Observations on Death, (Beautiful) Women & Representation in BR

excellent article Sawa, can't wait to delve into this! Many thanks!

Creepy Sawa, Freeze! were just discussing the subject of Death and afterlife.

[center][/center]I believe this essay is a good example of a woman reacting somewhat harshly, and particularly to the version of the film with the voice-over. I think most of how she is feeling, and the direction of her research is motivated by Bud Yorkin's re-vision of Ridley's original ideas. I don't disagree with a lot of what she states; however, I do believe she should strike the 1992 "Director's Cut" from her references. As I do strongly feel, that it becomes quite a different film, once the voice-over is removed, and the unicorn dream is restored. And also an opinion that Ridley himself would definitely agree with, and has stated so officially. I do think that female characters were portrayed quite cleverly, and by then modern Western standards. And do feel the writer of the essay needs to re-examine the final version of the film. It would help to have spent some-time in the West, and particularly America (if they haven't done so, already). And it wouldn't hurt at all, to have some good understanding of religion there, too. [center]Bonus Pics (Abbey again, different shoot): [img]http://s23.postimg.org/c9pbnosa3/Abbey_Lee_Kershaw_P.jpg[/img] [img]http://s24.postimg.org/j4vbhz46d/abbey_lee_kershaw_uni.jpg[/img][/center] And you're both welcome. ^_^ S:)

I have to honest.I read the article but skimmed over some parts. Interesting points...but I have to differ on a few things. Zhora was a member of a "Murder Squad".She's also a slave.She might not have liked the work she had to do and developed a grudge against authority.The way she attacked Deckard was a surprise.Most of the replicants in the film displayed two different personalities(except Roy and Rachel). One personality to hide among humans and the other was(I'm guessing) showing they're true intensions. Alot of people felt sorry for Zhora chase/shooting scene when I saw it as an usher working in the cinema in high school. To me it symbolizes how desperate Zhora was to live and what she was up against. Not just Deckard. But Zhora did prove to be pretty dangerous. Pris managed to meet and get into Sebastians apartment. That was definitely key in the story. While reading the article it occurred to me that Pris might have donned the toy doll look early on knowing she might have to hide in Sebastians apartment.Riddley might have been demonstrating how quick the replicants were at thinking ahead and adapting to there enviroment. Pris might have used the toy doll she was playing with as a reference for the disguise. As for Pris's fight with Deckard and the "head between the thighs" scene. I remember more than once some people in the theatre were expressing how powerful someone would have to be to that.Picking someone's head and torso up with two fingers(by the nostrils) would require some strength. Pris's death scene sorta reflects frustration to me.I can't imagine the life she might have had as a military pleasure model and what the group of replicants went through to leave. Gives you mixed feelings because it was very clear by then how dangerous Pris and Zhora were. As for the article stating that only deceased females were filmed...well Rachel bulls-eyed Leon who met a very grizzly ending that obviously wasn't fast.You can see his reaction very clearly(along with the bullet hole in his forehead) Rachel and Roy both keep the same sort of character through out the film(as far as I'm concerned). Neither seems to have to use a "front" character to hide,even when there scared or aggresive.They seem to be themselves all the time. Thanks for posting this Sawa.Gotta go make a grilled cheese sandwich now :)

[center][/center]II think the author just doesn't like Mr. "Cold Fish", as-in when listening to him go-on (or drone-on), it really minimizes, and even trivializes the female characters. And to the point, the author doesn't even like, nor respects the female portrayals (in-feeling that there is some malice intended, too). Her criticism is of Bud Yorkin, or the one she has picked a bone with; however, is not conscious of it, exactly. He certainly does mess-up her perception of what was intended, and causing her to even be possibly angry. Prior to any "Director's Cut", I've personally shown the film to many female friends. And usually the reaction was to be asked to stop watching the film, shortly after Zhora was gunned down. Also, quite often had an offended reaction to the voice-over narration (as to what the hell is this guy's problem). And ultimately, displeased with me for gagging them with the BR spoon. =P I was quite young when I encountered the film, and the voice-over didn't bother me exactly; although, I was directly sympathizing with Harrison Ford (because of a schoolgirl-like crush). And narration wasn't necessary to get me to root for that character. I was even puzzled as to why Rachel would resist such a man (Han Solo, Indy), and not throw herself willingly to him, first-chance. I had an incredibly different perception of the film (for awhile). When I stated showing the movie to friends (pre-DC); I began to understand that the film in it's original released form was not appreciated (by my fellow American female peers). In fact, most hated it (they were game to see it), and that kill-trigger's name was Bud Yorkin. However, every male I showed the film to was quite pleased. And so was I, about that. :) Ridley is a man that has the highest appreciation for art (and likely the female form), to the point of course he is going to glamorize a beautiful woman's brutal death. And to date, nobody has done it better. I feel it's highly complementary, myself (I figure the actresses themselves may feel that, too). I did think that the death of Tyrell was very disturbing, and I do remember I was also troubled by what I didn't see ...the death of J.F. (because I was forced to try imagine what happened to him). Tyrell gets his head crushed like an orange, so I figured Roy was pretty pissed-off, what the heck did he do to poor J.F? The idea was if they did show it, Peoples wanted J.F. smeared to pieces all over the wall. Even Zhora taking pleasures from the snake had my imagination going, and I remember that bit getting a few snickers, in the audience. Anyway, I believe one needs to specifically flag what version of BR they are writing about, when constructing an essay. And because of the stark differences between certain versions. You're welcome (& thanks), djrees56. ^_^ S;)