Comparative Study of Frankenstein and Blade Runner

1437 words 6 pages
Shelley’s Romantic novel Frankenstein (1818) compares and reflects values of humanity and the consequences of our Promethean ambition against the futuristic, industrialized world of Blade Runner (1992) by Ridley Scott. The notions of unbridled scientific advancement and technological progress resonate with our desire to elevate humanity’s state of being, mirrored amongst the destructive ambition to overtake and disrupt nature and its processes. The disastrous implications of overreaching the boundary between progressive and destructive power and knowledge are heeded through the ultimate and inevitable loss of self and identity, transforming humanity into a form of monstrosity.

Shelley heeds the destructive thirst for knowledge in the
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The lack of moral responsibility towards creations is once again reflected in the film through the irony of ‘plenty of room here (Earth)’ sublimely connoting the absence of ‘room’ for the Replicants. The barrier between creator and creation is additionally underlined through the symbolic divide in the table between Leon and Holden, as well the juxtaposition between costume, connoting a sense of unjust inferiority and superiority. The low angle of shot of the Tyrell Corporation building further highlights the lack of equality in this hierarchal, industrially based world. The artificial nature of our world is heightened through the ironic prominence of the Tyrell building in contrast with Frankenstein’s secret laboratory where his ‘cheek had grown pale with work”. The notion of a consumerist world is emphasised through the flashing billboards, synthesized music and the inescapable technologically based surroundings, illustrating the decay of humanity, and our superficial and hedonistic values, using dark palette lighting to metaphorically represent our innate human condition. The lack of spirituality and unique individuality in this consumerist world is portrayed as a consequence of humanity’s overreaching ambition to disrupt the order of nature and our innate spiritual selves, ultimately

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