I must tell you straight out I think Blade Runner is one of the best films ever made, so if you're expecting any sort of real criticism here ...

Blade Runner is the best exploration I have seen of the meaning of humanity, on what it means both to be human and to be a human creator. From the Tyrell Corporation's pyramid to the decrepit cities surrounding it, from Harrison Ford's deadpan voiceover to Rutger Hauer's poetic references, the film's so well-wrought as to completely overwhelm the senses.

There are many versions of this film floating around, the most readily available of which are the original videotape release and the director's cut. I'd recommend the videotape, with the voiceover, especially for those who have never seen the film before. This version has a special noir quality, adding to the textured richness of the overall effect. It also helps guide the viewer through, which I've heard is a problem sometimes for those who've seen only the director's cut.

Whichever you choose, do see this film! It prefigures and presages the cyberpunk movement, and thus, in many ways, all of these discussions of new mythology. In this way it is the original creation myth.

I told you this wasn't going to be critical...