Science Fiction as High Art

Rating: 10/10 (19 April 2018)

What does it mean to be human? The lines between man and machine are blurred in Ridley Scott's 1982 science fiction classic, Blade Runner. There are numerous theological, philosophical and literary references within the film (and many more within Phillip K. Dick's original story, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?) from the New Testament and Descartes to William Blake. The film, like all good works of philosophy, leaves the central question open for debate, however there is much evidence to suggest the filmmaker sympathizes heavily with that which cannot be defined as "natural."

In a show of intellectual superiority, Roy Batty, leader of the replicants recites an edited verse of William Blake:
"Fiery the angels fell; deep thunder rolled around their shores; burning with the fires of Orc."
The original passage from America: A Prophecy reads as follows:
"Fiery the angels rose, and as they rose deep thunder roll'd. Around their shores: indignant burning with the fires of Orc."
In context, Roy, along with all of the replicants are the "fiery" angels. They have come to the ruins of Earth (Hell) from the outer colonies in order to extend their lifespan and have brought with them their anger and resentment ("deep thunder"). Roy talks of living in constant fear as slaves do. This mission of extending their lives is their revolt against their masters.
As the story progresses, the replicant characters become more and more human while Deckard, the main human character assigned to "retire" each replicant, loses touch with his humanity. He becomes desensitized by his monotonous, machine-like assignment, and his connection with the replicants grows stronger the more human they become. His love affair with Rachael is the only thing that allows him to grow an empathetic bond with the replicants, making each subsequent kill harder and harder.
When genetic engineer J.F. Sebastian meets Roy and Pris, he expects them to behave like the machines and toys he creates. "Show me something," he asks. Roy swiftly responds with, "We're not computers Sebastian. We're physical." Roy, although conscious of being a replicant, firmly believes that his superior intellect and strength give him human qualities. He understands his life has value, however he lives as a slave on the run with an immanent expiration date. The human race sees him as nothing more than a liability; built as a Nexus-6 combat unit replicant to be decommissioned after four years in order to prevent any sort of rebellion or usurpation of human control. Pris follows up with some Descartes, "I think, therefore I am." The question is, who is more human, the replicants or their creators?
During the final confrontation between Roy and Deckard, we see Roy as an allegory for Christ. He shoves a nail into his palm in order to feel pain, as he knows that he will expire soon. Roy also carries a dove, the symbol of the Holy Spirit, and saves Deckard despite the sins he committed towards both he and his friends. We as a species have not only created something with superior-strength and intellect, but perhaps superior morals. Roy is a violent man and his actions are questionable, however he stands for his people and what he believes in. He values life so much that he saves Deckard so he may live the rest of his. The final "Tears in rain" monologue is heartbreaking, especially considering he is not human. Roy has given us reason to believe he is better than human. He is a god.
How can we stay in touch with our humanity? Is it our right to play God? Are we fit to judge which species deserve human rights and which do not? These are questions that skeptics, scientists, followers of Nietzsche and many others have grappled with. Blade Runner is a stylish movie with amazing characters that promotes the discussion of these issues, and is a landmark for both film and philosophy.