Blade Runner
Peoples, lead actors: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer and Sean Young, running time: 117 minutes
(1 hour and 57 minutes) (IMDb).
Film Trailer
General Review of The Film
Film Techniques
Framing
Close-ups, long shots, etc.
During one of the first scenes of the film, when the agent from the Tyrell corporation is doing
a test to one of the “robots” (Leon), there is a close up shot of the camera that he uses to look into the
eyes of the replicants. This makes us think, who is really behind the mind of the robot? Do they have
feelings? Do they analyze and have a subjective experience related to what they are seeing? It puts a
lot of emphasis and importance on the camera and the eyes of the “robot”.
a test to one of the “robots” (Leon), there is a close up shot of the camera that he uses to look into the
eyes of the replicants. This makes us think, who is really behind the mind of the robot? Do they have
feelings? Do they analyze and have a subjective experience related to what they are seeing? It puts a
lot of emphasis and importance on the camera and the eyes of the “robot”.
During the scene where Dr. Tyrell asks Deckard to do a “Voight-Kampff” test on Rachael, the
director used a very long shot, we can see the shade being lowered when Deckard saying “it's too
bright in here”. Everybody in this scene are at the same eye level for the viewer, because none of the
characters have more power than the others in this scene. We do not know them yet. They are all equal
and neutral.
director used a very long shot, we can see the shade being lowered when Deckard saying “it's too
bright in here”. Everybody in this scene are at the same eye level for the viewer, because none of the
characters have more power than the others in this scene. We do not know them yet. They are all equal
and neutral.
Sound
Diegetic—part of the film, Non-diegetic outside the film, Internal diegetic—from the point of view of
one character, etc.
one character, etc.
During the scene where the police officers and one of the replicants are flying the police car
and are traveling through the city, we can hear music in the background (non-diegetic sound) the
sound of classical music (violins), which makes the city look beautiful in the eyes of the viewers.
and are traveling through the city, we can hear music in the background (non-diegetic sound) the
sound of classical music (violins), which makes the city look beautiful in the eyes of the viewers.
When Decker first admits to Rachael that she is a Replicant there is music (non-diegetic sound)
that really sets the tone for the scene. It is this very emotional music that tells the audience that he feels
bad. He does not want to tell her and he can tell that this is not the thing she wants to hear.
that really sets the tone for the scene. It is this very emotional music that tells the audience that he feels
bad. He does not want to tell her and he can tell that this is not the thing she wants to hear.
Lighting
Low-key, high-key, shadows/light, etc.
Deckard’s scenes are in the tone of blue and grey, which makes him look more masculine. On
the other hand when Pris is surrounded with plastic toys, the scene is shot with a pink color shade,
more feminine.
the other hand when Pris is surrounded with plastic toys, the scene is shot with a pink color shade,
more feminine.
There is a blue tint to the lighting when Roy and Leon are in the laboratory of the man who
works on the eye balls for the Replicants. The whole room is very blue and it is not only a recurring
color, in terms of lighting, in this scene it adds an emphasis on the room being cold.
works on the eye balls for the Replicants. The whole room is very blue and it is not only a recurring
color, in terms of lighting, in this scene it adds an emphasis on the room being cold.
Sets
Different scenes and what the sets were like, etc
The sets are amazing. When the camera takes us on the street level, we can see that there is
people from every part of the world, people who speak different languages, which is likely how it is going to be in the future. But this set, it gives the viewer the idea that
everybody is in the underclass and that there is a lot of confusion and disorder. On the other hand,
when the camera takes us into the sky, we can see the futuristic world. This shows us how the
technology has revolutionized. There are a lot of flashes of colors and the buildings have a lot of light.
people from every part of the world, people who speak different languages, which is likely how it is going to be in the future. But this set, it gives the viewer the idea that
everybody is in the underclass and that there is a lot of confusion and disorder. On the other hand,
when the camera takes us into the sky, we can see the futuristic world. This shows us how the
technology has revolutionized. There are a lot of flashes of colors and the buildings have a lot of light.
Another cool set would be the freezing laboratory of the scientist who created eyeballs for the
Replicants. Everything in the room was frozen and all the technology was very futuristic looking and
even though it is in a film, the room feels cold. You can tell from just looking at the set exactly what
it is and how it is supposed to feel.
Replicants. Everything in the room was frozen and all the technology was very futuristic looking and
even though it is in a film, the room feels cold. You can tell from just looking at the set exactly what
it is and how it is supposed to feel.
