BLADE RUNNER (Scott, 1982)

Blade Runner is a film that must create a new world. In order to do this effectively, Ridley Scott and his crew of filmmakers must use mise en scene that can add to the film more than just visually. Scott utilized mise en scene in a way that established the proper tone, and even created parallels between the objects on screen and the characters or events that were to come.
The film opens in Los Angeles in the year 2019 and the audience sees a hollow place where random fires seem to erupt in the darkness. Other places are characterized by large buildings and brightly colored lights that seem to evoke thoughts of New York City, Tokyo, or even Gotham City. It seems almost as if Los Angeles never sees the light of day and remains in constant night. Rain almost never ceases and steam never seems to leave the city. This use of mise en scene helps to establish the tone and atmosphere of the film, which seems to be representative of the film noir genre. Darkness, low-key illumination, and soft lighting always seems to bring that fear that something unseen could be lurking in the dark and adds to the viewer’s suspense. The rain gives off an almost depressing or downtrodden feel because of its relentlessness. At times a blue filter or lighting is used to create the effect of being cold. Also, the brightly colored lights give off the sort of universal concept that “we are in the future.” These elements of mise en scene create the emotional response that Ridley Scott is looking for, which will add to the viewer’s appreciation of the film.
Several visual elements in the film also seem to serve as metaphors, parallels, or even foreshadow events to come. At one point there is a dark shot of mannequins in one scene, which foreshadowed that the lifeless Replicants were coming. Another scene shows a strange emphasis on an owl’s eye, which foreshadows the gouged and bloody eyes that are seen shortly after. The setting also played on the audience’s real life associations. Many of the settings seemed to resemble Egyptian tombs, which should evoke thoughts of death, which is a major theme in the film. Also, simple black and white colors are used on many of the Replicants, which emphasized their lifelessness. One particular scene stands out where Rachel is sort of made separate from the other Replicants because she is very noticeably wearing red lipstick, giving her a feeling of brightness and almost liveliness. The weather also parallels the dramatic intensity of the film. At the beginning of the film there is often only light rain, but by one of the final scenes there is an outright downpour and thunder can be heard off in the distance. All of these important elements of the film are expressed through visual hints of mise en scene.




Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older