by Oliver Carmi

Amazon, out now

Oliver Carmi takes a look back at the architecture and design of Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi classic, in this compact guide – available as paperback or ebook from Amazon.

While much has been written about the politics, themes, humanity and tech of Blade Runner, there has been less so about the dystopian environment on display in the movie. Architect Oliver Carmi has taken this as the cue for his guide, exploring the city and its denizens. Featuring many full-page colour stills, the guide breaks down into chapters on The City, Below, In Between, Above and Beyond.

Cross-referenced with sources, The City looks at influences for the ‘Hades Landscape’ of Los Angeles, making the point that it is less city of the future but a city that survived the end of a civilisation. In Below, we get to meet the denizens of the city, the media they consume, the establishments they frequent… and the endless rain! The In Between takes a look at Leon’s hotel room in the Yukon and J.F. Sebastian’s apartment.

Moving to Above, we visit the Police building, Deckard’s Apartment and the spectacular Tyrell Corporation building. Finally, in Beyond, we look at the city of the mind – the memories (true or implanted) and the photographs that support them.

Verdict: A different spin(ner) on Blade Runner, this is a welcome guide for those who are constantly distracted by the stunning environment over Harrison Ford’s acting. 9/10

Nick Joy

Click here to order from Amazon.co.uk