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I think perhaps Mr. Cranky saw the Hollywood version of this film, which ended happily with Deckerd and Rachel fleeing the city. As they drive through the country, Deckerd explains that Rachel is different from the other replicants, because she does not have their limited lifespan. Frankly, I think this is shit, and this spits in the face of the man who wrote the story that was the inspiration for Blade Runner: Mr. Philip K. Dick.
Dick was a science fiction writer who wrote stories that were aimed at looking not only outwards to the stars, but also into people's minds. He wrote the stories that inspired Total Recall and Screamers, as well. I've read the story that inspired Total Recall, and the movie was just Arnold blowing things up and shitting out one-liners, which is not at all what Dick originally wrote. Dick passed away in 1982, which is the same year that Blade Runner came out. He was still young, in his early 50s, and I often wonder what else he could have written had he been given the chance. Ah, well. At least they waited until after his death to make Totall Recall.
Ridley Scott also made a director's cut to Blade Runner, which was far superior to the Hollywood version. It ends somewhat early (we never see Deckerd and Rachel escape the city), and gets rid of Deckerd's narration, which does not explain the plot and leaves us free to form our own opinions. I think that Roy saved Deckerd because the motto of the replicant company was "more human than human," and Roy demonstrated mercy towards the man who had wanted to kill him. By doing this, he showed that he was far superior to the humans who made him, and thus lived up to this motto. I think it was a criticism of our imperfection, and how it is easier for humans to fear what we cannot understand. We often choose fear because it is easier and better suits our animal tendencies. I like this opinion, and the Hollywood version of the film ruins it for me.
Perhaps Mr. Cranky should see the director's cut to "Blade Runner." Of course, he'll probably have something degrading to say about that one. That's why I love him (in a hetero way, the same way I love a cigar or a cold bottle of Heineken).
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