Science on Screen: Blade Runner

Advances in neuroscience since the 1982 dystopian classic herald the dawn of psycho-modification. Pioneer of deep brain stimulation, Tipu Aziz, explores Ridley Scott's vision of a world populated by replicants. What does this suggest about our own consciousness?

In a dystopian future Los Angeles, bounty hunter Deckard (Harrison Ford), is forced into one last job: eliminate four dangerous androids, or replicants, who have returned to Earth illegally. As Deckard pursues the replicants, the line between human and machine begin to blur. His mission is complicated further by his feelings for Rachael (Sean Young), a replicant unaware of her true nature.

With its extraordinary visual design, stunning cinematography and Vangelis' dreamlike score, Scott's iconic neo-noir vision of the future is as impressive and thought-provoking as ever.