It suggests that an ambitious person will surrender moral integrity in order to achieve power and success. This is portrayed through Tyrell, the Creator of the Replicants and possibly the mastermind behind the world’s rapid propulsion into a world of science. Bladerunner is a dystopic science fiction that holds similarities to Huxley’s Brave New World (1932) and George Orwell’s 1984 (1949). Both these texts have influenced the themes present in the film regarding contemporary society’s failings and the speculation on the potential consequences of continued scientific pursuit. This pursuit of knowledge and progress is not unlike that of the Nazi regime.
Science fiction is a genre that explores human responses to changes in science and technology. Science fiction typically utilises innovative technology to make a significant social comment and out the present by posing questions about human nature and actions. ‘I, Robot’, directed by Alex Proyas, is a film set in Chicago 2035 where technology has advanced to enable the integration of robots into society. Proyas presents a powerful social comment through Del Spooner and his investigation into the death of the founder of robots, Dr Alfred Lanning. The plot forces the audience to question whether humans can control the technology they create and if our desire to continually make advancements in technology might be to humanity’s detriment.
Although texts are often constructed to reflect the values and ideas prevalent in their composer’s society, evolutionary relationships may exist between two texts, presenting similar issues, governed by the same values and perspectives. This is evident in Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel Frankenstein, and Ridley Scott’s film noir Blade Runner, which both present parallel themes of the exploration of humanity, man’s connection to the natural world, and the danger of uninhibited pursuits of knowledge. The epistolary form of Frankenstein, and the metanarratives within Blade Runner, allow audiences to balance perceptions and formulate ideas, ensuring that despite being written in different times, audiences can appreciate contrasting values, while simultaneously
The monster comments on his bodily composition in the novel and makes a seemingly obvious comment much more intriguing. The monster paves the way for a successful scientific understanding of the novel and the concept of recreating life: “I was not even of the same nature as man” (Shelley 103). The monster makes clear the fact that he came into existence in a fashion far-removed from natural sexual reproduction and human birth. The critic Stanley Crouch explains: “Frankenstein injected into the game the idea of artificially creating life. Scientifically manipulating the forces that underlie existence; subverting sexual coupling as the sole manner of passing on the divine spark” (Crouch 56).
They proved that progression in this field of study can have vast as well as monumental improvements in contemporary science and technology. Eugenics and Frankenstein both included advanced ways of thinking and study. However, with advancement, setbacks can also follow. In both cases, the development of the ideas of Eugenics and creation of Frankenstein’s monster were thought to be ideas that would revolutionize scientific thinking and bring the ability to even further the scientific field of study. This statement was proven to be precise.
Without their brains, to be more precise. Dennett’s essay, aptly entitled ‘Where am I?’, can be found in ‘Brainstorms: Philosophical Essays on Mind and Psychology’, and uses a scenario almost (and I use almost) like a conceit to discuss where the self might be within us – body, brain, mind…perhaps in hyperspace, in non-existence. It is written in the style of a speech, or address to an audience, particularly obvious (and important) at the end, where Dennett’s ‘alter-ego’ takes over his body. The scenario is basically as follows: Dennett is asked by the Pentagon to undertake an extremely dangerous, secret, but important mission to retrieve a radioactive warhead lodged deep underground. He is told that he must undergo a brain removal operation, as the warhead’s radioactive rays only affect the brain, and nowhere else.
The robots are becoming self-aware and technically proficient, enough so to begin to create a new version of themselves, fulfilling the traits of social Darwinism. The genetic engineering that is described as “world’s obscenity” is also considered, if not in a different framing, in “Gattaca”. In Gattaca the world has changed. Its obsession is with biological perfection and as such genetic screening and engineering is so prevalent that it is the norm. Those who are not engineered for conception are discriminated against, and rationalised as acceptable owing to the inferiority of the natural body.
However, Blade runner has very limited amounts of nature and shows a industrialized and scientifically advanced society thus the distinctive differences between Frankenstein and blade runner reveal more about the connections between them. Fears in society will always alter as time progresses however. This idea is further exemplified through the symbolism of Tyrell’s oversized glasses. The fear that humanity is blind toward the danger of the ultimate extinction of any form of nature is expressed in Shelley’s novel thus blade runner mimics the fear and effectively becomes a warning toward this issue. Hence forth, both texts effectively delve into the negative connotations that could come of the obsessive pursuit of
The science fiction elements play a big role throughout the story because the fact that it is located in a far away world it gives this mystery that keeps you on your toes . The main theme that melts your heart is the way he uses science fiction to bring up the issues of gender roles. Before reading this story you may already have your own opinion about the issue of gender roles relating to childbirth. But the way “Bloodchild” presents childbirth is having a parasite laying eggs in humans. This gives it the edge and uniqueness that may get a little gory but reading this story takes you on a journey you'll never forget.
As time goes by, society changes; new discoveries are made, new inventions come about and knowledge of the world around us increases. All this notably influences society’s perception of themselves, people around them and life in general. Through the study of texts from various time periods, it is safe to say that any literature or media reflects the context in which it was produced. The novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, released in 1818, echoes the intricate mindsets, ideas, values and criticisms of Shelly’s society. Similarly, Blade Runner (the director’s cut) by Ridley Scott released in 1992 mirrors the society of his time.