, 08:53 AM
With the exception of DH Lawrence and Ray Bradbury I am no story reader. I think I have the complete collection of roughly 40 novels by PKD, and some readers with stories by him, but while I have read many of his novels not just once but twice, three times, I have read most stories not even once.
I like thick novels.
:D
I would love to see Brian Aldiss' Helliconia trilogy being turned into a major film event. To me Helliconia is one of the greatest world panoramas ever described in Science Fiction. Truly monumental.
David Zindell's Neverness would make a nice mini-series, I think, 4 or 6 60-90 minute episodes.
I have never liked Blade Runner. Don't ask my why, because I don't know. It just left me cold.
I am the same. No idea why I don't like it, I just don't, one or two of Rutger Hauer's scenes excepted.
But then, I also loathe Taxi Driver and The Shawshank Redemption with a passion bordering on fundamentalism so what the heck do I know? :)
Was Space Truckers not on the list then? :D
I love 2001. There is no earthly reason that it is not in the top ten. perhaps they were chosen by children.
I wonder If Outland is in the top 100. Much under rated film, that.
BossMark
05-26-12, 09:57 AM
Must admit I am not all that keen on Blade Runner myself.
Empire strikes back
Star Wars
the return of the jedi
Now you are talking sfx :yep:
TLAM Strike
05-26-12, 01:34 PM
my response.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqQmfCOGmFU&t=0m40s)
ALIEN No.1 :DL
Screw the poll.:O:
my response.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqQmfCOGmFU&t=0m40s)
http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/250x250/20194796.jpg
http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/250x250/20194796.jpg
Speaking of Shatner did anyone see him lastnight on..Have I got news for you. What a laugh it was. :har:
Lord Of The Rings isn't even science fiction. Loved them, but what are they doing there?
Because its Sci Fi, Fantasy & Horror. Lotr is Fantasy.:know:
:arrgh!:The Ice Pirates!:arrgh!:
I hate how they just lump Sci Fi and Fantasy and Horror all into one category. It slike if you put War Movies and Action Movies in the same category. Predator beats out the Longest Day in this week's top ten!!!!!
Blaerunner really is the best Sci Fi film. Visually its also incredible. Without egregious CGI, before computers dominated every effect in every movie, looks just as good as anything made today.
The real heart of Sci Fi is the discussion of the nature of humanity, or the nature of reality, which is a similar if the same topic. Bladerunner really hits the balance in feeding us a story about the nature of humanity but still having that essential plot and action.
I felt that movies like Minority Report weren't as good because they took that essential purpose of the story and kind of fed it through a "Lets make a really cool plot" machine and left you with a lot of effects and a lot of action and basically turns an abstract discussion of ideas into a clever "whodunnit".
This is why I'm really glad that its taken forever for Ender's Game to get anywhere in production for filming. I don't even know if it ever will get made, all I know is that book would get ruined by a treatment anything below the standard of Bladerunner. Sadly, Sci Fi today is mostly seen as action in space.
Luckily while CGI ruins most blockbusters, smaller indie flicks can afford to look as good as they should if the director and producers can keep their heads on straight. Sunshine is a brilliant example of Sci Fi done right balanced with an appropriate level of modern CGI.
Sailor Steve
05-27-12, 08:47 AM
Predator beats out the Longest Day in this week's top ten!!!!!
:rotfl2: :rock:
Buddahaid
05-27-12, 10:23 AM
Beat me to it. Star Wars is not even science fiction. Just because it's in space, or in the future, or a long time ago, far, far, away, doesn't make it science fiction, it has to be about the science involved and can take place next door right now.
And 'Blade Runner' is a fantastic movie which qualifies as science fiction being mainly concerned with replicant technology. It is a dark movie which is perhaps what turns some off.
Sky like Solaris! I thought I was the only person not bored to death with it(the original).
I'm partial to Solaris. One SF movie I really liked was Gattaca. Great cast and very interesting concepts around the future of society ruled by your DNA.
Osmium Steele
05-28-12, 08:08 AM
In a list of SciFi movies, I can see Blade Runner at the top, but a list of Scifi, fantasy and horror movies? How is The Exorcist not #1? :nope:
Buddahaid
05-28-12, 01:06 PM
Well 'The Exorcist' was a shocking movie when it was a first run but I watched it again years later and thought it was a lot of bad acting too which would be my guess why it's at #17.
sharkbit
05-28-12, 01:35 PM
Just curious-
For the "Blade Runner" lovers out there-
Which version do you like best, the Director's Cut or the original?
