Frankenstein/Blade Runner Essay

~ 1 ~

I want more life
Despite the differences in time and context both Frankenstein and Blade Runner revolve around
characters who are confronted by fundamental issues about the quality of life. Consider this view
through a detailed and well-supported analysis of both prescribed texts.
The quality of life is something that we strive to improve as it is a part of human nature to live
comfortably in a fulfilling life. The quote, stated by Roy in Blade Runner I want more life,
explains how the Replicants want not more life but rather a more fulfilling life in the time that they
have. Frankenstein(1818), written by Mary Shelley, and Blade Runner(The Directors Cut, 1992),
directed by Ridley Scott, both contain evidence of characters attempting to achieve this high quality
life, by means of responding to the sublime in society, natural or manmade. Despite their differences
in time and context, both texts consider the importance of relationships directly on ones pleasure in
life.
In Frankenstein, Shelley uses the sublime in nature as a medium to increase ones emotional and
spiritual state, directly improving ones satisfaction in life. At the time of the books writing, there
was a changing environment, with the Industrial Revolution clearing and polluting of nature and
more technological advances, moving away from the natural world. The Creature exhibits a change in
thought regarding his situation with the picturesque diction, My spirits were elevated by the
enchanting appearance of nature; the past was blotted from my memory. This demonstrates how
despite the poor quality of life, made worse by being rejected by society, the Creature has been
restored by nature. The use of pathetic fallacy, nature decayed around me surface of the earth was
hard and chill agony of my feelings allowed me no respite, explains how nature is a key factor in
increasing ones quality of life, and the lack of a positive sublime can reduce the satisfaction in life.
Victor also responds positively to nature presented by the personification, my health and spirits had
long been restored, and they gained additional strength from the salubrious air I breathed. By being
restored by nature, Victor is able to enjoy the good in life instead of the undesirable past. This
conveys the idea that there are changing values in the satisfaction of life, but this contentment is
raised by being exposed to the sublime in nature.
Similarly in Blade Runner, whilst there is a lack of nature, the sublime still exists and can still have
major effects on peoples quality of lives. Like Frankenstein, the period of which Blade Runner was
released was concerned about the increasing speed and effects of global warming, a result of long
term pollution and environmental degradation. The opening panoramic shot depicts a society where
nature has been completely taken over and replaced by colossal manmade building. This creates its
own sense of sublime, however the effect it has on peoples lives is one of suppression and
uselessness as they are left behind on a dying world. However, humanity has produced its own scenes
which can have strong effects on peoples lives shown through the sublime imagery, things you
people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion c-beams glitter near the
Tannhuser Gate. This displays how Roy considers these events something precious for his life,
allowing him to live a quality life. The dove, in the ending scene, symbolises the natural world and
hope for a better life. It illustrates the beauty of what nature used to be but instills a realisation in
Deckard as it represents the Replicants lives, and how fulfilled they lived their lives. This idea of the
importance of sublime follows directly with Shelleys Frankenstein, a sublime ecstasy that gave
wings to the soul allowed it to soar to light and joy, and should not be ignored as it can
provide many positive effects on people.
Frankenstein/Blade Runner Essay
~ 2 ~

Also apparent in Frankenstein is the importance of relationships and companionships to others
which can greatly increase the quality of ones life. Shelleys unstable, tumultuous but loving
relationship between Percy Shelley and her, and her belief in the importance of relationships is
reflected in characters in the novel. The Creature observes the De Laceys and learns that the
relationships to one another affect your life more than the materialistic goods could, highlighted by
the positive connotations in, enjoyed one anothers company and speech looks of affection and
kindness. Victor also displays an understanding of the importance of relationships but his ignorance
foreshadows events where these bonds are broken, strangers to any species of disunion or dispute.
Harmony was the soul of our companionship. The Creature similarly understands the need for
companionship, however is cursed by its appearance, not allowing it to assimilate into a better life
where it can be accepted, revealed by its depressing tone, resolved to quit the world and its miseries
forever, I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me. The quality of life is known to be
improved with relationships to others, however it is not always possible to achieve it due to issues
that may not easily solved.
Blade Runner also has corresponding ideals, with the idea that having strong relationships towards
others will result in having a higher pleasure of living. The importance for strong bonds is a
reflection of Scotts poor relationship to his brother and only regretting not being closer upon his
brothers death. The distressed facial expression of Leon as he sees Zhora murdered depicts the
strong bonds and emotions that they had towards each other. With the loss of his partner, his only
relationship, he loses all fulfilment in life and becomes like a robot, to kill Deckard. Also, the
connection between Roy and Pris are visible in the close up shot when they kiss, when they reunited
in J. F. Sebastians apartment. This demonstrates that even though know they will not live for long,
they live their lives to the fullest, attempting to overcome issues and prolong the feeling. However,
Tyrell forms little relationship between him and his creations such as Rachael with the
depersonalising of her, how can it not know what it is Rachael is an experiment. Nothing more.
This expresses the lack of bonds between Tyrell and his creations which results in an unsatisfied,
lonely life for Tyrell. These examples conclude that having close relationships is essential for an
enjoyable life, Remember the friends around you, who centre all their hopes in you.
Both Frankenstein and Blade Runner have addressed the issue of the quality of life for those who are
disadvantaged in societies. However, it is not only those who are blatantly out of place, but also those
within who can be disadvantaged. Although the time and contexts are different for each text, the idea
of having a quality life stems from the very ideal of human nature, a theme always present in societies.