So, was Deckard a replicant or not?

[Mr Cochese]

In the novel it's never hinted that Deckard could be a replicant, and the androids themselves are much less sympathetic characters than in the film, lacking empathy as they do. The replicants of the film seem much more human like, even if it is simulated.

[mash]

Of course he is. Is it even open for debate anymore?

[Scribblor]

On a barely related note, the bluray set is absolutely fantastic and seems to be going for a steal at various times. I picked it up for about 12 quid, that's every version of the film ever released in high definition plus extras.

I can only find the 2 disc edition, with commentaries, but no extra versions of the film. Mind you, I've got the DVD set, so I guess I don't need all the different versions on Blu-Ray. Might pick up the final cut though. What's the picture like?

[Mr Hatfield]

What's the picture like?

the picture - and don't forget the sound too - are incredible

[Lorfarius]

I asked my old man who know's everything. He say's Deckards a replicant, should I close the thread?

[Mr Cochese]

It is obvious that Deckard is a replicant because they modelled his appearance entirely on the Twentieth Century film star Harrison Ford.

[mash]

I asked my old man who know's everything. He say's Deckards a replicant, should I close the thread?

Does he know how to punctuate?

[Space Renegade Ulala]

Yes it was. Thats what verhoeven says anyway.

But what about when the Recall rescue package guy starts sweating? Eh, EH?

No, I agree, it's all too perfect an ending so it must be in his head. The real question is whether the film is Quaid just getting what he paid for and he's waking up at the final flash before the credits or whether he really has had a schizoid embolism and is totally lobotomised, drooling in a chair like Gorfy after a couple of glasses of gin.

[And]

And to preserve its integrity, laws should be passed at the UN, stating that all attempts at a sequel/remake will be classed as a crime against humanity......

Don't ever read the sequel novels (they're shite)

Depends

In Do androids - clearly not

In the film, changes each time i watch it or what version you watch, i hope to never find out, it's more fun that way.

[Lorfarius]

Does he know how to punctuate?

He might be handy with his fists?

[stefmcd]

One of the factors that stops me wholeheartedly believing Deckard is a replicant is one of the film's central themes i.e. that the replicants are more capable of showing traditionally human qualities (such as mercy, pity, compassion) than the humans themselves, who have no qualms about ending the replicants lives.

Deckard being a replicant negates this point.

When Rachel asks if Deckard ever took the Voigt Kampf test himself I don't take any literal suggestion that he is a replicant, merely that she is angry at his cold, heartless attitude.

[mash]

One of the factors that stops me wholeheartedly believing Deckard is a replicant is one of the film's central themes i.e. that the replicants are more capable of showing traditionally human qualities (such as mercy, pity, compassion) than the humans themselves, who have no qualms about ending the replicants lives.

Deckard being a replicant negates this point.

When Rachel asks if Deckard ever took the Voigt Kampf test himself I don't take any literal suggestion that he is a replicant, merely that she is angry at his cold, heartless attitude.

How do you explain the unicorn then?

[Kinketsu]

Stefmcds statements sort of mirror my point further down the thread. I think the film works best when it is suggesting that Deckard, like most of the non-replicants, is less human than human. He doesn't know any Keats, he drinks too much, he's snuffing out life on a regular basis that maybe more worth while than his own and he'd like to stop, but the establishment keeps worming him into doing it and he's such a lowlife that he keeps doing it for bullshit reasons like "If you're not a cop, you're little people". I think this message, and the film, is more successful if he is not a replicant, but unfortunately the directors cut makes it pretty clear that he is thanks to the unicorn etc.

[mash]

Stefmcds statements sort of mirror my point further down the thread. I think the film works best when it is suggesting that Deckard, like most of the non-replicants, is less human than human. He doesn't know any Keats, he drinks too much, he's snuffing out life on a regular basis that maybe more worth while than his own and he'd like to stop, but the establishment keeps worming him into doing it and he's such a lowlife that he keeps doing it for bullshit reasons like "If you're not a cop, you're little people". I think this message, and the film, is more successful if he is not a replicant, but unfortunately the directors cut makes it pretty clear that he is thanks to the unicorn etc.

If Deckard were human, would he even be on earth? I doubt it.

[Harsin]

On the DVD the screenwriter says that he much prefers the story as Kinekstu describes. But Scott obviously wanted the 'twist'.

[Lasers are brilliant]

But what about when the Recall rescue package guy starts sweating? Eh, EH?

No, I agree, it's all too perfect an ending so it must be in his head. The real question is whether the film is Quaid just getting what he paid for and he's waking up at the final flash before the credits or whether he really has had a schizoid embolism and is totally lobotomised, drooling in a chair like Gorfy after a couple of glasses of gin.

