In this episode of The Bark Knight Podcast, we continue our Sci-Fi Classics series with a deep dive into Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049, two films that shaped what modern sci-fi looks and feels like.

We break down the different cuts of the original film, the world-building and lore of the Blade Runner universe, and the questions that still spark debate decades later: Is Deckard human? What actually defines humanity? And, why does this franchise hit so differently than other sci-fi classics like Alien, The Thing, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and E.T.?

As conversation shifts to Blade Runner 2049, we dig into Denis Villeneuve’s approach to legacy sequels, the film’s pacing and theatrical experience, the role of AI and Joi, and how the sequel expands on themes of identity, memory, and the moral decay of humanity. Along the way, we touch on Harrison Ford’s unique screen presence, Vangelis’ iconic score, practical effects vs. miniatures, and how Blade Runner fits into the broader sci-fi lexicon alongside modern directors like Christopher Nolan.

This one is for lovers of the science fiction genre who enjoy digging into its origins and how they paved the way for the modern classics of today.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:09 Episode Overview

00:00:49 Blade Runner

00:01:05 Dan’s Initial Thoughts

00:02:33 The Different Versions

00:05:07 Paul’s Feelings on the Franchise

00:06:36 The Background & Lore

00:08:55 Comparing to Other Classics (Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Alien, John Carpenter’s The Thing)

00:11:55 Harrison Ford

00:13:112 The Climax

00:18:45 Harrison Ford’s Everyman Abilities

00:21:20 Ambiguity, Deckard’s Humanity, & Harrison Ford’s Punches

00:25:47 The Score from Vengelis

00:28:313 Usage of Miniatures, Establishing Shot, & Shooting Techniques

00:33:00 The Decay of Morality

00:37:45 Blade Runner Final Thoughts

00:40:28 Blade Runner 2049 Initial Thoughts

00:46:31 Background, Prologues, and Jared Leto

00:49:34 The Casting

00:52:07 Deckard’s Humanity & His Child’s Identity

00:53:22 K & Joi’s Relationship

00:56:36 The Theatre Experience, Sequel Plans, Pacing, & Dune 2

01:02:46 The Baseline Test & Using Tension

01:04:58 Joi & AI Girlfriends

01:06:38 The Decay of Morality & the Hubris of Mankind

01:08:30 Denis Villeneuve & Christopher Nolan

01:12:14 Dune: Part 2, Dune: Part 3, & Avengers: Doomsday

01:15:54 Final Thoughts

01:16:51 Other Media & What’s Next

01:17:40 Episode Wrap