Between movies like PRISONERS and SICARIO, Denis Villeneuve is not a director who plays around when it comes to his rating. Often gritty and uncompromising, his films never shy away from the blood and thematic elements that earn his films an R-rating. The same if officially true for his upcoming sci-fi blockbuster, BLADE RUNNER 2049, which has secured its adult rating. And yes, it's for all the good stuff.
The MPAA bestowed their rating from down atop their mountain castle, giving it an R for “violence, some sexuality, nudity, and language.” Though it should be noted that Villeneuve claimed the film would be given an R some time ago, calling it "one of the most expensive R-rated independent feature films ever made. But now the rating has now been chiseled in stone and, better yet, we know what for.
The original BLADE RUNNER wasn’t much for violence and sexuality and maybe could even pass for PG-13 today given what can be done and still get by with the rating. Looking at the contents of the rating, it seems even Villeneuve didn’t take it to any extremes or go overboard with the sex and violence, given how I sort of want to see Leto's character subject to the weest bit of torture.
Anyone worried the movie could skate by with a PG-13 despite what Villeneuve said can now rest easy knowing the director didn’t skimp on the realism in favor of delivering a generic commercial effort. The October time slot indicates the studio may be pursuing some kind of awards attention (much like MAD MAX was able to garner) and making an adult, intellectual sci-fi film was always the goal. We are less than two months away from seeing the movie, and if it’s as good as the director’s other work – or perhaps even the original RUNNER – its Oscar presence would be all but sealed. Come on, it's time we started saying "Academy Award-winner Roger Deakins."
BLADE RUNNER 2049 with Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Jared Leto, Robin Wright and more arrives October 6.