So, basically, even Scott doesn’t know what the unicorn stands for. He’s sort of back into his rationale (that Deckard is a replicant) but it is hardly definitive.
I think the answer is that we don’t know for certain (though Deckard is clearly not the equal to a Nexus 6, and in fact doesn’t appear to be remarkable in any way compared to them) and in the end, it doesn’t really matter.
Stranger
Rachel is indisputably a replicant. Yet, as noted in the Blade Runner FAQ linked above, Deckard displays greater strength than Rachel when he forces a door open that she is trying to hold shut. I still maintain that the “not strong enough to be a skin job” justification for Deckard as a human doesn’t hold water. Replicants can be stronger than normal humans, but they don’t have to be. Again, if the idea is to make a replicant that honestly believes itself to be human, making the replicant superhumanly strong is counterproductive.
I think, the importance of the question is: “Should it matter?” The Nexus models all give us plenty of reason to believe that they are sentient beings: intelligent (Beatty beats a genius in chess), self-aware, aware of life and death, capable of empathy and love, mortal and alive.
And yet, they are denied anything resembling human rights because they came to be differently.
But should that matter if the result is so similar?
It’s vital, that we don’t know for sure how Deckard came to life because the reaction we have to different origins tells us *why *we feel how we feel.
Regarding the unicorn, can’t the movie just be using an cute little coincidence that means nothing to the characters but is supposed to resonate with the audience? It’s not like this is unheard of. Assuming Gaff somehow knew what Deckard was (or would be) dreaming, and assuming Deckard managed to get by as a replicant without being retired both require having to make up new information not in any version of the film, as well as disregarding stuff that is in the film, and for what? A twist for the sake of a twist?
I didn’t pay attention to the symbology of the unicorn. I thought that Gaff was going to be restricted to a few different forms because of the limited amount of gum wrapper he used.
Any animal could do, if all he wanted to do was tip off Decker that he was there and coulda had them if he wanted.
I very much doubt it; the figures he had made before, were all spot on in context of the situation: he made, IIRC, a chicken when Deckard let himself be coerced into catching the replicants and he made a man with an erection when Rachael stayed with Deckard.
Ok, that makes sense.
As I said, I didn’t pay attention to the figures themselves. And now I exposed my stupid for all to see. 
Recall also that when Deckard sees Gaff’s unicorn he hears Gaff’s words again in his head: “It’s too bad she won’t live. But then again, who does?”
That statement could have multiple meanings of course, but in the context of Deckhard finding the unicorn, I think he was taking it as a hint that he too (Deckard) is a replicant.
Unless Gaff has magic powers, the methodology of him knowing about Deckard’s dream remains unclear. And actually, the voiceover (from the original, best version of the film) spells out Deckard’s interpretation of Gaff’s words, which aren’t really all that profound. I mean, even being human doesn’t guarantee you a long, happy life.
Especially in a craptastic world like they inhabit.
Indeed. Hence the appeal of the “chance to begin again” offered in the off-world colony advertising.
I agree. By what we see in the movie all replicants could have been super strong, super intelligent love machines - but they aren’t.
You (or perhaps the FAQ) have the scene backward; Rachael opens the door to Deckard’s apartment to leave (after he first kisses her), and Deckard slams it shut with his forearm. There is no indication that there is a test of strength here; Rachael is clearly flustered by the proposition of experiencing love for the first time, and she submits to Deckard. (This is just before he goes to the Bradbury building to retire Roy and Pris.)
Or, that as a human being, he is just as mortal as the replicants; because we, too, have a built-in lifespan, albeit one of unknown duration. Human or Replicant, we all have to face mortality, and come to terms with our need to be loved and connected to others. For Replicants, their connections are limited, as they have no family and have “only a few short years in which to store up the experiences which you and I take for granted,” hence why Leon connects pictures and why Rachael’s memories are so critical to her. But even for Deckard, who has had this in his life (assuming that he is a human) but is still disconnected. (“Sushi. That’s what my ex-wife called me - cold fish.”)
Stranger
Wow. I’ve always wondered. Thanks!
This is my 2nd favorite film (after Brazil, because I saw it first and I’m loyal) and it’s always a pleasure to read people’s thoughts about it. I happen to like the narration of the original version, it adds to the noir quality IMO. I also don’t think Deckard is a replicant, but I also agree that it doesn’t matter one way or the other.
I tried to resist posting this, really I did. I waited 5 whole days too. It’s her favorite film. It’s a controversial song among fans and many here may not like it, but come on, how many songs are there about Blade Runner? And the violin in the middle is to die for. It’s killer on headphones because there are several layers of all kinds of voices and sounds going on. This (and the entire album) was recorded in her home studio, and all the vocals were recorded in her bathroom.
(note to mods, I do have permission to post these lyrics so please, pretty please, do not delete? Thanks)
Here’s a fan video set to the movie, but the audio isn’t as good. No, I didn’t do it. Here’s a shorter, slightly different, radio remix. This version is her only song to chart on Billboard, peaking at #42 on the facepalm Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play chart. :dubious:
On HDMOV right now!!! Not sure what version though…
Down goes Leon!
Rachel just let her hair down: hottest woman ever imho atm!!! “Put your hands on me!”