An absolutely essential component that is the science fiction masterpiece classic Blade Runner (1982), this writer and fan is saddened at the loss of the wonderful performer that was Rutger Hauer (1944-2019).
Hauer will be forever immortalized through film especially in his role as Roy Batty in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner. I just adore his performance in that film. Love him for it. In his book All Those Moments: Stories of Heroes, Villains, Replicants, and Blade Runners (2007) Hauer noted he incorporated many of his own lines especially written for the final scene of that wonderful picture that he memorialized in the falling rain.
"I want more life father."
As a young person this writer enjoyed many of his films and some of my favorites included: Nighthawks (1981; opposite Sylvester Stallone), Blade Runner (1982; opposite Harrison Ford, Daryl Hannah and Edward James Olmos among many), The Osterman Weekend (1983; opposite John Hurt in Sam Peckinpah's final film), Flesh + Blood (1985; another film with Paul Verhoeven; opposite Jennifer Jason Leigh), Ladyhawke (1985; opposite Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Broderick), The Hitcher (1986; opposite C. Thomas Howell and Jennifer Jason Leigh), Wanted: Dead Or Alive (1987; opposite Gene Simmons) and Split Second (1992). And there were so many more including Batman Begins (2005) among others. The titles in red are essentials on Blu-Ray for my required Hauer fix.
What a memorable performer that got his start in several Dutch films by Paul Verhoeven including Turkish Delight (1973), which I would still like to see released to this day. He later received a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in Escape From Sobibor (1987).
He was one of the greats to me with many moments sure never to be lost in time as long as his great works live on in film.
Your time to die was too soon. Hauer was 75.
Nice tribute, my friend.
ReplyDeleteHauer was a unique presence in cinema and has left behind an incredible legacy. For me, NIGHTHAWKS, BLADE RUNNER and THE HITCHER are the trifecta of fave performances by him. He managed to elevate the "villain" roles from these films into something else, giving them depth and dimension.
Oh, btw. you can get THE HITCHER on Blu-Ray from Germany. I just got it in the mail the other day and it looks great!
Oh sweet I'm jealous J.D.
ReplyDeleteThanks my friend. He sure did make them multi-dimensional roles. He brought so much.
Hope all is well my friend.