Great Scene: “Blade Runner” (1982)

The dramatic final confrontation between Deckard and Batty.

As far as memorable scenes in science fiction movies go, this one ranks right up there.

Plot summary: A blade runner must pursue and terminate four replicants who stole a ship in space and have returned to Earth to find their creator.

Screenplay by Hampton Fancher and David Webb Peoples, novel by Philip K. Dick.

Screen setup: Replicant leader Roy Batty confronts skip tracer Deckard.

Here is the script version of the scene:

Here is the movie version of the scene:

This is interesting. From the script:

That voice-over was used in one version of the movie. The excerpt above doesn’t have it. I think it works better. Batty’s death — in silence — is even more dramatic than with Deckard’s chatter.

Sometimes the best dialogue … is no dialogue.

Here’s some analysis about why this scene is some memorable.

For more articles in the Great Scene series, go here.