It's also all shown on the screens when he first goes to Rekall. Right down to the alien ruins.

As for Deckard, what about the theory that 'they' wanted him to believe he was a replicant to get rid of him once the case was over, as he knew too much shit for a lowly Runner?

This is a bit like the alternate interpretation of The Usual Suspects, where it's not Verbal who's Kaiser Soze, but Pete Postlethwaite - because Verbal says Kaiser would 'pick him up' the minute he left the station - which is exactly what happens. After all, Kaiser Soze wouldn't let himself be revealed to a cop so easily, would he? And the one thing you know for sure is that Verbal's a great liar.

[Kinketsu]

If Deckard were human, would he even be on earth? I doubt it.

Yeah, because he's little people. Him and Bryant are spending their time on Earth, killing Gods, The off world colonies are probably hell holes, we never see a human who wants to live there, only robots who want to escape from there.

[mash]

Yeah, because he's little people. Him and Bryant are spending their time on Earth, killing Gods, The off world colonies are probably hell holes, we never see a human who wants to live there, only robots who want to escape from there.

Er no. Earth is an unpleasant place, most of the decent people have left for the colonies because Earth has become polluted. The only people who remain are the decadent rich (who live high above street level), the poor, and those who couldn't go (J F Sebastian isn't allowed to go because of his Methusaleh syndrome).

As an incentive for people to leave for the colonies, they're given replicants to use as slaves.

[Space Renegade Ulala]

This is a bit like the alternate interpretation of The Usual Suspects, where it's not Verbal who's Kaiser Soze, but Pete Postlethwaite - because Verbal says Kaiser would 'pick him up' the minute he left the station - which is exactly what happens. After all, Kaiser Soze wouldn't let himself be revealed to a cop so easily, would he? And the one thing you know for sure is that Verbal's a great liar.

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.

[SpagMasterSwift]

Interesting thread, I moved into the 'he is' camp once I saw the Unicorn cut, but I never understood why the guy with the bad skin wanted him to know?

[Number 28]

But, but, you never see that purple glow in his eyes! The film could've done without that effect tbh...

[womblingfree]

Scott says it's so and it's his film. So yes.

If Francis Ford Coppola had said Don Corleone was a hermaphrodite I think I'd have to double check with Mario Puzo.

[ngchol]

But, but, you never see that purple glow in his eyes! The film could've done without that effect tbh...

Yes you do, once, in the apartment with Rachel. He's in the background and out of focus but you definitely see it.

[Gorf King]

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.

Nah, the alternative take on Kaiser Soze's identity is guff, for approximately ten billion reasons. It's about as convincing as the alternative take on the moon landings and with a similar weight of compelling evidence.

Another important observation I'd like to make is that I don't drink gin. Not unless, exceptionally, some Noilly Prat's caressed it on its way into the glass.

Dribbling, though, aye.

[stefmcd]

Ok re the unicorn. It's not beyond the pail to think that psych profile tests are done on cops. If this is a recurring dream its possible he has revealed this and its somewhere in his personnel file. Perhaps a bit clutching at straws but just about plausable.

[Philly]

if he's a replicant, then he must be a fairly new nexus 6 or 7 or something. How long have they been in production, even prototypes?

I though Deckard had been killing skinjobs for years. The police chief seems to have known him forever and his past work, him being the best.

Is the chief in on it that he's a replicant? Is the chief and his memories fake? Stretches it a bit.

I want to believe he's human.

[CrispinG]

It never occurred to me that he was a replicant. I'm usually pretty on the ball with that shit. I pegged Mulholland Drive and Inland Empire on first viewings (it's a gift). I don't think the character's actions or the story support that idea. A few clues thrown in as red herrings aren't enough to convince me. It's made explicitly obvious how vulnerable his human form is to the superior engineering of the replicants. He's sardonic, grumpy, afraid, feels love and pain.

[Professor Puzzles]

Laura Dern was a replicant? I didn't get that at all.

[CrispinG]

Fuck knows, I've completely forgotten every detail of that film. I don't think I've even watched it high. My god, that's my July 4th sorted. Bye.

[donkeyk]

One of the factors that stops me wholeheartedly believing Deckard is a replicant is one of the film's central themes i.e. that the replicants are more capable of showing traditionally human qualities (such as mercy, pity, compassion) than the humans themselves, who have no qualms about ending the replicants lives.

Deckard being a replicant negates this point.

Not necessarily. If Roy saves Deckard in the mistaken belief that Deckard is human and therefore of higher value, it makes the irony you've outlined all the greater.

I'm playing devil's advocate there; I've always preferred the amiguious line of thought.