Props
Important and significant props
The origami figure in the film implies that Gaff knew about Deckard's unicorn dream. This, in
turn, implies that Deckard is a replicant too and that Gaff knew about Deckard's dream since it was an
implanted memory. Furthermore, the origami man, which was left for the replicant Leon to find, was
used to make the viewers understand that Leon in a sense was a paper man, which means made by a
man, consequently not a real human but a “robot”.
turn, implies that Deckard is a replicant too and that Gaff knew about Deckard's dream since it was an
implanted memory. Furthermore, the origami man, which was left for the replicant Leon to find, was
used to make the viewers understand that Leon in a sense was a paper man, which means made by a
man, consequently not a real human but a “robot”.
A prop that was also very important to the film would be the Voight Kampff test machine. It is
very futuristic looking and plays an important role in the film.Without the machine they would not be
able to tell the Replicants from the humans. With the use of this machine we learn that Rachael is a
very advanced Replicant.
very futuristic looking and plays an important role in the film.Without the machine they would not be
able to tell the Replicants from the humans. With the use of this machine we learn that Rachael is a
very advanced Replicant.
Main Themes
Word Count: 1550
Review
science fiction. However, if you are not a science fiction aficionado we suggest you look elsewhere before
watching such a niche film so that you can appreciate it for what it is.
One of the main themes is the difference between man and machines and their ability to express emotions. Replicants are made by someone else, which means that they don’t have their own identity, but throughout the movie we see that they somehow develop emotions and act on their own. Furthermore, replicants can have fake memories implanted in their head, but does that make them more human? In the beginning of the movie, Rachael wasn’t aware that she was a replicant and then became convinced that she was a replicant when Deckard defined some of her childhood memories to her. Can we believe our memories or should we question them?
Throughout the movie,a question that was raised several times was whether replicants feel empathy and if yes, do they deserve basic human rights? When we think about robots, we think about the absence of feelings and emotions. In the movie, empathy is used to differentiate human from replicants through the voigtt-kampff test. If we think about, Racheal and Roy saved Deckard’s life, which means that they care about him, therefore they show signs of empathy. We can ask our self the question what really makes us human? In fact, some humans don’t even have empathy, what would happen in this case? Is Deckard going to kill them or will they be able to live since they are considered humans.
Lastly, one of the issues that was explored in the movie was whether or not it is morally right to use replicants as slaves, by making them do tasks that are considered dangerous to humans. In fact, Dr. Tyrell the owner of the Tyrell corporation created a ‘’nonhuman’’ society in order to make money from them and exploit them. Can we use them for our benefit, since we created them? Is it a proper life we are giving them? Do we need to set them free once they realized they are oppressed? If we think about it, those replications are as intelligent and as capable of having sincere emotions, but their life are restrained to 4 years of living and under slavery. Is it morally okay to say that the blade runners are ‘’killing them’’ in order to retire them?
Word Count: 1550
Review
Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner is most definitely a science fiction classic. It set a new precedent
on how the science fiction genre could be a shaped and the way many later films, of the same genre,
would be created.
on how the science fiction genre could be a shaped and the way many later films, of the same genre,
would be created.
Overall, it’s use of minimal lighting, shadows, set design and it's attention to detail make for a
refreshing aesthetic that pairs nicely with the story and its characters. For example scenes that involve
Deckard often have blue tones to them, whether through lighting, costume design or the set itself,
projecting his masculinity. While scenes with Pris will have slight pink ones, showing her femininity.
Ridley Scott is an expert when it comes to cinematography and nothing shows this more than what
he chooses to show and when he shows it. A scene can start off as an intimate medium/close shot then
pan back into an extreme long shot showing us a world full of life.
refreshing aesthetic that pairs nicely with the story and its characters. For example scenes that involve
Deckard often have blue tones to them, whether through lighting, costume design or the set itself,
projecting his masculinity. While scenes with Pris will have slight pink ones, showing her femininity.
Ridley Scott is an expert when it comes to cinematography and nothing shows this more than what
he chooses to show and when he shows it. A scene can start off as an intimate medium/close shot then
pan back into an extreme long shot showing us a world full of life.
While Blade Runner is a cinematic marvel for it’s time, one area where we think it lacks is its
inability to tell a strong and cohesive narrative. Blade Runner’s characters and world could have been
expanded much more. There is hardly ever any indication to why something is the way it is and when
there is an explanation, it is short and sweet. We found ourselves asking questions like, “what makes these
replicants special?”, “how did they pass through the uncanny valley?”, “what is their story?”, “how does
the public feel about the replicants?” and “what is Deckard’s story?”. We wanted to know more about the
world of Blade Runner and its inhabitants. The film’s visuals are what brought me in but its lack of
narrative made it hard for me to stay invested.
