Diagnostic Task
Blade Runner – Voight- Kampff Test
Blade Runner is a thriller and science-fiction film, set in the futuristic world of 2019. The scene ‘Voight kampff test’ reflects the growing tension of the two characters. At the beginning, the sequence is presented as a professional and business scene, whereas as the sequence progresses we gradually see the two characters turn against each other and form a conflict resulting as enemies. The increasing apprehension in the scene is designed to make the audience feel as if they are a part of the unease and anticipate the character’s movements, making the scene a significant example of suspense in the overall film.
The calming and complacent character of the interviewer compared to the agitated and abrupt nature of the worker is a clear contrast designed of building the tension and prepare the audience for what’s about to happen between the two very different personalities.
Cinematography
In the scene, the camera positioning starts off by showing the audience the large open test room giving the impression that the space is safe and at ease. However, after the worker has entered and as the scene progresses the angle at which the camera is becomes close-up and intimate, which forces the atmosphere to become more intense and serious. The way the camera is positioned increasingly closer on the character’s faces, beyond which you can only see the dark four walls that surround them, reflects the claustrophobic and apprehensive feeling of what the characters are experiencing. This therefore makes the room seem smaller and as if the characters are completely alone. The camera position changes quickly between the worker, interviewer and the machines around the room, reminding the audience of the test conditions and the growing restlessness of the worker character. The little light shown at the beginning of the sequence coming through the small window slats in the walls creates a more sinister and eerie start to the scene, warning the audience about the hidden alternative motives of the worker, ultimately reflecting their mood. In contrast to the dark and dimly lit surroundings of the room, during the sequence the unnatural stage lighting shines only on the two characters, focusing the audience’s attention on the character’s movement, thus putting added pressure on the intensity of the scene. As well as this the light can also create shadows adding to the ominous atmosphere in the room.
Mes en scene
To begin with the audience is shown the whole room as a basic and simple place consisting of futuristic machines, presented as an office work environment. Consistently the set is dark, ill-lit and shadowy creating an ominous feel. In the room, we see ceiling fans suggesting it is not as developed as modern technology, in contrast to the machines seen around the room which give the impression that the scene is set in a futuristic world. The large table in the middle of the room could demonstrate the clear divide in class as well as power and dominance. Throughout the scene the character Leon (worker) we see wearing white clinical type clothes as if he were dressed in a uniform. This costume design gives the audience the impression the worker is a test subject, portraying the company as controlling and giving their workers very little liberty. In this sequence, we see the interviewer wearing a grey suit, a clear demonstration of his authority and hierarchy over the worker. As well as this his dark costume blends in with his dull surroundings of the set.
Sound
In the scene, diegetic sound is heard through the dialogue of the characters, in which their voices get increasingly louder as the intensity of the scene grows. As well as this at the beginning on screen we hear robotic, emotionless voices in the background used to command the workers, which continues in the background during the test. Continuously throughout the scene the mechanical and futuristic sound of machines grows more frequent and at a higher pitch, reflecting the mood of the worker as he gets more agitated and upset, showing the anticipation building up. Occasionally we also hear the rustling of paper from the interviewer reminding the audience of the test and the overall intention of the sequence. Non-diegetic sound is heard through the futuristic, sinister music which gets louder as the camera gets closer to the characters building up to the turning point of the scene. As well as this the dominant sound effect of the heartbeat reflecting what the characters are experiencing is accompanied by the interviewer’s voice as it starts to echo along with the heartbeat. This suggests that the worker’s emotions are overpowering causing him to not think straight and feel uncomfortable.
Performance
The character Leon (worker) starts off by knocking on the interviewer’s door, immediately showing the audience who has the power and control in the room. He next admits that he’s nervous which is said in a mumble giving the initial impression that he is venerable and unthreatening. As the scene progresses we whiteness Leon starting to get agitated however also curious by the machines. This is seen as Leon begins to challenge everything the interviewer says. Towards the end the character demonstrates a nervous twitch at the mentioning of his mother which later provokes an impulsive action revealing his true identity.
On the other hand, the interviewer throughout expresses a sophisticated, relaxed demeanour in a low and monotone voice, oblivious to the drastically growing tension between them both. The character is shown as logical however irritable, reflected in the way he constantly smokes his cigarette whenever a difficult situation comes up.
Editing
In the sequence, the editing creates an ominous and menacing atmosphere as the camera shows short bursts and quickly moves between the charterers and machines around the room, reminding the audience of the futuristic setting. The back and forth question and answer is used to reflect the interrogation, but also designed to make the audience feel on edge.
Emma Coe Film Studies 