Blade Runner - Ideology

From the start of the film we are lead to believe that the Replicants are the “bad guys.” The dialogue indicates the crimes they have committed. In turn, Deckard and the Bladerunners are the “good guys.” By the end of the film, while the Replicants might not have made the complete turn to “good,” Roy seems to have become more human, thus makes one have sympathy for the character. On the other hand, is the killing of humans (human-like replicants) an acceptable solution to the problem, especially if the Replicants are beginning to show signs of becoming human?  What is it that makes us human? 

While there doesn’t appear to be religion in the film, there are certainly visual elements throughout the film. Dr. Tyrell lives/works in an Egyptian pyramid, Roy pushes a nail through his hand that symbolizes the crucifixion, and as Roy dies, he releases a dove which could symbolize Noah’s ark or the release of his soul.

By using Chinese influence in the film, Scott shows contrast in history – comparing one of the oldest civilizations in the world to the pursuit of longevity in the current situation of the movie. Humans are looking to sustain their existence by colonizing other worlds. The film suggests that the earth is well beyond its capacity based on how crowded all of the scenes are in Chinatown and how dark, dank, and disheveled the streets look. “Following the natural way” is a principle of Chinese utopian theories and based upon the creation of Replicants and replicant animals that wholly contradicts that philosophy. Another theory suggests that “doing nothing is doing everything” by allowing people care for their own interests - another principle that is challenged by creating humans and limiting their lifespan and their emotions.

While there are only three women in this film one can look at their portrayals a couple of different ways. All three replicants, especially Zhora and Pris, were strong, powerful characters. Rachael on the other hand seems more vulnerable, possibly because of her new found knowledge about the reality of her existence. Another look at the characters, which I’ve read a few different times, is that this is a very misogynistic film in that Zhora and Pris meet violent deaths (not to mention Holden, Leon, and Tyrell). Also, there could be problems that the “life giver” is a man. 

There isn’t evidence to suggest that any of the characters are gay.

The tone of the film is quite dark. It fits with the state of the earth and the position of humans on earth. The movie itself raises lots of questions and has hidden meanings which leave the viewer “in the dark” as well. The addition of the rain leaves us with an impression that we are not seeing things clearly.