MANGANMEDIA
Media curriculum and student gallery
Students should address each question making use of the notes relating to the story or production element by opening and saving the documents attached to each question . You should view the videos on this page and your own copy of the text. There are further links to Blade Runner resources provided on this page also.
Question 1
Narrative possibilities: (opening scene)
Openings establish some or all of the following: Time, place, setting, mood, character, style and genre. At the conclusion of the opening a range of narrative possibilities has been established. How will the narrative develop? What will happen? What part will these characters play, How might it all resolve. By this point the filmmakers hope that they have engaged the audience to suspend disbelief, to care about the plot and its characters and to embark on the narrative with them
Discuss the narrative possibilities established in the opening sequence of Blade Runner
Question 2
Story Element-
Look closely at the sequence where we are first introduced to Deckard. How from the way he is positioned within the frame is his sense of alienation conveyed? Sum up the film viewer’s first impression of him. How much does Deckard conform to the central male film noir character who is usually a disillusioned loner, a tough guy at odds with himself?
Question 3
In the opening sequence of Blade runner discuss the types of Camera Shots used and the effect or how they have been used to introduce settings, possible themes and story.
Question 4
At its most basic level, lighting allows objects and characters to be seen by the audience. However lighting can be one of the most creative elements in filmmaking. Lighting can create mystery or fear through the use of shadows, soft lighting can create a romantic mood between characters- harsh hard lighting can express contrasts between characters. Lighting can also help with character development by making characters look warm and friendly or cold or harsh
From the opening or a sequence in the film identify and discuss the use of lighting and how the use of lighting contributes to the mood of the film?
Question 5
Sound has many properties, which can stimulate moods, feelings and emotions from the audience. With reference to a scene presented discuss the nature of music and sounds used to create drama, tension and suspense
Question 6
Editing is the process of placing images and sounds in an order that tells the story and creates emotion in the audience. Editing can establish settings, develop characters, express points of view, drive the plot and restructure time. Editing sets the pace of the film, and provokes mood and emotion within the audience
Select one sequence from Blade Runner discuss the use of editing and the contribution it has to the story
Question 7
Visual composition also known as the mise en scene refers to everything within the frame. These elements are integral to visual composition – lighting- setting- costume- movement within the frame
Discuss the use of a highly effective visual composition used in a sequence or scene from Blade Runner and the effect or response it has on the audience
Question 8
Discuss how the production element of acting is used to communicate the genre(s) or style(s) of the narrative. Use specific examples from the text to support your response.
Question 9
Cause and effect is a major function of narrative. Usually, the agents of cause and effect are characters where the viewer seeks to connect events by causal motivation of characters. What motivates Deckard and what events does his motivations cause? What motivates Roy Batty and what events does his motivations cause?
Question 10
The closing sequence brings the plot to the point of climax (peak) both in the story and emotional sense. Just as the opening sequence provides a beginning for a narrative so does the closing sequence of a film bring the narrative to its conclusion? If the opening sequence is the launching place for the narrative then the closing sequence is its arrival point. It is the point in the film at which the audience reaches an understanding about unanswered questions relating to story and characters. The closing sequence often invites the audience to reflect upon the narrative and the characters they have just experienced
Discuss the closure of Blade Runner. Does the film leave the audience with any unresolved questions?
Question 11 Discuss how ideologies of the production period have shaped or influenced Blade Runner
Further references