It's been a couple of years since I watched the director's cut(have it on DVD) and many, many years since I've seen the original version(I think I have it somewhere on VHS, recorded from cable).
I seemed to like the original better, mainly the ending, but it has been waaaay to long since I saw the original and I can't really compare them fairly.
:)
Just curious-
For the "Blade Runner" lovers out there-
Which version do you like best, the Director's Cut or the original?
It's been a couple of years since I watched the director's cut(have it on DVD) and many, many years since I've seen the original version(I think I have it somewhere on VHS, recorded from cable).
I seemed to like the original better, mainly the ending, but it has been waaaay to long since I saw the original and I can't really compare them fairly.
:)
Final Cut
MaddogK
05-29-12, 10:37 AM
:arrgh!:The Ice Pirates!:arrgh!:
:cool: loved it,
It's good to see 'Blade Runner' top the list and FTR I thought the directors cut was best but I preferred the original happy ending. One of the most profound items of the film that I never see mentioned is Deckard questioning his own humanity- he realizes he doesn't know for sure if he's human or replicant, and it goes totally unmentioned without the americanized theatrical ending.
I thought Alien was awesome too, it killed me to see the re-mastered version where the blood red sky on LV-426 recolored to a cool blue. I read it was because it was hard to see the characters in space suits with the red dust blowing around.
...and where's 'Dark Star' on the list ? No film has ever topped the conversation with the bomb.
:rock:
Sailor Steve
05-29-12, 10:42 AM
Among my old favorites was Silent Running.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067756/
MaddogK
05-29-12, 11:03 AM
Among my old favorites was Silent Running.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067756/
Ya, great film. Also loved that parts of the film were shot aboard the real U.S.S. Valley Forge before it was scrapped.
Skybird
05-29-12, 11:15 AM
:cool: loved it,
It's good to see 'Blade Runner' top the list and FTR I thought the directors cut was best but I preferred the original happy ending. One of the most profound items of the film that I never see mentioned is Deckard questioning his own humanity- he realizes he doesn't know for sure if he's human or replicant, and it goes totally unmentioned without the americanized theatrical ending.
Not correct I think - it gets indicated that he has doubts in all versions of the movie, even without the first happy ending. It is when Rachel asks him whether he ever had run the Voigt-Kampff-test on himself. The question gets asked - and THEN he closes his eyes and pretends to sleep, and just does not answer. Does he prefer not to answer? Is he not sure of himself anymore? Is he afraid of the implications of the question? For me this scene always was an indication that at that time of the story he already had doubts about himself.
Even clearer it becomes in the director'S and the final cut. The scene about the unicorn, when he sits at the piano and the film shows the unicorn breaking through the bushes and trees in his imagination. At the end of the movie, Gaff leaves an origami figure in the shape of a unicorn on the floor. Decktrd finds it, freezes and stares at it - and nodds. Gaff had read his file, and there he read about all memories that giot implanted into deckard'S mind. Gaff told him by leaving that figure that Deckard is a Replicant - and Deckard learns it at this point of the film at the latest.
MaddogK
05-29-12, 01:29 PM
Not correct I think - it gets indicated that he has doubts in all versions of the movie, even without the first happy ending. It is when Rachel asks him whether he ever had run the Voigt-Kampff-test on himself. The question gets asked - and THEN he closes his eyes and pretends to sleep, and just does not answer. Does he prefer not to answer? Is he not sure of himself anymore? Is he afraid of the implications of the question? For me this scene always was an indication that at that time of the story he already had doubts about himself.
Even clearer it becomes in the director'S and the final cut. The scene about the unicorn, when he sits at the piano and the film shows the unicorn breaking through the bushes and trees in his imagination. At the end of the movie, Gaff leaves an origami figure in the shape of a unicorn on the floor. Decktrd finds it, freezes and stares at it - and nodds. Gaff had read his file, and there he read about all memories that giot implanted into deckard'S mind. Gaff told him by leaving that figure that Deckard is a Replicant - and Deckard learns it at this point of the film at the latest.
