1. Film Techniques In Violent Films
Technique Focus: Lighting
Scene Analysis: Blade Runner

2. Rooftop Confrontation

3. Film Violence Role In This Scene Final confrontation.
Accentuate danger of Deckard’s job.
Violence is ultimately anti climactic – felt more strongly because of preceding violence.
Impact On Viewers
Androids made to appear menacing.
Empathy – protagonist is now hunted.
Confusion – why doesn’t antagonist finish Deckard off?

4. Film Noir
Film Noir, French for black film, is a cinematic term. Traditionally it describes stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasise cynical attitudes and sexual motivations. Now it is used to describe films that use:
Low key lighting
A black and white visual style
Unbalanced compositions
A dark outlook
Darkness
Long shadows
Claustrophobic atmosphere
Smoke / mist
Neon lights
Opacity of vision
Silhouettes

5. Low Key Lighting Emphasises darkness and shadows.
Things can’t be seen / seen clearly.
Fear, confusion, natural fear of the dark.
Hidden enemies.
That which has some lighting is foregrounded.

6. Darkness Deeper than Low Key Lighting. Alone, trapped, in danger.
Futility, desperation.
This shot – the yawning abyss below, Deckard’s vulnerability.

7. Long Shadows Objects seem bigger, thus more threatening.
Events have more significance and impact.
Deckard’s presence obvious, thus he’s in more danger.

8. Neon Lights Unnatural, discordant. Harsh, exposing.
Backdrop to darkness and violence.
This shot – keeps viewers’ focus on spot antagonist springs from.

9. Silhouette Antagonist is given power & strength.
Combined with low angle.
Intentions, emotions, next move etc unknown.
Mysterious, dark, other worldly.

10. Lighting & Violence
The lighting made the clash: darker, scarier, more mysterious, and more threatening.
Thus viewers found the scene more: confrontational, suspenseful, and were surprised the antagonist didn’t attack.