Christina Ravensbourne : Blade Runner

An 1982 film a dystopian science fiction thriller, based on bioengineered beings. The film depicts a dystopian Los Angeles in November 2019 with genetically engineered robots referred to as 'replicants'. Their use on earth is banned and replicants are exclusively only used for dangerous work. Replicants who rebel and return to Earth -in their hope of obtaining a normal human life; are eventually hunted down by 'Blade Runners'. Although it is an action film, it operates on multiple dramatic and narrative levels. It has a thematic complexity with dark shadowy cinematography. It questions the moral outlook of the 'Hero', as it includes reflections upon the nature of his own humanity. It is a literate science film, thematically enfolding the philosophy of religion and moral implications of human mastery of genetic engineering in the context of classical Greek drama. Mortality is a major theme that runs throughout the film. It has been made evident that there are implications of technology on the environment and on society by reaching to the past, using literature, religious symbolism, classical dramatic themes and film noir. However, the hope of living and the idea of immortality is constantly repeated with all the characters throughout the movie. In comparison to this Ridley Scott has described the film as "extremely dark, both literally and metaphorically, with an oddly masochistic feel".

-A film about exploring pain

-An aura of paranoia

-Control over the environment is depicted

-Absence of natural life

-Omnipresent & Uncertainty

-Examining Humanity

-Empathy is a test used in the film

Eyes are a recurring motif, as are manipulated images, calling into question reality and our ability to accurately perceive and remember it. Lastly, the replicants appear to show compassion and concern for one another and are juxtaposed against human beings who lack empathy while the most of humanity is cold and impersonal.