Analyzing The Theme Of Humanity In The Film 'Blade Runner'
Angela Cain
June 21, 2013
Camille Lizarribar
Do Replicants Dream of Being Human?
With its exaggerated scenes of a dystopian America of the year 2020, Blade Runner is at once a cautionary film that details the dangers of human ambition and a thought-provoking challenge to the orthodox notions of what makes one “human.” There is no check-list or group of qualifications that are communally agreed upon that render one a human being; there is, however, no shortage of debate and quarrelling. One may argue that as long as there are no true guidelines as to what makes one human, than everyone is vulnerable to abuses of power and humanity itself. Fabre argues that “psychological continuity” is critical for one to be considered a person. Psychological …show more content…
Fabre does not divulge if an individual has to inherently have psychological continuity or whether it may be a phenomenon that is developed. So, is the ability to form memories or, even, the existence of memories the requisites of being human? Although, much of the human characteristic of Blade Runner centers on empathy, one may argue that the true idea of human characteristics in the film center around the idea of growth to a state of equilibrium within the characters. One may define equilibrium in this case as a state of contended knowledge and understanding of one’s true identity or self. In other words, within the world of Blade Runner, at least, to be human means to journey to a center state of equilibrium (almost like a chemical reaction) in a journey through time. It is the evolution of the subject (however miniscule and not depending on the positive/negative connotations of said evolution) and the understanding that the subject begins to develop that defines his or her …show more content…
In their few years, they've grown dynamically, as any human beings would, to assume a more steady-state one may describe as ‘humanity.' As the diversity of their personalities unfolds in Blade Runner, it becomes clear they've acquired healthy human qualities. Zhora, a replicant model designed to kill, ironically chooses to dance for men, while Pris, the “pleasure model,” seems to have a more sinister personality, with her painted face. When Leon discovers his lover, Zhora, was shot and killed by Deckard, a deep “human” rage consumes him. These emotional responses provide
June 21, 2013
Camille Lizarribar
Do Replicants Dream of Being Human?
With its exaggerated scenes of a dystopian America of the year 2020, Blade Runner is at once a cautionary film that details the dangers of human ambition and a thought-provoking challenge to the orthodox notions of what makes one “human.” There is no check-list or group of qualifications that are communally agreed upon that render one a human being; there is, however, no shortage of debate and quarrelling. One may argue that as long as there are no true guidelines as to what makes one human, than everyone is vulnerable to abuses of power and humanity itself. Fabre argues that “psychological continuity” is critical for one to be considered a person. Psychological …show more content…
Fabre does not divulge if an individual has to inherently have psychological continuity or whether it may be a phenomenon that is developed. So, is the ability to form memories or, even, the existence of memories the requisites of being human? Although, much of the human characteristic of Blade Runner centers on empathy, one may argue that the true idea of human characteristics in the film center around the idea of growth to a state of equilibrium within the characters. One may define equilibrium in this case as a state of contended knowledge and understanding of one’s true identity or self. In other words, within the world of Blade Runner, at least, to be human means to journey to a center state of equilibrium (almost like a chemical reaction) in a journey through time. It is the evolution of the subject (however miniscule and not depending on the positive/negative connotations of said evolution) and the understanding that the subject begins to develop that defines his or her …show more content…
In their few years, they've grown dynamically, as any human beings would, to assume a more steady-state one may describe as ‘humanity.' As the diversity of their personalities unfolds in Blade Runner, it becomes clear they've acquired healthy human qualities. Zhora, a replicant model designed to kill, ironically chooses to dance for men, while Pris, the “pleasure model,” seems to have a more sinister personality, with her painted face. When Leon discovers his lover, Zhora, was shot and killed by Deckard, a deep “human” rage consumes him. These emotional responses provide