Bladerunner
How is subjectivity and memory represented in the film Bladerunner?
Ridley Scott's 1974 film Bladerunner' is set in a not so distant future, 2019. Scott presents a dystopian view of a society, which has seen the destruction of natural' ecological systems as a result of global warfare, utilitarianism and capitalist exploitation. The off-world colony we are presented with claims to be, the golden land of opportunity and adventure,' however this couldn't be farther from the truth. It is a destination no longer found desirable by humans, and is a place in which only those with defects live. Most of the buildings are abandoned and derelict. Rubbish collects everywhere as strange characters roam the streets. "It creates an aesthetic of decay, exposing the dark side of technology, and the process of disintegration." (Kuhn) Layered on top of this image lies a world of technological perfection. Automatic airlock doors open and close along the streets. A huge signs pass over the city periodically, with neon signs advertising products. Police patrol the ruins in electronic airships. Lights, electronic gadgets, computers of every sort populate this city. We are presented a collection of dystopian images, which appear to represent both the past and the future.
This "mesmerizing peek into the near future" (York Notes) displays that how everything in life has the potential to be represented. The fashions, architecture etc are all borrowed from past times. Animals are all artificial representations, and even human existence can be replicated. "In LA, 2019, simulation is completely dominant as the effect of the existence and operations of the replicant/ simulation." (Kuhn)
This essay aims to analyse the representation of memory and subjectivity in Ridley Scott's film Blade Runner.' In doing so I hope to explore the main themes of the film and look at what it means to be human, and how do those experiences differ to the...
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