parallels between frankenstein and blade runner

Intro
There are many parallels between Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) and Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982). They both explore major questions about the nature of being human, personal identity and whether or not people should “play god” by creating other life. They share the technique of interior narrative, so we understand what the major characters are thinking and what the motivations are for their actions. However, while the big questions about human nature may not have changed substantially since the early 19th century, the world is now a very different place and the textual forms clearly express that difference.

Form - frank
The styles in both of the texts are similar, Shelley’s work is arguable the first gothic ‘horror’ novel through its exploitation of harsh environment descriptions (lightning strikes), shadowy figures (the monster, victor) and haunting images which present a dark and foreboding atmosphere. The literary device of use of epistolary narrative is used to get a clear perspective of the events that occur through the novel. Frankenstein showcases the beauty of the landscape amidst a European world heavily influenced by the growing importance of scientific research and exploration and its challenges of the spiritual sides to life. Shelley uses the Structure of concentric circles, with Robert in the outermost circle, Victor in the second circle, and the monster in the innermost circle. Chinese box structure.

Form - BR
Blade runner combines science fiction and film noir. Film noir is one of the styles associated to Scott’s science fiction film. This is a classic detective style of film where lighting is a major influence (the casting of shadows and fragmentation of key light), which presents an aura of mystery and intrigue. This is seen by the use of “black film” meaning the visual technique of a gloomy environment, and darkened foggy streets seen in the opening scene where we are led to see a dystopic world covered in pollution, which is stark and dark. As well as elements of science fiction seen through themes dealing with too rapid technological progress like in the street scene when the use of mise-en-scene shows a world dominated by advertising seen in the close up shot of advertising blimp showing Mass advertising and lack of control. Unlike Shelley’s Chinese box structure blade runner narrative follows typical cause and effect narrative style.

Scott depicts a portrait of the future following increasing concerns with environmental degradation through the visual imagery showed in the acid rain scene where we see a world covered in pollution and ‘inhumane’ circumstances’.
Technology has commoditised life entirely- human emotion and relationships have no place where ‘commerce is our goal’.

Frankenstein Context:

In Frankenstein, by examining Shelley’s historical context we can see many of the key concerns of her time reflected in Frankenstein. Written during a time of great change and upheaval in Europe, it functions as a social commentary on the realities of the author’s context. Shelley explores the progress of science and ethical concerns that arise within the periods of history she was in, being the romanticism and European enlightenment period romanticism period referred to the movement which revealed in the beauty of nature, championing human emotion, feeling and human connection. And the Enlightenment period was about the idea that mankind could continue to progress through the application of rational thought and exploration. Scientific pursuits, technological innovations were part of the betterment of mankind.

She questions human intervention in the natural world and the implications of unchecked experimentation.
The novel constitutes Mary Shelley reflecting on what was happening in the newly industrializing England while she was in the more natural surrounds of Switzerland. This distance allowed her some perspective. The swing towards a more humanistic attitude towards fellow mankind and the reverence for the natural over the man made is clearly depicted in Frankenstein. Shelley questions the eighteenth-century scientific rationalists' optimism about, and trust in, knowledge as a pure good.

Shelley’s context around scientific developments, the exploitation of the human soul and the need for nature to retain its significance within the societal framework is amplified in Scott’s blade runner.
In Blade Runner Scott presents the scenario that science and technology have lead to problems that plague the human race. In both there is an absence of humanity, spirituality, emotion and natural beauty.

Context BR
Scott grew up in the grim depressing industrial landscape of northeast England before moving to America. The 1980s were a time when many Americans feared there country was in a great decline. The time period of blade runner was that of a capitalist society, that was the start of the computer age as well as medical advancements on genetic modification, doctors ‘playing god’. The Dystopian, futuristic world extrapolated from the late 1970s/80s were a time of environmental degradation and over population. The Blade Runner context is the science-fiction dystopic future of Los Angeles 2019. Scott’s heightens aspects of his context (mentioned above) to suggest that the context in Blade Runner is our future. Blade Runner has a strong environmental focus and recognises the potential of human disaster through the vandalism perpetrated by improved technology.

A similarity between the 2 texts is the theme What makes us human?

Frankenstein
Blade runner
Frankenstein is a gothic horror novel that explores what makes us human. What are the attributes of human being and how do we become integrated into society. Are we born with human nature or are we conditioned and constructed to value each other. The old nature/nurture argument. When his creation turns against him, who is at fault; the creature or the society that rejects him? We know from a study of social customs that many people who feel rejected by society often turn into mass killers. Repeated negative experiences of social outcasts can lead to anti-social behaviour and the best way to socialise people is to include and value them as fellow human beings.
There are many examples of people who are Altruistic – caring - kind to each other throughout the novel including the Monster’s many initial acts of kindness; cutting wood for Felix’s family, saving a young girl from drowning - all not appreciated. Shelley is obviously contrasting mankind’s ability for civility and amity with its capacity for callous barbarity.
Humanity has been diminished, as there is little evidence of community displayed by human characters in contrast to the replicants who appear to have genuine companionship, compassion, empathy, morality and courtesy. As Tyrell’s motto: “ more human than the humans”
The lack of Civility is another major concern. Bryant has a confrontationalist manner of speaking. First he tries to be slimily ingratiating to Deckard but when this doesn’t work he resorts to abusive threats and bullying to get Deckard to come out of retirement.
The human characters snap at each other indicating the lack of respect they have for each other due to the break down in human relationships, whereas the replicants speak much more politely and courteously to each other demonstrating the regard they have for each other and a caring empathy lacking in the humans.
There isn't much dignity left today, a point beautifully made in an essay by David Brooks in The New York Times. The "dignity code", as Brooks calls it, has been "completely obliterated" by the pressures of modern life.

Similarities between the theme Science and humanity:

Frankenstein
Blade runner
This is a cautionary tale warning about the threat to a diminished humanity posed by Science. Both Walton, the narrator and Frankenstein are challenging the frontiers of human knowledge and will suffer for it. Shelley parallels Walton's spatial explorations and
Frankenstein's forays into unknown knowledge, as both men seek to “pioneer a new way,” to make progress beyond established limits.
Science and too much rational learning can diminish our humanity. We should value our natural sensual humanity and reject the scientific notion that rational thought will lead us to a more humane society. If not, our humanity will become diminished.
In both texts, humans lose control over their man made creations.

Blade Runner depicts an industrialised society where Technology is supreme. The climate – appears a nuclear winter poisoned by fall-out- dark, dank, with constant acid rain. The City is full of human misery – crowded, homeless, so anyone with good health has moved off earth. Technology, from fire(over cold& dark) , the wheel(over gravity and distance), flight and genetic engineering all contribute to moving away from the natural rhythms of life and from what it means to be a human being.

The Dehumanising effects of technology:
• Loss of power – fulfilment
• Isolation from others
• Loss of empathy - Increasing disconnection or alienation from society
• Loss of people skills -
• Loss of heroism – only celebrities