Shadows of Humanity: Exploring Identity and Ethics in Tech-Noir Cinema
Paper by Yutao Geng.
In the course of film history, the fusion of Neo-Noir and Science Fiction has gradually formed a unique genre, known as Tech-Noir. This genre explores complex themes such as human nature, identity, and moral ambiguity by combining the visual
style and narrative features of classic film noir with futuristic and high-tech elements. In this paper, I will analyze three classic Tech-Noir films: Blade Runner (1982), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), and Ex Machina (2014). These three films not only inherit the core characteristics of film noir in terms of visual style, character creation, and narrative structure, but also conduct philosophical reflections on human identity and artificial intelligence through the background of science fiction. These films are not only innovations in vision and style, but also a profound interpretation of the dilemma of human nature and technological development in contemporary society. Through textual analysis and citation of academic materials, I will demonstrate how these films express doubts about the boundaries between human nature and artificial intelligence through genre fusion, and reflect contemporary society’s anxiety about technological progress and moral crisis.
In the tech-noir film, the visual style is not only
Exploring The Implications of Political Expediency Through the Lens of Zero Dark Thirty
Paper by Emilia Shahani.
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This quote was written by Lord Acton. Acton famously in 1887 in a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton as part of his argument that moral standards should apply to everyone, regardless of one’s level of power. This sentiment regarding power is apparent in society today, as well as the ideals that no one should have unchecked authority. Those in power in the military and government often prioritize doing what is politically expedient rather than doing what is best for their country, specifically because they hold that power. In the film Zero Dark Thirty (Kathryn Bigelow, 2012), there is a scene in which the main character, Maya (Jessica Chastain), accuses her superior of giving into this tendency to serve his self-interest rather than making the hard choices necessary to find Bin Laden, which is what is truly best for the country. Elements including the dialogue, power dynamics, political context, and cinematography of this intense and telling scene all support her accusation. The subject matter of political expedience/personal agenda over long-term success for the benefit of the country