Blade Runner 2049 scene
=======================

> by Paul Hodgetts, student 738701
>
>
> Timestamps of the scene (as seen on [this site](https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0JCBRCJAUBEV5QKGW5QH2Q9G7A)):
> - Starting at: [`0:30:57`]
> - Ending at: [`0:32:29`]


This scene is part of a sequence of scenes that lets us view the inside of the Tyrell building. We can tell there is a big contrast design-wise between the two stories.

In *Blade Runner*, the first film, we could see a more organic environment - filled with decoration and traditional furniture. Symmetry was still a key component, as it felt too organized to be just human. This spoke up to how the replicants were striving to become more human, to have the same right to live. It was something unhuman trying to become human.

Now, in *Blade Runner 2049* it has changed. Replicants are not allowed to be human, and Tyrell isn't there anymore to make a statement. The replicant crafting process is handled by Wallace Corporation, and they ensure no replicant has the will to become human - or at least, a being on their own right. This change is noticeable throughout the scenery that shows the building.


Symmetry (both on the room and the shot), regular patterns, extensive use of just one material, no decoration, etc. All of these build an unhuman minimalism, and almost a feel of unreal. But for that last matter, the cast of light and shadows moving all over the room helped to make it feel an existing place.

In this scene, we see a regular structure that repeats itself into the dark - giving the sensation of an almost endless room. This regular structure somewhat resembles a library, but the content itself is also present in a regular pattern - leaning on the *data center* side. In any case, it successfully delivers the image of a place keeping a massive amount of information.

We see how *'K'* and the file clerk enter the room in search of a piece of information. Although the room has no indicator at any part of the shelves (for tracking the corridors), the file clerk manages to seek the tray the are looking for.


Once he opens the tray, wee see a collection of glass panes with some kind of information engraved in them. Then, he takes one of those glasses and proceeds to read it with the eyes. This is an accurate way to represent future data storage media in two ways.

For one, information is kept in a glass-like material. This is something that is currently in research and some companies have begun to produce. This is called [5D optical data storage (5D ODS)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5D_optical_data_storage) and was actually influenced by both comics and films of Superman. Kryptonians were shown to be a more advanced society, and thus, had more advanced technology. Data was shown to be saved in some kind of glass prisms. It's for this reason why this type of storage is also known as Superman memory crystal, and influenced on the last decades of filming when representing futuristic storage technology.

On the other hand, the ability to retrieve information with the human eye is something that has also recently been put into practice. This is done so in case of a major failure in society or our whole technology infrastructure fails, we can still retrieve information to come back as quickly as possible. Just like books, but non-biodegradable and durable in time. This process could have been eased by an enhanced vision on the replicants.

Achieving an efficient type of media as 5D ODS and at the same time being able to read it with the naked eye, seems impossible today. But later, in a few scenes, they get to an older installment with an older type of data storage. They save data in sphere crystals, but a reader is needed, similar to what we have in the present day on 5D ODS.

In conclusion, this seems to be an accurate representation of what is about to come in terms of technology - filled innovative ideas, like the first film. We might achieve it before the time setting of this film to become less impressive, as what we had seen with the chess game scene analysis.