Blade Runner and the Dangers of Science Essay Example
Blade Runner essay
Science Fiction films are concerned with the dangers rather than the benefits of science and technology. Discuss one or two Science Fiction films which explore this theme and its implications
Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” illustrates the fact that Science Fiction films are frequently concerned with the dangers rather than the benefits of science and technology. Released in 1982, “Blade Runner” conveys to its audience a frightening and nightmarish vision of a dystopian technological future society. The film is set in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles in the year 2019. It is a world enveloped in a putrid atmosphere of darkness, gloom and corruption. Fallout from the recent nuclear holocaust, suggested by frequent explosive effects in the opening sequence, has blotted out the sun and acid rain perpetually descends. Through its delineation and portrayal of three scientists, “Blade Runner” explores the dehumanizing effects of technology, together with the potential exploitation of science for the purpose of achieving a God-like omnipotence and political dominance in society. The opening text of “Blade Runner” provides the background to the film’s plot. It outlines the origins of the NEXUS replicants and alludes to the genetic engineers who created them. As their name suggests, replicants were designed to replicate human beings so precisely as to be virtually indistinguishable from them. However, replicants are supposedly bereft of emotion and are limited to a four year life span. In the opening text, the Tyrell Corporation is identified, together with its role in perfecting replicant technology. Replicants were designed and created to be used as slave labour in the off-world colonies. However, some mutinied and were banned from returning to earth, for which the punishment is death. The film’s plot is primarily centred upon the character of Rick Deckard, a member of the special Blade Runner squads which have been specifically established to
Science Fiction films are concerned with the dangers rather than the benefits of science and technology. Discuss one or two Science Fiction films which explore this theme and its implications
Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” illustrates the fact that Science Fiction films are frequently concerned with the dangers rather than the benefits of science and technology. Released in 1982, “Blade Runner” conveys to its audience a frightening and nightmarish vision of a dystopian technological future society. The film is set in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles in the year 2019. It is a world enveloped in a putrid atmosphere of darkness, gloom and corruption. Fallout from the recent nuclear holocaust, suggested by frequent explosive effects in the opening sequence, has blotted out the sun and acid rain perpetually descends. Through its delineation and portrayal of three scientists, “Blade Runner” explores the dehumanizing effects of technology, together with the potential exploitation of science for the purpose of achieving a God-like omnipotence and political dominance in society. The opening text of “Blade Runner” provides the background to the film’s plot. It outlines the origins of the NEXUS replicants and alludes to the genetic engineers who created them. As their name suggests, replicants were designed to replicate human beings so precisely as to be virtually indistinguishable from them. However, replicants are supposedly bereft of emotion and are limited to a four year life span. In the opening text, the Tyrell Corporation is identified, together with its role in perfecting replicant technology. Replicants were designed and created to be used as slave labour in the off-world colonies. However, some mutinied and were banned from returning to earth, for which the punishment is death. The film’s plot is primarily centred upon the character of Rick Deckard, a member of the special Blade Runner squads which have been specifically established to