Introduction

detracted from the overall ‘feel’ of the scene; I believe that the impact of this scene would be greatly lessened if given in a brief overview, and, as it indicates a pivotal moment in the characterisations of Rachael and Deckard, the reader should be presented with as much information as possible. The next chapter provides some details on the production, design and photography of the film. The ideological assumptions behind what was dubbed by the on-set crew as ‘Hades’ and the inspiration for much of the architecture of the film is also explored. Adding to this is some detail on what is often forgotten in science fiction films; the costumes. This chapter could have been included earlier than it now appears, but as this may have caused some confusion (presenting a chapter about the film before the films director had been introduced) I thought it more fitting to have it come later in the presentation, as all the relevant background information would then be in place in the readers mind, and referencing the discussion points would be made much easier.	Having now been presented with the backgrounds to both the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and the film, as well as some of the details which went into the visualisation of the film, the reader is presented with the final chapter (before the conclusion) which concerns itself with the role of androids and robots in science fiction films. On first glance it may not be entirely clear how this section fits in with the overall theme of the rest of the material presented here, however, when looked at on a deeper, more philosophical level this section integrates itself well with what Ridley Scott created. Blade Runner consists of two closely entwined thematic strands: a primary strand that is the futuristic detective story played out on the screen, and a secondary, or mythic strand, that re-enacts pre-Christian cosmic dramas. It is this second strand that this section touches upon. Through the comparison of many films that were released before or around the time of the original theatrical release of Blade Runner, 1982, this chapter aims to give an indication to the depth of the text of Blade Runner.

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