Film Ridley Scott example essay topic

How important is characterisation to the success of a feature film or films you have studied? In the film Blade Runner directed by Ridley Scott it is the characterisation of the film that maintains the viewers in suspense and awe. There are questions that are always asked during the film about specific characters which the directed has specifically left the atmosphere in doubt. Accordingly it is imperative that the characterisation of this movie has been thoroughly thought out and is at its peak of perfection. The characters throughout this film seem to change their views and perceptions to the opposite of what they are supposed to be. Deckard (Harrison Ford) and Roy Batty, two main characters, are faced in a predicament where the views of each are changing through out the film.

This is why it is important that the characterisation is important to the success of a feature film. "Who is a replicant and who is human?" is a question that is asked during the duration of this film. Deckard is an ex cop who asked to finish one last mission, that is to retire six escaped replicants from an off world colony. Retire meaning to destroy the clones created to help the human race.

The director has displayed the impression that the replicants are the life-threatening, evil beings or "skin jobs" that have only one use and that is to serve the humans. Deckard is arrested in the beginning of the film as it was the only way to acquire his help for Bryant (the boss) but refuses the request at first as he is 'retired' from his duties. There are many times that the viewers begin to wonder whether Deckard is a replicant because when looking at him, he epitomises darkness as he is usually seen surrounded in a corrupt decayed world. It is supposed to be the replicants that display such features giving the audience another thought whether the characters are really who they portray themselves. A replicant is a clone who has no mother or father, history or a sense of belonging.

A memory of another human being is copied into the replicants brain and has a false history that it believes it is their own. The replicants seen on this film carry certain photos of their past lives and Deckard is also seen to have a collection of photos. He also refuses to take the test given to the replicants when asked by Rachel "have you taken the test yourself?" . This all adds up to the question first asked at the begging of the film, who is right and who is wrong? Roy Batty, the ring leader of the 'band of bandits' epitomises the perfect man as he is muscular, super intelligent and shows physical superiority.

He is a replicant yet shows sign that he has many human characteristics and qualities that many humans have seem to have lost. His main purpose in his escapade is to gain more life, and during the process he shows true love for Press (his lover and also a replicant), illustrates what it is like to live in fear as he becomes the hunter near the end of the movie, and he redeems himself by saving Deckard before he gives up and dies a death similar to Christ. Roy Batty has changed his character around from being the ruthless and merciful slave to a God like being that represents freedom, light and hope. Another major concept to contemplate over.

During the film Ridley Scott has gone to the lengths to challenge his viewers beliefs and opinion and has forced his audience to dig deeper into his film by expressing his characters in a way in which their personality varies and wavers. They change slowly through the movie and the question of who is right and who is wrong? Which one is in fact the replicant? By doing this Ridley Scott has not only made this film interesting, but he has captured the audiences minds and toying with our thoughts and has made this film a success as the movies of the present day have a glimpse of this original film.