So they just let Deckard run off with Rachael (who'se supposedly the only replicant without an expiration date), and the details about the implanted memory of a unicorn are in Deckards file for Gaff to read ?
:down:
I don't think the unicorn is referring to Deckard at all, always thought it referred to Rachael since that ending scene when Deckard holding the oragami unicorn has Gaff narrating 'too bad she wont live...', but Gaff doesn't know she wont 'expire' after 4 years.
kiwi_2005
05-29-12, 01:32 PM
Alien, Blade runner and The Matrix belong there but as for the rest I can think of three that should of been voted in, imho.
Pandorum (2009)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1188729/
Moon (2009)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1182345/
Cargo (2009)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0381940/
Cargo is one of my all time favorites, I think it was a B grade movie, its nothing great so dont rush out and buy it as there is a 90% chance you wont like it. Cargo for me gave that feeling that you were part of the crew all alone in deep space. And Pandorum should of definitely been in the top 5. Moon well its a gem and will still be a favorite among many, 25 yrs from now. ;)
So they just let Deckard run off with Rachael (who'se supposedly the only replicant without an expiration date), and the details about the implanted memory of a unicorn are in Deckards file for Gaff to read ?
:down:
I don't think the unicorn is referring to Deckard at all, always thought it referred to Rachael since that ending scene when Deckard holding the oragami unicorn has Gaff narrating 'too bad she wont live...', but Gaff doesn't know she wont 'expire' after 4 years.
Considering the DC and FC, the unicorn origami is definitely aimed at Deckard.
That's pretty much the point of the unicorn scene: to tie it with the origami
in the end and have the viewer put 2 + 2 together and figure out Deckard is
a replicant himself. :hmmm:
MaddogK
05-29-12, 02:47 PM
Considering the DC and FC, the unicorn origami is definitely aimed at Deckard.
That's pretty much the point of the unicorn scene: to tie it with the origami
in the end and have the viewer put 2 + 2 together and figure out Deckard is
a replicant himself. :hmmm:
Sadly (or gladly) I read the original P.K.Dick story before the dir cut was released, so the suggestion from the later cuts didn't work on me.
Relevant opinions from those involved:
Philip K. Dick (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_K._Dick) wrote the character Deckard as a human.[17] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Themes_in_Blade_Runner#cite_note-16)
Hampton Fancher (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton_Fancher) (original screenwriter) has said that he wrote the character Deckard as a human, but wanted the film to suggest the possibility that he may be a replicant. When asked, "Is Deckard a replicant?", Fancher replied, "No. It wasn't like I had a tricky idea about Deckard that way."[18] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Themes_in_Blade_Runner#cite_note-17) During a discussion panel with Ridley Scott to discuss Blade Runner: The Final Cut, Fancher again stated that he believes Deckard is human (saying that "[Ridley Scott's] idea is too complex"), but also repeated that he prefers the film to remain ambiguous: "I like asking the question and I like it to be asked but I think it’s nonsense to answer it. That’s not interesting to me." [19] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Themes_in_Blade_Runner#cite_note-18)
Ridley Scott (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ridley_Scott) stated in an interview in 2002 that he considers Deckard a replicant.[20] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Themes_in_Blade_Runner#cite_note-19)[21] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Themes_in_Blade_Runner#cite_note-20)
Harrison Ford (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrison_Ford) considers Deckard to be human. "That was the main area of contention between Ridley and myself at the time," Ford told interviewer Jonathan Ross (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Ross_%28television_presenter%29) during a BBC1 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_One) Hollywood Greats segment. "I thought the audience deserved one human being on screen that they could establish an emotional relationship with. I thought I had won Ridley's agreement to that, but in fact I think he had a little reservation about that. I think he really wanted to have it both ways."[22] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Themes_in_Blade_Runner#cite_note-21) (However, in an interview in Wired magazine in 2007, Ridley again states that he believes Deckard is a replicant, and says that Harrison Ford may have given up the idea of Deckard being human.)[23] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Themes_in_Blade_Runner#cite_note-22)
Edward James Olmos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_James_Olmos) (Detective Gaff) explains that Deckard was also a replicant.[24] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Themes_in_Blade_Runner#cite_note-23)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Themes_in_Blade_Runner
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