This is a space to continue our class discussion of Blade Runner.
Here are the group discussion prompts from today’s class, as starting points (though you can address anything you want in relation to the film here):
Consider the novel & film together. While you should certainly take stock of their similarities and differences, this is only a first, brainstorming step. Your discussion here should not only note key similarities and/or differences but also (and this is the crucial part!) discuss the significance of these similarities and/or differences. Putting two texts in dialogue with each other allows you to create a more nuanced argument about their themes, conflicts, characters, and meanings.
- Consider the novel & film together. While you should certainly take stock of their similarities and differences, this is only a first, brainstorming step. Your discussion here should not only note key similarities and/or differences but also (and this is the crucial part!) discuss the significance of these similarities and/or differences. Putting two texts in dialogue with each other allows you to create a more nuanced argument about their themes, conflicts, characters, and meanings.
- Consider the scene in J.F. Sebastian’s apartment, where the replicants encounter other automata (his “toys” and creations). In particular, consider the scene where Deckard uncovers Pris (before she attacks him).
- Consider the scene in which Roy encounters his various creators (first “Chew” with the eyes, then J.F., and then Tyrell).
- What’s up with the “unicorn” dream & origami figure at the end of it?
- Consider the theme of “eyes” in the movie.
- Consider the theme of memories in this movie.
- Consider the setting of the film, and how this contributes to the themes, plots, and conflicts.
- Consider the scene near the end, in which Roy and Deckard struggle and fight. How does this battle help reinforce (or complicate) our assumptions about these characters, about the distinction between replicants and humans, and about good and evil?
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Also, make sure to check out today’s class notes (once they are posted), for more themes of what we discussed. Let’s engage with the notion of the “cyborg,” and also “prosthesis” (remember to check out the great scene, starting at minute 43, where Deckard enhances his vision to see into Leon’s photography through the use of the Esper machine).
[The Logistics]
Just a reminder that you should make your at least one comment (just hit “reply,” either to my original post or to another comment on it) by F 11/4. Then go back/read through all comments and extend the conversation by making at least two more comments (of course, more are always welcome!) in response by 11:59pm on Su 11/6.
Your comment (reply) can be just a few sentences: provide the quote/citation and a quick explanation of how/why it functions in the context of some larger issue/question (or you can raise questions, complicate issues, extend discussions, analyze a character, or setting, etc. &/or discuss central conflicts/values/themes through the use of your evidence/analysis). Feel free to post multiple comments, and also to respond to others. If you’ve already discussed some of these instances in your previous blogs or in class, you should feel free to draw on that material.The goal is to have some good virtual discussions here to help you think critically about important themes/questions raised by this complex novel, and to find/analyze/synthesize various pieces of evidence in support of claim.
The goal in all cases is to provide specific examples from the film (quotes/scene + citation – use the minute:second format) with discussion/analysis and some connection to a larger claim/argument. You must cite currently in MLA format (in-text citation).
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