Frankenstein and Blade Runner Comparative Study Essay

Through a comparative study of Mary Shelleys novel Frankenstein and Ridley Scotts film Blade Runner it is likely to gain an understanding of the notion of what constitutes humanity. condescension bearing different contexts, the texts embody parallel values that happen upon the fundamentals of human nature. Shelley uses elements of Gothic literature and romanticisticism to highlight the value of moderation finished superior Frankensteins pursuit of intimacy and the resulting ramifications. Similarly, Scotts film, set in 2019, reflects concerns of the new-fangled 20th Century and the consequences of appear expert advancements and globalisation. In addition, Scott demonstrates impart Modern views of the nature of our existence in a world of rampant corporatism. Ultimately, some(prenominal) texts are shaped with the values of their respective contexts but each explore the dangers associated with the usurpation of graven image by man, emphasising the inexorable nature of hum anity.Shelleys Gothic novel, Frankenstein, explores the complex nature of mankind by considering the consequences of an open-ended pursuit of science. A rise in scientific experimentation with Galvanism during Shelleys time is reflected with the protagonist overlord as he uses it to bestow life. Shelley portrays Victor and the Creature as complex beings, demonstrating some(prenominal) inhuman and human qualities. Despite this, the subsequent rejection by his creator and the De Lacy family drives the Creature to eternal rejection and vengeance of mankind. Victors initial response when meeting the creature, demonstrates his bedevil, cruel treatment and lack of state towards his creation.Devil I exclaimed, Do you dare approach me? Begone vile insectThe Satanic imaging of dickens, positions the creature as evil and through the rhetorical question and exclamation, we learn of his aggressive and contemptuous feelings towards the creature. The parable of vile insect further reflec ts Victors disgust and anguish in creating his being. This reflects Frankensteins transcendency in comparison to what he sees as aninferior, inhumane object. In her Gothic novel, Shelley demonstrates to audiences the question of who we are, through the actions of Victor and the Creature and the questions of what constitutes humanity during her time.Similarly, Scott utilises the film noir genre to depict the dystopian society during LA 2019, whilst reflecting concerns of power and unrestrained knowledge on the world. Scott is influenced by concerns from the 1980s of capitalist greed, eventually influencing societys treatment of the environment, reflected through Tyrells main objective, commerce is our goal. The opening scenes reflect a dystopian world delight by technology and consumerism, shown through the neon bright lights. The extreme long shot highlights the blazing absconds indoors the gigantic city representing a dystopian world and a reflection of hell. The contrast of t he blazing fire against the dark city portrays the absence of nature of LA in 2019 and a world encapsulated by technological overload. This gloomy image is reinforced with the non-diegetic with child(p) of the aircrafts, providing the responder with an eerie atmosphere. The effects of the rise in scientific advancement are emphasised through Tyrells isolation, much like Victor in Frankenstein. Despite differing contexts, both Shelley and Scott portray these notions and reveal their effects on humanity and the world.Furtherto a greater extent, Frankenstein is a cautionary tale as it warns of the dangers of attempting to usur God, through contrasting images of the Romantics view of the sublime. The depiction of the beauty of the outside world reflects the Romantic concern regarding the preservation of nature in which the Industrial revolution was a precursor for. Victor seeks the natural world to compose his anguish about the recent deaths of William and Justine. Shelleys vivid desc riptions of the natural landscape convey a Romantic appreciation of the beauty of nature, but they are intertwined with a reek of Gothic terror. The eternity of such scenes, the savage and enduring scenes and the wonderful and sublime feeling of the natural world enables Frankenstein to forget. The use of bucolic imagery shows the value that Shelley places in the beauty of the natural world. The fact that nature enables Frankenstein to forget his guilt following Williams murder indicates a strong connection between humanity and the natural world.While I watched the storm, so beautiful yet terrificThis noble war in the sky elevated my spiritsShelleys use of rich imagery as well as religious imagery in elevated provides connotations of beauty and a pristine place. Scientific advancements during the time reflect Shelleys concerns of the dangers of unrestrained scientific knowledge during her context.Furthermore, Blade Runner reflects a postmodern questioning of the nature of humanity whilst exploring concerns of capitalism, persisting to a change magnitude of moral principles. Scott illuminates the dehumanising effects of such progress, foregrounded through Deckards retiring of the Replicant Zhora. Here, the stylistic placement of the transparent robe places further emphasis on the violence of her death, with a slow-motion low angle shot conveying her heightened sense of humanity within her last moments. The frantic camera movements before Zhoras death indicate that she is more than just a replicant, bringing on questions of what constitutes a human, reflecting postmodern views.Additionally, the depiction of a tear course down Pris face whilst she lies on the sidewalk surrounded by blood combined with sultry, non-diegetic sound and that of a heartbeat, reinforces this questioning of humanity. This is juxtaposed with Deckards emotionless features and the monotonous drone of the droid, suggesting that our artificial creations can lead to the dehumanisation of mankind, undermining our humanist framework and hence, cautioning us of the dire consequences of unchecked scientific progress. Blade Runner reflects ideals during the late 20th century of who we are, through the comparison of the replicants and humans, and inevitability reflecting the complex nature of humanity.Despite differing time periods both Mary Shelleys Frankenstein and Ridley Scotts Blade Runner, explore similar concepts and values relating to their contexts. Frankenstein reflects Romantic concerns for the rise in technological overload and the effect this has, eventually leading to thequestioning of humanity. Similarly Scott reflects these same ideals through Post Modern concerns of the time. Despite displaying similar concerns, both Scott and Shelley express these values and ideals in relation to their contexts.