She was a leader of men. She led the Pips with an iron fist.
The Empress! And fucking GOAT IMO, Sorry Aretha and Whitney.
What movie is this?
Looks dope.
It's a fairly straightforward Noir detective story that was fused with science fiction in ways that had never been attempted and most certainly not achieved since. An absolute landmark of art house which is probably why it never played well for the masses.
Genetic bioengineering serves the base of the plot, many of the major players are A.I. 'replicant' humanoids; the central theme explores the boundaries of humanity and the primary question posed - "What does it mean to be human?" - is examined repeatedly throughout, in a multitude of ways from varying angles (anxiety, memories, fear, choice, consciousness).
It expands and lends itself to convey and highlight a range of large scale issues that include but aren't limited to: globalization, totalitarianism, environmental degradation, scientific and technological advancement. The setting presents a retrofitted dystopian future, a gloomy urban sprawl of high-tech ingenuity and possibility that's been soured by ecological and societal devastation.
Visually, it's 100% true to the subgenre style sans black and white photography. Two of the most evident characteristics are the strong backlighting and utilization of light shafts. There's near perpetual night, darkness, and rain-soaked streets; smog and steam permeate the atmosphere at seemingly every twist and turn with neon advertisements flashing down from up above the city and reflecting off the steel, glass and damp asphalt. The stark contrast, unconventional angles, shadowy figures, smoke filled rooms, lamp lighting and even the damn venetian blinds are all prominently featured.
This was cool AF.