Frankenstein And Blade Runner Example #2 Essay Example

of nature but presents a different perspective from that portrayed in Frankenstein. In Blade Runner, nature has become a commodity, creating an environment that contrasts sharply with the monster and the plot. The unsettling scenery serves as the perfect introduction to Roy, an android whose bleached blonde hair and film-noir attire are reminiscent of Shelley's monster's yellow skin, updated for a modern audience. Roy's deranged personality is reminiscent of the fits of rage exhibited by Frankenstein's monster, and both characters commit murders, symbolizing evil, to emphasize their roles as monsters unleashed upon the world through humanity's attempt to surpass nature.

Furthermore, the panoramic shot of a 2019 Los Angeles environment showcases blazing fire and smokestacks symbolizing hell, accompanied by the haunting diegetic pounding of the Vangelis soundtrack. Scott is clearly using his audience's contextual concerns about an Asian-inspired, dystopian setting lacking environmental sustainability.

This idea originated from the neo-hippie movement of the 1980s and is emphasized by the presence of only two natural elements in the film: the sun in Tyrell's apartment and the bonsai trees. This implies that Tyrell has usurped God's place, replacing the awe-inspiring with machines, ultimately irreparably disturbing the natural order. Consequently, both Frankenstein and 'Blade Runner' delve into the advancement of technology.

Both composers in their works, attempt to convey the message about the dangers of scientific progress interfering with the natural order, while also exploring the theme of questioning one's own human identity. Victor's novel, named 'The Modern Prometheus', alludes to the optimistic promises of the Industrial and French Revolution that held both potential for great advancements and unforeseen terrors. This examination of identity and humanity is primarily communicated through the character

of the monster.

Despite being described as hideous and repulsive, Shelley presents the monster as capable of eloquent and beautiful speech. This contradiction compels readers to view it not just as a shallow embodiment of evil, but as a self-aware being worthy of equal consideration. The use of reflective language, such as "But where were my friends and relations?" and "What was I?", imbues the monster with the persona of a lost child. This individuality resonates with the audience, blurring the boundaries between monster and human.

Responders are faced with confusion that compels them to reassess their concept of human identity and whether someone who is monstrously physical but human in mentality can be considered part of humanity. This theme of questioning human identity is similarly explored in 'Blade Runner' through the incorporation of the Film Noir genre, which enhances the unease surrounding the potential dominance of machines over human identity. In this film, Scott also employs the character of Roy, who functions as a metaphorical 'monster' and raises inquiries about the nature of human identity. Roy adopts the persona of a lost child, paralleling the exploration of human identity in 'Frankenstein'.

The composer employs Jargon such as "replicant" and "retirement" to dehumanize the androids, but this is contradicted by revealing that replicants are not only physically and mentally "more human than human," but they may also possess superior morality and develop their own emotions. Roy's use of emotional language is similar to the reflective tone used by the Frankenstein monster, particularly in the concluding scene where he compares his memories, which form his identity, to tears lost in the rain.

Both Blade Runner and Frankenstein explore the

fear of losing human identity as science advances and machines replace humans. The modern audience is often confused by the human characteristics of memory and emotions portrayed in characters like Roy, blurring the line between human and artificial. This fear is reminiscent of the societal anxiety depicted in Frankenstein, where science is feared for its potential to disrupt and destroy human society. Ultimately, these texts uphold Romanticism values by questioning the nature of humanity and the consequences of tampering with it.