Sanders Blade Runner

Ridley Scott’s 1982 film, Blade Runner, maintains a plotline in which the “blade runners” are out to “retire” the replicants, or the genetically created humanoids of the Nexus 6 Corporation, led by Tyrell. The film places Rick Deckard in charge of the mission to retire several known replicants, or “androids” on earth, before they find a way to extend their lifespan. His job in the film is to consider the androids completely unhuman, or as W.A. Senior says in his article, “Blade Runner and Cyberpunk Visions of Humanity,” they are, “genefically engineered beings designed for special tasks and purposes deemed too difficult, demeaning, or dangerous for normal humans.” Deckard is not to have any respect for the androids—they are outcasts and not welcome on earth. As senior says, his job is to limit both their choices and their lives. The twist, however, is that Deckard has a deep concerns about the question of where humankind leaves off or begins. Senior says that, “Replicants were built to be human in almost every way, yet they are denied human status, like many of the others who cannot qualify for off-world placement, in a technologically racist society that views them as disposable slaves.” We become aware in the film that Deckard holds a slightly different opinion than his boss, Bryant, who has given him the mission to retire the androids. We find out that Bryant has a history of being racist. Deckard, while remaining on his mission and following through with several retirements, does however question how much difference there really is between the replicants and humans. This is obvious in his love affair with Rachel, a replicant who does not believe she is. As Senior describes it, “The beginning of Deckard's affair with Rachel demonstrates both her urgent passion and his own need for love and comfort…Moreover, the situations, behaviors, reactions, and needs of the replicants parallel or exceed in intensity those of the few humans in the film.” Deckard and the replicants share similar attributes- all characters with personal strengths and weaknesses. The film deals with the replicants in an interesting way—labeling them as outcasts or illegal prisoners of earth. However, a different view is offered— one that places the replicants and humans on a more equal level. This is done through Deckard’s character, and is highlighted intensely through his relationship with Rachel. The end of the film, with Rachel and Deckard leaving off together, depicts this theme even further.