The replicants of Ridley Scott's Blade Runner show more humanity that the humans. Do you agree? Support your discussion with detailed examples of cinematic technique and directorial choice to show how this was achieved.
Blade Runner is a film that explores the future of mankind and the gradual loss of
humanity through technological advancement and hubris. In particular, the film examines
different elements of human nature and what it means to be uniquely human. The
replicants are shown throughout Scott's film to be more human than the humans
themselves which is witnessed through their emotions, actions and thoughts. However,
although this holds true for most of the film, there are certain instances and characters
that are depicted where this is not the case.
Throughout the film, there appears to be a stark contrast shown between the emotional
behaviour of the humans in comparison to the replicants. While the replicants are shown
to feel a multitude of emotions such as love, fear and anger, the humans are seen on the
whole to be apathetic and lifeless. Most significantly, we see that while the
replicants show in countless scenes their own sense of empathy, the humans display a lack
of empathy for one another. This is seen in Ridley Scott's dystopian society where no one
seems to be able to show understanding towards the feelings of others and it is highlighted
during the scene where Deckard kills Zhora. In this scene, the viewers immediately notice
the many people walking past her dead body, not taking any notice or stopping even once.
The overall lack of empathy shown by the humans in this scene is differed when compared
to Deckard's reaction towards Zhora's death. Prior to the fatal shot, the viewers hear this
sentimental and melancholy blues music and then the rising rhythm...