Economic Inequality In Blade Runner

The work of a composer is inseparable from the reflection of their context and discusses with society, the critical consequences that may occur as a result of human inaction against the status quo. Ridley Scott’s science fiction film Blade Runner (1982) encapsulates this notion. Set in a dystopian Los Angeles in 2019, the film depicts a decaying and abandoned society resulting from the lack of humanity and equality. Scott highlights what it is to be human and how humanity goes deeper than what it is perceived by critiquing the ethical concerns of medical genetic intervention. He further explores the significance of how the wealth gap caused by economic instability leads to an unstable society, reflecting upon economical issues of inequality

Scott’s use of juxtaposition when an ad blimp flying over the dysfunctional city of a dystopian Los Angeles states the “chance to begin again in a golden land of opportunity and adventure” in the Off-World colonies invokes the contrast between the quality of life caused by the wealth gap. Further demonstrating through the disjunction that individuals must “meet health and experience qualifications” the inequality and irony of the misfunctioning society, hinting towards the accessibility of “freedom” being locked behind qualities revolving around the involvement of wealth. This is a reflection of the economic implications surrounding the global recession during Scott’s time, portraying the results of long-time inflation causing the inability to afford basic human needs thus, leading to denied access of “opportunity and adventure” that the wealthy have freedom to explore. Further, the use of golden lighting for Tyrell’s Pyramid contrasting the dull and cool lightning of the streetscapes below symbolizes Tyrell’s pursuit for economic power and consumption where his tyranny represents the “golden land of opportunity” unreachable by the citizens faced

(EX 1) Scott’s use of mise-en-scene of the dystopian L.A., showcasing constant raining, dark lightning and the absence of greenery implies the significant environmental degradation that has taken place in the span of around 40 years. Further, the overcrowded areas seen abundantly throughout the film represents the outcome of overpopulation, signifying that the earth can no longer support it’s amass of inhabitants. (EL 1) This reflects the societal fear at the time that by attempting to alter and change the environment, we would be altering the course of God, suggesting that technological advancements were the cause of environmental degradation and thus, would eventually become a prominent issue for the world and society’s quality of life. Contrastingly, the use of symbolism of the artificial snake scale represents the extent of environmental damage towards the earth’s fauna, imploring the extinction of numerous authentic animals that had once inhabited the world. Further, the hypocrisy of the artificial snakes being programmed to kill of their biological counterparts to create a safer environment for humans demonstrates the ignorance of