Blade Runner scene
==================

> by Paul Hodgetts, student 738701
>
>
> Timestamps of the scene (as seen on [this site](https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0NUACWRNIVONA1ZKTBOBTRBS5M/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r)):
> - Starting at: [`1:20:03`]
> - Ending at: [`1:22:24`]
>


The scene starts with a shot of the Tyrell Corporation building. Although this is not the first time this building is shown in the film, there are some details that can be pointed out.

Here we can see a recurring element throughout the film: the contrast in light. Most of the time the ambient is dark, which gives a mysterious vibe to the viewer - and this contrasts nicely with the abundant lights of the city showing the public a representation of the future.

Another detail in the line of the future is the shape of the building. It resembles a *Mesoamerican pyramid*, and thus, brings a more *human* future where it's constructed based on ancient architecture - a "back to the basics", out of what we see on the rest of the city. Also, it serves to tell us once again that *Dr. Eldon Tyrell* isn't a person easy to get to, and living on top of the building reaffirms its mastermind image.

It is indeed a piece of architecture that shines over the regular *metropolis* that was shown at first instance, that seemed a jungle of skyscrappers.


On the next shot we are presented with *Roy Batty* (the replicant leader) and *J.F. Sebastian* (genetic engineer) taking the lift; and then, with *Dr. Eldon Tyrell* laying on his bed.

The camera alternates between the two at the lift, stating a contrast on their feelings; and then also it switches to Tyrell. The setting at the lift feels cold with blue shades and darkness predominating, which is a big contrast to the warm and comfy look at Tyrell's place.

With all of the above in mind, we cand rapidly deduce the status of each character:

- *J.F. Sebastian*: He's cold but nervous and anxious.
- *Roy Batty*: He's cold but relaxed and carefree.
- *Dr. Eldon Tyrell*: He's warm and comfy but steady (at least, mindwise).

Why this scene?
---------------

This scene was chosen because of its role taking part in the essence of the future that it's being built all throughout the film - or better said, a lack of it.

The whole scene suffers from a problem of **message loss**. The chess game may seem today just a gag of the scene - but back on its release date, this told the viewers how intelligent the replicants are compared to computers (or artificial intelligence) at the time.


When Tyrell asked Sebastian the reason for the visit, he responded with a chess move of a stalled game they had. On one hand, the fact that Sebastian keeps the status of the entire chessboard on his mind, tells the audience how smart he is. But on the other hand, the move he chose to go with seemed improvised and precipitate. While this gained attention on Tyrell, the move didn't seem to play well for Sebastian in the game.

Tyrell announced its move with a check, and only with that Roy was capable to deduce instantly a winning move for Sebastian.

Today it may seem that Roy as a replicant is just smarter than other humans - even smarter than Tyrell, the mastermind that engineered the replicants. But if we add the context on when this film was released, we can tell how suprising this scene was.

This film was released in 1982, artificial intelligence hadn't been established in the world of computing outside some initial works. They were 15 years apart from encountering the first computer beating a class world chess player (in 1997). Take note that this was possible only because we got to investigate massively on chess theory in the 90s, and also the computer knew perfectly the state of the chessboard at every single move. In contrast, Roy had only two moves and a check statement as input to determine a winning move.

Summarizing, the facts behind the scene today may feel unimpressive as we take them for granted, but it's something that back on the release date was still a huge and unforeseen gap in artificial intelligence and computing in general - and therefore, astonishing.