Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

Blade Runner Narative Structure

 

            
             The scene I picked out of the movie Blade Runner is pretty significant to the narrative structure of the whole film. Throughout the whole film, I saw some definite references to games. More specifically, the "game" or struggle between the replicants and the humans. The scene starts out with a dimly lit spacious bedroom that belongs to Tyrell. The candlelight suggests that even though Tyrell is the genius behind the making of the replicants, he still may be in the dark on some aspects of his creation. The room is cluttered with furniture, a bed, candles, and other things that we would see in a mansion. Tyrell's movement toward the camera suggests that he is moving in to take a closer look at something. He is, in fact, taking a closer look at the chess game in front of him that is now, unannounced to him, being played between him and Roy. He switches on the light to shed some light on his situation and makes the move for Sebastian acting for Roy. The clink of the chess players being moved signifies the delicate game being played between the humans and the replicants. Tyrell's players represent the humans and Roy's side represents the replicants. This power struggle eventually ends with the humans in checkmate. Tyrell goes through a wide range of thought in this short scene though. He comments on his opponent's move, "Queen to bishop six, ridiculous," paralleling his secure thoughts of the replicants. He then repeats the same line, and adds a "hmmm" signifying that he may be rethinking the move and the situation. He still feels in control so he makes his move. "Knight takes queen." This turns out to be his demise, both in the game of chess and in the game of life. The camera cuts to a downward angled shot on Sebastian signifying his helplessness and feelings of being trapped by the replicants. It is dark in the elevator and we hear the elevator moving up, paralleling the path of the replicants in the film.


Essays Related to Blade Runner Narative Structure