Studying the Director's Cut which was released in 1992
Dystopian Science Fiction
Shot in Film Noir Style
Ridley Scott fired just before film release because he fought against the Voiceover which is why there are several different cuts.
Harrison Ford was known for being a charming rogue but Scott decided he should drop the charming.
Actor for the main replicant wrote all the monologues himself.
Based on the book 'Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?'
Hampton Fancher wrote the original screenplay called 'Dangerous Days' but it was handed over.
Scott designed Rachel's hair like Welles did Hayworth's in 'The Lady From Shanghai'.
Six weeks editing and special effects.
Science Fiction:
"A good science fiction story is about human being, with a human problem, and a human solution, which would not happen without its scientific context." - Theodore Sturgeon
Science Fiction is a fairly modern genre tracing back to perhaps the original science fiction films 'A Trip to the Moon' (1902) and 'Metropolis' (1927).
Science Fiction uses speculative and science based depictions. This includes that of both the advancement of science and technology. It often follows a political or social issue and explores philosophical issues like the human condition.
They can often have such conventions as:
- Set in the future
- Set on an Alien World
- Include time travel
- Contain spacecraft and robots
- Include Alien Abductions
- Empires that oppress
- Rebels going against these Empires
- Conflicts between Aliens and Humans
- Concept of Extra-terrestrial Life
- Sense of Spectacle
- Can be easily mixed with elements from other genres (such as Action/Adventure)
Science Fiction allows the audience to consider the 'what if's' of life. It teaches the values and dangers of advanced science and technology and virulent social beliefs.
These types of films can generally be sorted into two demographics: dystopian and utopian. Whether things will be better or worse in the future.
One of the main themes explored in 'Blade Runner' is xenophobia and racism showing the social issues it explores. However, not everyone reads into this film this way and prefers to simply accept it for the detective genre elements. This makes it a subject to polysemy (multiple meaning).
"I've seen things you wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser Gate. All these moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die."
If Batty can feel sorrow, longing and a desire to live, how is he any different from his creators? Why must people take the Voight-Kampff test if the difference between humanity and robots is so clear?Themes Explored in 'Blade Runner':
- Mortality
- Zoology
- Technology
- Memory
- Authenticity
- Theology
- Biology
- Humanity
- Equality
- Vanity
Aesthetics of 'Blade Runner':
- Rain
- Reminiscent of Heronimus Bosch's paintings of Hell
- Darkness
- Sweeping, constantly moving lighting
- Constant Movement
- Constant Sound
- Aztec and Mayan temple inspired buildings
- Film Noir elements (femme fatale and flawed protagonist)
- Focus on Eyes
- Dystopian Future
- Plays heavily with the German Expressionist elements of mist, smoke and shadow.
This film was arguably made at the time it was to reflect the environmental issues the world was facing. The opening shot shows a hellish, overpopulated, over polluted future. It also approaches the issue of what makes us human and predetermined prejudices in modern day society (hence the racism and xenophobia). 'Blade Runner' has influenced such films as 'Ghost in the Shell'. It contains a bizarre fusion of familiar elements. Teeming night-markets relevant to 1980's Tokyo, corporate mammoth buildings, mean streets of the post-war pulp detective, crumbling architecture of 19th Century LA but the flying cars offer the futuristic viewpoint. Piloted by militaristic cops who offer more fear than justice.
Influence of Film Noir:
- Femme Fatale of Rachel
- Detective Protagonist who has dubious morals
- Monochromatic Palette
- Dark Tone
- Reflects the post 1950 version of Noir whereby its more conspiratorial. Investigates corporations and protagonist ends up completely out of control.
- Reflects the time it was made by criticising the environmental downfall of Earth due to overpopulation and pollution
Scott was originally working on a film by the name of 'Dune' rather than starting on 'Blade Runner'. This changed when his brother died. The lack of control he had over this led him to leave that project and join 'Blade Runner'. The recurring theme of mortality and a lack of control over death that are explored in 'Blade Runner' are, no doubt, a direct relation to this event. The generally dark setting also reflects the place Scott was emotionally when creating this film. It has often been said that this film is particularly personal to him because of this. Mortality a big theme.
The rain reflects the place where he grew up with his brother. It was always raining, like it is in 'Blade Runner'.
Ridley Scott has always been a fan of Stanley Kubrick as he is the only director in the business who has ever been given complete creative control. This comes through in 'Blade Runner' as the end sequence is based off of a rejected ending for 'The Shining'. In his attempt to be like Kubrick Scott even 'fired' his writer (Hampton Fancher) and hired a new one because of him disagreeing with Scott.
Origins of Auteur:
- Use mise-en-scene to imprint their vision onto a film
- Lighting, editing, setting and staging are all used to aid in their vision
- They develop a personal style in terms of what a film looks like, feels like and its interior meaning
Criticism of Auteur Theory:
- Filmmaking is collaborative and no one person can make an entire film themselves
- "It collapses against the reality of the studio system"
Ridley Scott Auteur Essay - Awarded Grade A
Useful Clip for Analysis:
Essay Technique for Section A:
Needs to discuss production issues and what went on during the making of the film. Needs to discuss auteur theory and the signature features of the directors of the film. To what extent are they allowed to make decisions during the production process? Need to make a sustained argument in response to the statement. Can also include own opinion. Needs to compare to 'The Lady From Shanghai' at each of these points. Old Hollywood vs New Hollywood comparison. Has it changed?
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