Overall, we think that Ridley Scott’s, 1982, Blade Runner is most definitely worth a watch if you enjoy inability to tell a strong and cohesive narrative. Blade Runner’s characters and world could have been
expanded much more. There is hardly ever any indication to why something is the way it is and when
there is an explanation, it is short and sweet. We found ourselves asking questions like, “what makes these
replicants special?”, “how did they pass through the uncanny valley?”, “what is their story?”, “how does
the public feel about the replicants?” and “what is Deckard’s story?”. We wanted to know more about the
world of Blade Runner and its inhabitants. The film’s visuals are what brought me in but its lack of
narrative made it hard for me to stay invested.
science fiction. However, if you are not a science fiction aficionado we suggest you look elsewhere before
watching such a niche film so that you can appreciate it for what it is.
★ ★ ★ ★
Connections To Course Material
1) In our course pack, a self-aware self is defined as a being that perceives a subjective experience
and can reflect upon its own internal processes. A self-aware self implies that a being can say “I am", that they can symbolically represent themselves. (p.7).
This concept is exemplified when Roy and Pris are in Sebastian’s house. Pris quotes Descartes to
Sebastian by saying “ I think, Sebastian, therefore I am” stating that she is more than just the
technology he aided in developing (he is the genetic designer). Pris is arguing that if she can be aware
that she has thoughts, and is thinking, then that would imply that she is aware of herself and much more
than just an addition to artificial intelligence.
and can reflect upon its own internal processes. A self-aware self implies that a being can say “I am", that they can symbolically represent themselves. (p.7).
This concept is exemplified when Roy and Pris are in Sebastian’s house. Pris quotes Descartes to
Sebastian by saying “ I think, Sebastian, therefore I am” stating that she is more than just the
technology he aided in developing (he is the genetic designer). Pris is arguing that if she can be aware
that she has thoughts, and is thinking, then that would imply that she is aware of herself and much more
than just an addition to artificial intelligence.
2) In our course pack, sentience is defined as a subjective perceptual experience, having feelings and
desires (p.3). Rachael, who is a replicant demonstrates sentience when she is confronted by Deckard’s
harsh and deliberate questioning about her memories. Deckard presses Rachael by asking her if she is
able to remember her past as a child, her mother, etc. Rachael does not know she is a replicant herself
and these questions made her emotional and displayed her feelings. Her vulnerability was shown to
Deckard when she began to cry because she had no answers to Deckard’s questions. Rachael having the
ability to feel pain and to cry implies that she was having a subjective experience. She perceived his
questioning as hurtful, felt sad and began to cry because her feelings were hurt. This demonstrates that
Rachael is a sentient being.
desires (p.3). Rachael, who is a replicant demonstrates sentience when she is confronted by Deckard’s
harsh and deliberate questioning about her memories. Deckard presses Rachael by asking her if she is
able to remember her past as a child, her mother, etc. Rachael does not know she is a replicant herself
and these questions made her emotional and displayed her feelings. Her vulnerability was shown to
Deckard when she began to cry because she had no answers to Deckard’s questions. Rachael having the
ability to feel pain and to cry implies that she was having a subjective experience. She perceived his
questioning as hurtful, felt sad and began to cry because her feelings were hurt. This demonstrates that
Rachael is a sentient being.
3) Epistemology is analyzed throughout the film in terms of replicant testing and Deckard’s identity.
In our course pack, epistemology is defined as the study of knowledge, what is fact and what are beliefs (Matrix film guide). Nearing the end of the film, as Deckard is on his way home, Gaff turns to him and says (about Rachael) “It’s too bad she won’t live but then again, who does”. This statement was very broad and open for interpretation. The replicants were created to serve a purpose for the humans but even Tyrell himself (the man who invented replicants) said they were not designed to last. We all search for a way to become immortal but what is the true extent about our knowledge on existence. Additionally, after Rachael completed the replicant test, she asked Deckard if he had ever taken it himself and he never responded. This scene can be tied to the scene at the end of the film. Deckard finds the origami in the shape of a unicorn that was sacred to his dreams, Deckard’s vulnerability is vaguely demonstrated as he questions whether he is human or replicant. At this moment, the viewers see Deckard reflect on the knowledge he has, is there a possibility that he is not human?
