Cyberpunk combines futuristic ideas about human nature and technology to provide a new perspective on complex subjects ("Cyberpunk Review"). Film is a great avenue for this cyberpunk perspective! With the use of special effects, CGI, animation, and talented actors/directors a futuristic world can come alive to the viewer through cinema. By taking a look at films that fall within the cyberpunk genre, not only are we usually entertained but also intrigued with psychological dilemma. The films “Ghost in the Shell”, “Blade Runner”, and “Metropolis” are all great examples of how issues such as humanity, identity, and technological progression can be conveyed through science fiction ("MyAnimeList").
“Ghost in the Shell”
Plot
Mamoru Oshii’s film “Ghost in the Shell” uses technological aspects to convey a dystopian atmosphere. Inspired by societies increase in dependence on technology, the environment of “Ghost in the Shell” is presented as a highly urbanized and dehumanized future (Larder).
The main character Motoko, is a cyborg who desires to find a shred of humanity within her mechanized self (Larder). This anime heroine desires to better understand her personal identity and determine the true definition of humanity (Larder). The ghost in the title refers to her human soul while the shell refers to her cyborg exterior. This fusion of man and machine are common themes in cyberpunk.
The villain of the film, the Puppetmaster, is a master hacker("MyAnimeList"). As the story progresses we learn that he is using his talents to hack other people’s brains. The use of hackers and an emphasis on computer technology are common within this genre ("MyAnimeList"). The idea of computers taking over everything including our own body is quite chilling. The conflict between the police force and the Puppetmaster runs throughout the entire film. Cyberpunk often has hacker themes("MyAnimeList"). The Puppetmaster is symbolic of humanities fight against technology.
As a psychological thriller, “Ghost in the Shell” is a success. The main question running throughout is “what makes us human” is a complex topic that challenges the viewer’s perception of life (Park). The director takes real science and technology and builds upon it to make a more advanced futuristic world that is still believable and relatable (Park). The characters often question DNA as a confirmation of life challenging what we currently know about life sciences (Park). This plays a large role in the plot and questions if your current scientific methods are accurate.
The main characters are interesting and well developed. The secondary characters not so much. Outwardly Mokoto is cold with a tough girl attitude (Park). Her inner thoughts regarding her humanity help relate her inner desires to the viewer and make her more relatable ("MyAnimeList"). Even as a cyborg we are able to relate with her, after all most everyone has wanted to know who we really are. She has a “ghostly” quality that coupled with the mysterious environment lend an eerie beauty to the film ("MyAnimeList").
This film is filled with so many questions, sometimes I feel that it is a bit to cerebral. The complex technological terms and deep musings put forward by the characters can sometimes be rather confusing. It is challenging for the viewer to keep up with the fast pace of the action while keeping track of the plot. “Ghost in the Shell” is a movie that is best enjoyed after a couple of viewings after the audience has had a chance to better sort out all of the complex thoughts and themes.
Cinematic Aspects
Stylistically the film features many greens, blues, blacks, and greys that are symbolic of the wires and industrial feel of technology. Much of the film takes part in darkness, symbolic of the character’s desire to hide within the shadows of society. Released in 1995, this anime film has outstanding animation ("MyAnimeList"). Character movement and design is very natural and lifelike. The backgrounds are well developed and contribute to the overall storyline. All of the artwork is very detailed. To accurately convey motion to the extent that is in “Ghost in the Shell” is truly a feat of animation brilliance!
The futuristic setting still personifies he newness of technology while retaining the grittiness of city life ("MyAnimeList"). There is a very limited use of CGI staying with a more traditional anime style. An action flick to the core, the sound effects contribute to the many fight scenes throughout. The soundtrack is very fitting and has a futuristic feel that contributes to the viewer experience. Multiple camera angles also contribute to the sense of action ("MyAnimeList").
“Blade Runner”
Plot
“Blade Runner” directed by Ridley Scott represents a clear cyberpunk aesthetic("Cyberpunk Review"). “Blade Runner” is similar to “Ghost in the Shell” in the sense that it takes place in a dystopian world were technology has overtaken society. Los Angeles has become a source of corporate advertising and pollution("Cyberpunk Review"). Cyborgs and artificial life forms are also prominently figured. The setting is a ruined planet devoid of natural life. Humankind has replaced life forms with artificial one. This social commentary on the future of our planet is purposely disturbing.
“Blade Runner” represents the dangers of genetic engineering and technological advance to the extent of total ruin. Replicants are the genetically engineered humans who currently inhabit the planet ("Cyberpunk Review"). These beings are designed for their proficiency in serving ("Cyberpunk Review"). There are designed only as virtual work horses, yet overtime we learn that they are developing conciseness and a desire for self. These replicants have a four year period of usefulness before they are hunted down by Blade Runners whose job is to eradicate rouge replicants ("Cyberpunk Review").
As the plot progresses and the replicants become more self-aware, the audience is asked to examine the ethical question of creating beings and later destroying them ("Cyberpunk Review"). The societal boundaries that are breached by these human/machine hybrids walk a fine line between what is human and what is artificial ("Cyberpunk Review"). This focus on the underground society of replicants, is also a key cyberpunk theme. Exploring social issues and sympathizing with the oppressed is common.
The main character, Deckard, is also somewhat of an outcast. His tough guy persona makes him a bit of an anti-hero ("Filmsite Movie Review"). Rachel, a replicant, is presented as a classic film noir femme fatale. With her furs, red lipstick, and 1940’s hairstyle she seems to harken back to a different time. Her outward appearance contrasts with the new technology she contains("Filmsite Movie Review"). When the two become entangled in a romantic relationship, the need to find a common ground between human and machine becomes even direr.
