The βopposites of oppositesβ you reference is certainly present with Deckard, by the end of the film, being portrayed as not-not-human.
More generally, I had a professor who taught the whole movie as a commentary on the American eugenics movement, and how βhumanityβ is derived via a personβs existence being perceived as instrumental vs. fundamental. There are virtually no differences in appearance between humans and replicants, so all that separates them is what they do, vs. who they are.
Personally, my favorite approach is to understand it as an evolutionary allegory for humanity becoming self-aware, or rather, possibly becoming something more than animal.
Iβve just finished a great book βA Way Through the Wilderness β and itβs all about opposites. After leaving bondage in Egypt the Israelites are experience the Wilderness which was on one hand a place of wandering, a place of hard teaching, a place of painful purification. But it was also a place of provision and protection. There was free food every morning, protection from the vipers. God was visible throughout the day and night in the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. There was no doubt about which direction to move.
Yet when the wilderness training was over and the people of God entered the Promised Land, everything changed. βa land with large flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plantβ (Deuteronomy 6:10-11)
In order to possess this land, however, there were aggressive military campaigns, cities walled and occupied by giants, fields to be tilled, planted, weeded, and harvested, marauders who waited until the crops were ready and then swept down to plunder and steal to be fought off
Excellent point. I actually came up with dozens of examples, but didnβt have space to list them all. What would you say is the progression of values in Fight Club?
The original Blade Runner (1982) is a dead ringer for this sort of narrative. Might even say itβs the quintessential example of it.
Hmm good point. I love Blade Runner. What values would you say are represented in that story?
The βopposites of oppositesβ you reference is certainly present with Deckard, by the end of the film, being portrayed as not-not-human.
More generally, I had a professor who taught the whole movie as a commentary on the American eugenics movement, and how βhumanityβ is derived via a personβs existence being perceived as instrumental vs. fundamental. There are virtually no differences in appearance between humans and replicants, so all that separates them is what they do, vs. who they are.
Personally, my favorite approach is to understand it as an evolutionary allegory for humanity becoming self-aware, or rather, possibly becoming something more than animal.
Never get tired of watching this scene:
https://youtu.be/NoAzpa1x7jU?si=FW9VUcGOBCympDXD
Iβve just finished a great book βA Way Through the Wilderness β and itβs all about opposites. After leaving bondage in Egypt the Israelites are experience the Wilderness which was on one hand a place of wandering, a place of hard teaching, a place of painful purification. But it was also a place of provision and protection. There was free food every morning, protection from the vipers. God was visible throughout the day and night in the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. There was no doubt about which direction to move.
Yet when the wilderness training was over and the people of God entered the Promised Land, everything changed. βa land with large flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plantβ (Deuteronomy 6:10-11)
In order to possess this land, however, there were aggressive military campaigns, cities walled and occupied by giants, fields to be tilled, planted, weeded, and harvested, marauders who waited until the crops were ready and then swept down to plunder and steal to be fought off
You forgot Fight Club, ya dingus!
Excellent point. I actually came up with dozens of examples, but didnβt have space to list them all. What would you say is the progression of values in Fight Club?
Sorry I didnt finishβ¦
Anyway you get the point. The story is replete with opposites of opposites.
Thanks for sharing that. Iβve noticed that the Bible is full of examples like that