In our course pack, epistemology is defined as the study of knowledge, what is fact and what are beliefs (Matrix film guide). Nearing the end of the film, as Deckard is on his way home, Gaff turns to him and says (about Rachael) “It’s too bad she won’t live but then again, who does”. This statement was very broad and open for interpretation. The replicants were created to serve a purpose for the humans but even Tyrell himself (the man who invented replicants) said they were not designed to last. We all search for a way to become immortal but what is the true extent about our knowledge on existence. Additionally, after Rachael completed the replicant test, she asked Deckard if he had ever taken it himself and he never responded. This scene can be tied to the scene at the end of the film. Deckard finds the origami in the shape of a unicorn that was sacred to his dreams, Deckard’s vulnerability is vaguely demonstrated as he questions whether he is human or replicant. At this moment, the viewers see Deckard reflect on the knowledge he has, is there a possibility that he is not human?
Questions
- Are we playing God when creating sophisticated AI robots? And if so is it morally
wrong to have them purposefully built to perform tasks for us? - Deckard clearly has feelings for Rachel, and she for him, are these feelings to be considered as real as they would be for a human couple? Should they be allowed to be wed in the eyes of the state? Is it morally wrong to deny them these privileges?
- If people wanted to leave Earth, but only those who were rich or passed a physical test could
leave, why do you think it is that replicants are not allowed on Earth?
Elaboration on Themes
This article, published on Phys.org and written by Molly Callahan, asks the question should
robots have rights? In the article she speaks to, Northeastern professor, Woodrow Hartzog, a
robotics and automated technologies researcher, about the issue. Hartzog brings up
interesting moral questions about his field of work and how anthropomorphizing might not be
such a good idea.
robots have rights? In the article she speaks to, Northeastern professor, Woodrow Hartzog, a
robotics and automated technologies researcher, about the issue. Hartzog brings up
interesting moral questions about his field of work and how anthropomorphizing might not be
such a good idea.
- https://www.wired.co.uk/article/elon-musk-artificial-intelligence-scaremongering
This article, published by Wired and written by Toby Walsh, is a response to Elon Musk,
singularity, will mark the end for mankind. The article is written by a professor of AI, at the University
of New South Wales, an expert on the topic. He says that AI singularities today, like Amazon,
Facebook and Google’s algorithms are not the best. But that they do not need to be shut down, rather
they need to be regulated and worked on. To offer more choice for consumers and less misdirection;
he uses the 2016 US elections and the Facebook scandal as an example of this.
Works Cited
Callahan, Molly. “Should Robots Have Rights?” Phys.org - News and Articles on Science
and Technology, Phys.org, 8 Dec. 2017, phys.org/news/2017-12-robots-rights.html.
Walsh, Toby. “Elon Musk Is Wrong. The AI Singularity Won't Kill Us All.” WIRED,
WIRED UK, 19 Sept. 2017,
I really enjoyed reading your article, I found that you did well on explaining the themes of the movie and relating it to in-class material with lots of depth. One thing that I would have added was a summary for the movie so we could get a better understanding if you haven't seen the movie. Also the inconsistency of the font size and spacing specifically in the review and the connections to course material. This movie seems to have the same themes as Ex-Machina which is subjective perceptual experience.
ReplyDeleteDeckard clearly has feelings for Rachel, and she for him, are these feelings to be considered as real as they would be for a human couple? Should they be allowed to be wed in the eyes of the state? Is it morally wrong to deny them these privileges?
ReplyDelete- In this specific case of Deckard and Rachel, yes, these feeling are pretty close to the ones we as humans feel. But only because Rachel was raised as human and her feelings are pretty close to reality. I personally believe Deckard is a replicant but, as well as Rachel he has been acting and living as human his entire life (I/we do not know if he knows he is a replicant). During the scene were these two character intimate I feel like Deckard is pushing it a little bit... maybe to make Rachel "feel" human things like passion and desire.
Good job with the blog!
-"Are we playing God when creating sophisticated AI robots? And if so is it morally wrong to have them purposefully built to perform tasks for us?"
ReplyDeleteIn most cases, creating a sophisticated robot would not be morally wrong because they are not sentient. Although with replicants i do think it is wrong because they are very sentient beings, very close to as sentient as humans if not as sentient. They have implanted memories of others, which therefore shapes them to individually be able to develop emotions as the real people would.
This blog was really well done!