As I mentioned in my review of Blade Runner 2049, I thought the film was engrossing, atmospheric, and evocative, combining a deeply thoughtful and philosophical story with visual flare.
Whether you’ve had a chance to see it or not, here are some questions I’d like to discuss:
1) What are some other films (or books) that do a good job of questioning and/or blurring the concept of identity between humans and the Artificial Intelligence that we create?
2) Can you think of a film series that should have ended rather than adding one or more sequels? If there were multiple sequels, where should the series have ended and why?
3) What would a Blade Runner prequel look like/involve?
4) Where would a Blade Runner 3 go? (Let’s try to avoid spoilers for Blade Runner 2049.)
One random commenter will choose a book from our stacks.
In answer to question 1, Rule 34 by Charles Stross and Ventus, The Sunless Countries and Ashes of Candesce all by Karl Schroeder. All three point out AI will be very different than us humans without the same hardwired reflexes and desires.
“4) Where would a Blade Runner 3 go?” Blade Runner 3 would bring back Sean Young as Rachael, and she would be, through the magic of special effects, more radiantly young and beautiful than ever. She would be the empress of the world, but is she working for evil or for good?….
Donna Andrews wrote a mystery series where the main character was an AI. Most people who interacted with it thought they were talking to a human.
I loved that series!
I have only recently watched the original Blade Runner, and I would like to see the Nexus 6 discovring the humanity in them and escaping the colonies.
I think Ann Leckie’s Imperial Radch series is my favorite in this type of mental exploration.
John Smith, if you live in the USA, you win a book of your choice from our stacks.
Please contact me (Marion) with your choice and a US address. Happy reading!