One actor. Two film roles. You tell us which portrayal was the best. The most memorable. Or iconic. Or simply your favorite.
But before you pass judgment, a few words defending the “character” of each…
The case for Roy Batty
Roy Batty wants “more life, fucker.” That’s because he’s a replicant with a termination date that’s fast approaching. Playing the part of a biomechanic genius who has superhuman strength is the easy task for Rutger Hauer. Where Hauer really excels is in expressing the android’s developing emotions, most notably in Batty’s moving “tears in the rain” speech to Blade Runner Rick Deckard. It’s a classic.
The case for John Ryder
By contrast, all John Ryder wants is to die. Mind you, he’s not going to go without a fight. The hitchhiking serial killer simply is on a quest to find his equal. A good person willing & able to do what is necessary to stop Ryder from doing his evil acts—even if it means sacrificing himself and others to do it. The Hitcher is by no means a one-dimensional bad man role. Hauer handles the complex and conflicted character with aplomb.
Now that you’ve heard the arguments for both it’s time to render your verdict!