For many fans of the cyberpunk genre (myself included) Los Angeles, November 2019 denotes an important date as it marks the location and time period in history which Blade Runner takes place. This film centers around an ex-Blade Runner, or a specialized police detective that hunts down rogue replicants (genetically modified humans) and ‘retires’ them (a euphemism for killing).
The film is known for its technology, gritty world atmosphere, beautiful soundtrack, humanistic themes, and thought-provoking symbolism—which combined, have given it the reputation among science fiction fans as one of the most important pieces of media in the genre itself.
Now that Ridley Scott's sci-fi vision of the future is officially upon us, we have one question in mind: How well did the classic Blade Runner film of the 80s predict the actual events and climate of today’s 2019?
In short: It did not. And it kind of did. But let us compare reality and fiction.
Technology
Frank Capezzuto III’s artist rendering of a Peugeot Spinner.
Nowadays we see flying drones, electric scooters, hover boards, and other modes of transportation clutter the streets of LA. But what we really want are flying cars! While we don’t see Peugeot Spinners soaring across the skies and zooming pass gigantic Coca-cola television billboard ads like in the film, that does not mean it won’t happen soon.
In fact, Porsche and Boeing have teamed up and it appears that a vertical takeoff and landing (VLOT) vehicle could be feasible for those who are wealthy. Of course the actual design needs some more work and regulations/laws on air travel must get passed, but perhaps it can be commonplace form of transit in the near future for us regular folks too. I mean, it would be a no-brainer as the market to escape traffic would be lucrative not to exploit.
Porsche and Boeing’s concept of a vertical takeoff and landing (VLOT)
Atmosphere
Rick Deckard chasing down a rogue replicant
Blade Runner is famously known for setting the tone with a dreary and claustrophobic atmosphere of Los Angeles. In this instance, reality and fiction almost mirror each other in an eerie way. In reality it is true that in November 2019 the streets are densely packed with a bustling melting pot of people and giant buildings much more heavily than ever before, but what is even more surprising (or not) is that the weather has made a dramatic shift from the norm as well.
But instead of constant cold and dreary rain, the natives of this city were struck with a wave of destructive wildfires. The Getty Fire made the weather dry and suffocated the LA citizens with an unbearable heat, a polar opposite from what was depicted in the movie.
Getty Fire captured by the Los Angeles Times
Thankfully, we have not been forced to other Off-world colonies due to an inhospitable environment, but with the drastic changes to the weather in recent years, perhaps it will be the wake up call that’ll finally lead to people to be more conscientious of their choices and find alternatives to the current products they use.
Finding Humanity
Rachael as depicted by Sean Young
The progress to become better humans has been a constant struggle since the dawn of time, but the majority of Los Angeles in 2019 embraces people of all cultures, race, values, and beliefs. Essentially, this is a majorly positive divergence from what the replicants symbolized: slaves/minorities who were treated as second-class citizens forced into indentured servitude.
In 2019 people are treated more kindly, and we collectively strive to: stop bullying, control guns, eliminate toxic masculinity, create gender equality, provide fair media representation, and so on and so forth. The fight for a better future is ongoing, but LA seems to be headed in the right direction. Especially considering the Hong Kong protests and the general dystopian mess happening in China as of this date…
These are just some of the comparisons I’ve noticed in November 2019. And so far it appears we are doing much better than the bleak outcome that is the Blade Runner universe’s version of 2019. However it is up to us to continue to do better and use our resources wisely, as life is known to imitate art.