The Space Between Real and Reel

Abstract

This thesis investigates how the real Western built environment influenced cinematic architecture in the science-fiction films Metropolis (1927) and Blade Runner (1982), revealing the real architectural elements that were either copied or adapted into imaginary worlds throughout the 20th century. In doing so, both films are analysed on three different scales: cityscape, building and detail, and are connected to changes, events and movements of the 20th century. Metropolis shows an exaggeration of New York City, and displays in this cityscape complex issues like urbanization and industrialization. Moreover, the influence of modernism is visible through the use of Le Corbusier’s Radiant City as a backbone, and concrete and steel as building materials. In Blade Runner, the cityscape portrays a city of post-industrial decay, chaos, and overpopulation, and can be seen as the opposite of the Radiant City. Furthermore, Asian neon signs, shops and culture shows a shift to a more Eastern dominance. The details of certain spaces, however, show a connection to postmodernism and its characteristic of using ancient styles as a reference for architecture. As notable, both films display cities of the future, however, the films are rather intertwined with the realities of the 20th century.