Frankenstein/Bladeruner

My study of Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein” and Ridely Scott’s science fiction movie “Bladerunner” were both powerfully influenced by their composing contexts. Investigating both texts together allows the responder to better understand the values of the time. The similar issues of mans unethical science leading to a God figure and the value of humanity and nature are more readily understood by comparing each composers ideas from their text.

            Mary Shelley’s gothic novel “Frankenstein”, composed in the 19th century, inquires into the dangers of uncontrolled science. The novels epistolatory form engages the reader, with Shelly’s use of the three narrators to maintain the integrity of her protagonists and allows the audience to make a judgement on the authenticity of their values. By paralleling Walton and Victor’s characters Shelley further highlights Victor’s strong desire for glory. Similarly to Walton, he expresses his companionship with “this stranger”, “I begin to love him as a brother…he must have been a noble creature…even now so attractive and amiable,” thus reflecting the similar characteristics they share. Shelley criticises the intentions behind creating a second class, by showing the responder their arrogant behaviour “A new species would bless me as its creator” emphasising his sole focus on himself, rather than the results on his negligence. This is comparable to Ridley Scott in “Bladerunner” where the concept of the creation of a slave race is developed. This artificial creation Shelley establishes was influenced by Galvani’s exploration into the animation of lifeless frogs. Scientific advancements were being made in medicine and society began to stray away from religious views, resulting in the development of unethical science. Victor only began to realise the ‘catastrophe” of his cations after his “filthy creation” had passed the point of no return and he was entrapped by his creation, “Remember that I have power…You are my creator...