Cinematic Aspects
Even though “Blade Runner” is classified as a science fiction film, many film noir influences are also prevalent in the visual aspects ("Film Education"). Film Noir is defined as, “a group of films made in Hollywood in the 1940s and 1950s.” ("Film Education"). The camera shots, lighting, and sound effects harken back to early science fiction and detective films ("Film Education"). This combination filming techniques coupled with the highly futuristic setting and plot makes “Blade Runner” a culmination of past, present, and future("Cyberpunk Review").
Visually the film is very dark, yet shockingly interrupted by vivid neon colors ("Cyberpunk Review"). The neon colors add to the “unnaturalness” of the environment. Often it can be difficult to see certain scenes because there are such dark shadows. There is no natural light throughout the movie, everything is artificial just like the environment("Cyberpunk Review"). The end sequence contains the only glimpse of natural light and life with a dove being released into the air symbolizing the freedom of the characters("Cyberpunk Review").
The city appears to be in a state of urban decay, as the setting conveys. It also suggests a sense of “globalization” drawing iconic figures from all over the world into the city. Multiple languages are also shown throughout the city("Cyberpunk Review"). The city speaks of the sleaziness of capitalism and corporate industrialism("Cyberpunk Review"). The story is meant to strike fear in the heart of the viewer and inspire social change.
“Metropolis”
Plot
“Metropolis” is an anime feature directed by Rintaro. This futuristic environment is inhabited by both humans and robots. However distrust and prejudice between the two is quite prevalent. The story revolves around a detective, Shunsaku Ban and his nephew Kenichi ("MyAnimeList"). Together they set out to find the laboratory of a scientist, Dr. Laughton, who is suspected of trading organs ("MyAnimeList"). However, the pair gets more than they bargained for when they discovers a girl with no memories locked inside the laboratory. As a group they set out to find out the dark secrets surrounding the city and discover the girl’s identity ("MyAnimeList"). The girl seems to be an android once again asking the question of if she is truly human. A question of morality persists. The rebellion is the result of prejudice and fight against modernization in society("Cyberpunk Review").
Cinematic Aspects
“Metropolis” is a beautiful example of how CGI can enhance anime films ("MyAnimeList"). CGI makes up much of the urban backdrop for the characters. Hand drawn characters allow for a great depth of emotion and characterization. This modern technique paired with more traditional anime styles creates a unique blend of animation. The soundtrack is a nice mix of many different musical styles that one often doesn’t often hear in anime films, such as jazz ("MyAnimeList"). The music fits the mood of each scene very well.
The anime characters in “Metropolis” may be considered “cute” with their childlike features and big eyes. The style closely resembles titles such as “Astroboy” or “Steamboy” ("MyAnimeList"). This is in contrast to the characters of “Ghost in the Shell” that presents highly sexualized, mature characters. Despite the serious nature of the story the characters are a bit lighter hearted than many other cyberpunk characters("MyAnimeList").
The urban background is well developed and detailed (Park). This film is fairly colorful and bright. The backgrounds are primarily cool blues and greys, with characters dressed in more warm bright tones for contrasts. This differs from typical cyberpunk films that have a darker, more lived in look (Park). The multiple bright colors in “Metropolis” are rather unique to the cyberpunk genre, yet they do suit the very youthful characters well("Cyberpunk Review").
If “Metropolis” has any draw backs, I feel it would be with character development. The characters, although likable, seem a bit one dimensional. Little is given on their backstory and their personality doesn’t appear to be fully developed. They do not have much dialogue that allows the viewer to divulge much about their character("MyAnimeList"). The story also takes quite a while to build. Many different subplots are happening simultaneously without any getting solved. As a viewer I found this a bit frustrating.
The same may be said for the city itself. Other than relating that the city is inhabited by both robots and humans, no backstory is given to explain why this is. The message of the film is also diminished when Tima learns she is a robot. She seems to immediately accept that she is “less” than her human counterparts. I found this a bit disappointing considering she clearly has human qualities such as emotion. The city seems to be torn between two time periods("MyAnimeList"). There is an obvious futuristic quality with robots, yet the human characters appear almost to be part of the past with period clothing and mannerisms that doesn’t really seem to fit.
Conclusion
These three films have many commonalities, primarily the theme of “humanity and identity”. The plots of all three films are very similar and have psychological messages. Stylistically they all also offer highly industrialized, futuristic settings. “Blade Runner” and “Ghost in the Shell” both share a lot of mise-en-scenes such as low lighting, bright neon color schemes, and multiple camera angles.
All three films also have differences. “Blade Runner” is comprised of a cast of real people with the help of special effects. “Ghost in the Shell” and “Metropolis” are both animated, but they too are significantly different. “Metropolis” incorporates more CGI to add to the visual spectacle. “Ghost in the Shell” is much more sexualized and dark than the cheery innocence of “Metropolis”. These films bring a new perspective to anime as an art form that differentiates it from standard animation.
Cyberpunk films often convey warning messages to the audience. They play upon social and personal fears, such as the loss of personal identity or the destruction of life from our misguided attempts at over industrialization ("MyAnimeList"). These films are also meant to entertain and inspire. The fast paced action, passionate characters, and brilliant visual aspects make this genre one unique in the world of film.
Works Cited:
,ed. "Blade Runner." Cyberpunk Review. N.p., 14 2006. Web. 23 Nov 2012.
, ed. "Blade Runner." Film Education. N.p.. Web. 23 Nov 2012.
ed. "Blade Runner ." Filmsite Movie Review. N.p.. Web. 23 Nov 2012.
,ed. "Ghost in the Shell." MyAnimeList. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov 2012.
, ed. "Metropolis." MyAnimeList. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov 2012.
Larder, A. "Cyberpunk as Related to Ghost in the Shell ." . N.p., 05 2010. Web. 23 Nov 2012.
