Blade Runner †a Method to the Generic Madness - 2468 Words

This paper will look at Ridley Scott’s use of distinctive characteristics from both science fiction and film noir, in the multi-generic film Blade Runner. In order to do this, we must first establish what the main characteristics are for film noir and science fiction respectively. These can be divided into visual style, structure and narrational devices, plots, characters and settings and finally worldview, morality and tone. The reason why it is important to know these genres, is because genre consists of a set of codes, that are recognized and in turn understood by both filmmaker and audience. This set of codes, once recognized, leads to expectations of a certain style of mis-en-scene, narrative, type of characters etc. that†¦show more content†¦While many science fiction movies take place in the future, they can also take place in alternative timelines or in a past that contradicts the known historical facts. As long as there is a temporal displacement, be it past or future, it can be science fiction. In addition to the temporal displacement, there is frequently a spatial displacement as well, the setting being outer space, on spaceships or other worlds, or other dimensions. Here we can again use Ridley Scott’s film Alien as an example, since is set in the future, temporal displacement, and takes place on a spaceship; spatial displacement (Doll, 92). The technology is futuristic and generally abundant, for an example; teleportation devices, AI’s (artificial intelligence) and hover cars, and is a major theme. The theme is typically in relation to too rapid technological progress and â€Å"†¦invokes a basic paradox; omnipotence of human science and the fragility of human society.† ( Doll, 92). Characters that are either mutants, AI’s, aliens, androids/humanoid robots etc. are also important characteristics. Rushing and Frentz state that â€Å"Most science fiction critics place works dealing with the theme of humanity versus the machine into one of two broad categories: â€Å"utopian† or â€Å"dystopian†.† (1989, 62). In broad terms this means that most science fiction involving robots, androids and the like, show either a positive or a negative