Frankenstein and Blade Runner

Question: How do the composers of ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Blade Runner’ explore issues about freedom and responsibility?
Although almost a century and a half separate the composition of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and ‘Blade Runner’ by Ridley Scott, both texts delve into humankind’s pursuit of freedom. Shelley’s use of repetition and sexual analogy successfully represent scientific pursuit, whereas Scott’s convincing use of non-diegetic music and long shots focuses on the pursuit of economics with no limitations. Both Scott and Shelley explore these issues promoting the idea that with great freedom come great responsibilities and failure to act responsibly results in catastrophic consequences.
Shelley clearly shows that Victor’s failure to assume responsibility for what he creates inevitably leads to catastrophic consequences for him and his family. Victor’s inability to claim ownership for what he creates conveys a stark disagreement to the Romantic Movement that Shelley was involved in. Romantics believed that a living thing was far greater than the sum of its parts and that human beings understood each other through empathy. This paramount relationship with nature is ignored by Victor and is emphasised through the rhetorical question from his creation, “How dare you sport thus with life?” Victor’s toying with life highlights his irresponsibility as a father figure. Despite Victor’s neglect of his creation, it still values life, “Life… is dear to me, and I will defend it.” This heroic tone expresses the value of all living things that life is precious and everyone is entitled to freedom. The catastrophic consequence for Victor is the monster’s killing of everyone close to him but pity is still felt for the creature who suffers ‘misery’ as a consequence of Victor’s sin. “I was benevolent and good, misery made me a fiend.” This exemplifies the tenacious bond between father and son, and a child’s right for love. This neglect condemns the creature to rejection and he...