Bladerunner and Prey
Comparative Task: PREY and BLADE RUNNERThe novel "Prey" written by Michael Crichton, and the film "Blade runner" directed by Ridley Scott, share an intertextual relationship that encompasses the issues surrounding the battle of mankind to control its own scientific creations. The ramification of these issues is the disorder they cause to society at a number of different levels. This is accompanied by the isolation of the individual which is contrasted with the artificially imposed order of a totalitarian state which features so prominently in "Blade runner". The events that lead to the eventual breakdown of this society brings isolation of the individuals who attempt to oppose and rebel against the system. The connection between the two texts also extends to the notion that the artificial world becomes blurred with elements of reality. This is illustrated through the use of irony, symbolism, and camera shots which help depict the collision of the two worlds within "Prey" and "Blade runner".The theme of disorder is central to "Prey" and it is portrayed to the responder in all facets of life from the industry of science through to its affect on the family and individual. The swarm follows a life of its own and breaches
It is shown by the Voight Kompff eye testing machine which is used to identify replicants from workers, which achieves nothing but increase the perception that replicants have no place within society. This creates a widening arc of alienation within the replicant community, which ironically causes the emotional bond between replicants to strengthen as they fear the overriding prospect of death. The issue of isolation features in "Prey", as a result of the naive and clueless nature of society, but also in specific individuals, through their inability to fathom the level of destruction that science can cause to life. This professional isolation is demonstrated by the juxtaposition of his family life with the retelling of events leading up to his employment with Xymos Technologies, the company belonging to his wife. None more so, than Pris who when placed in the doll-like confines of JF Sebastian's apartment, camouflages into the surroundings as Deckard attempts to locate her. The symbolic use of the owl suggests that humans have fumbled their way through life and are now only restricted to work in darkness, similar to the nocturnal nature of the owl, and this is reflected in the dark, cold atmosphere of the city of Los Angeles as it appears to the audience. The consequences of science being allowed to proceed, regardless of its own limits has caused artificial intelligence and reality to cross paths which has resulted in the development of the replicants. The audience can see this through the lifeless and expressionless appearance of Tyrell- the thick rimmed glasses and short stature are all ironic characteristics of his persona, especially considering his status within society as the god-like figure of authority. On the surface level, life is a flurry and a hive of activity, with no real structure and this signifies the disorder that runs rampant within the city of Los Angeles. the bounds of human control as it spearheads the destruction of life by creating turmoil in the natural environment as a result of it "inventing new behaviour appropriate to the situation". The use of analogies relating the man made nano- particle swarm to features of animals in the natural world creates a sense of confusion and the responder is made to question aspects of reality. This is contrasted with his wife, Julia's profession in the field of science and technology which allows her to develop the nano-particle swarm. Likewise, this is also evident within the relationship that develops between Rachael and Deckard which is reinforced when Rachael questions him by asking "Have you ever used the tester on yourself?" alluding to the suggestion that Deckard is in fact a replicant himselfThe blurring of an artificial world with reality is another connection that is obvious in "Prey". This contributes to her eventual downfall and is illustrated when she sacrificed family life in order to satisfy her overwhelming hunger to succeed in her creation. The havoc that this uncontrolled behaviour causes is catastrophic and is captured by the symbolic use of imagery as the hunting of a rabbit is vividly described to the reader to represent the naivete of the scientists.
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Acceptance Essays
