Does Roy Know That Deckard Is an Android? Unraveling the Mystery

Does roy know that deckard is an android – Does Roy Know That Deckard Is an Android? That’s the question that has haunted fans of
-Blade Runner* for decades, a riddle wrapped in neon noir and existential dread. From the moment Roy Batty, the charismatic leader of the Nexus 6 replicants, first encounters Rick Deckard, a blade runner tasked with their termination, the air crackles with unspoken tension. Did Roy, with his enhanced intellect and capacity for empathy, see through the facade?

Did he recognize the artificiality lurking beneath Deckard’s weary gaze? This exploration delves into the intricate web of interactions, clues, and interpretations that fuel this enduring debate.

We’ll journey through key scenes, analyze dialogue, and dissect the subtle cues that might hold the answer. We’ll examine Roy’s initial observations, the evidence he might have gathered, and the significance of his actions towards Deckard. We’ll also consider the broader implications of Roy’s potential knowledge, exploring themes of humanity, empathy, and mortality that resonate so deeply within the film’s core.

Get ready to have your understanding of
-Blade Runner* challenged, and perhaps, forever changed.

Table of Contents

Roy’s Initial Encounter with Deckard

Does roy know that deckard is an android

The neon glow of Los Angeles in 2019 painted the scene as Roy Batty, a Nexus-6 combat model, first crossed paths with Rick Deckard, a blade runner tasked with retiring replicants. This initial encounter, a tense dance of suspicion and assessment, laid the groundwork for their complex, ultimately tragic, relationship.

Initial Impressions and Interactions

Roy’s initial assessment of Deckard was likely one of detached curiosity mixed with a pragmatic awareness of potential threat. He was a creature of calculated efficiency, and Deckard, with his gruff demeanor and occupation, presented a variable to be accounted for. The encounter wasn’t just a casual meeting; it was a sizing-up.The initial exchange, brief as it was, likely involved a degree of observation.

Roy, with his enhanced physical and intellectual capabilities, would have been acutely aware of Deckard’s body language, his voice, and the subtle cues that might betray his intentions. Deckard, in turn, would have been assessing Roy’s reactions, trying to discern if he was indeed a replicant. The environment, a rain-slicked street, further amplified the tension, creating a sense of unease and vulnerability.

Events Leading to Suspicion

The events leading to Roy’s suspicions about Deckard were likely subtle, built upon the foundation of Deckard’s mission as a blade runner. Roy and the other replicants, Pris, Zhora, and Leon, were seeking a longer lifespan. Deckard, however, represented an obstacle to this goal. His presence and the knowledge of his profession inherently made him a potential adversary.The use of the Voight-Kampff test, designed to identify replicants based on their emotional responses, was a direct indicator of Deckard’s intentions.

The questions posed and the physiological responses measured would have been immediately understood by Roy as an attempt to identify him and potentially “retire” him. This would have been the first clear indication of Deckard’s threat, although Roy may not have had solid proof at the beginning.The blade runner’s line of questioning, the context of the setting, and the presence of other replicants all contributed to a growing sense of suspicion.

Roy, being the leader of the group, would have been particularly alert to any indications of deception or malice. The very nature of their meeting, a clandestine rendezvous, would have heightened his awareness of potential danger.

Comparative Behavior: Roy’s Interactions

The following table compares Roy’s behavior towards humans in general, contrasted with his specific interactions with Deckard during their first meeting.

Behavioral Aspect	Roy’s Behavior Towards Other Humans	Roy’s Behavior Towards Deckard	Justification
Initial Approach	Generally, calculated and strategic, based on their purpose (e.g., seeking information or resources).	Initially, cautious, observant, assessing Deckard’s threat level and intentions.	Roy’s priority was self-preservation and the pursuit of a longer lifespan. Deckard represented a direct threat.
Communication Style	Often manipulative or intimidating, depending on the situation and the target’s vulnerability.	Initially, restrained, observing, and testing Deckard’s reactions. He would likely use indirect questions to gather information.	Roy understood that any direct aggression could backfire. He needed to understand Deckard’s capabilities before making any move.
Emotional Display	Controlled, with occasional displays of anger or frustration when necessary to achieve his goals.	Subtle expressions of curiosity or suspicion. He wouldn’t show excessive emotion, keeping his true feelings hidden.	Revealing emotion would be a weakness. He needed to remain inscrutable to keep Deckard guessing.
Physical Posture	Generally confident, using his physique to project dominance or create an advantage.	Likely more relaxed, attempting to appear non-threatening while still maintaining a sense of authority.	Roy would use his physical presence strategically, but he would also avoid unnecessary confrontation.

Evidence and Clues Roy Might Have Observed

Roy Batty, a Nexus-6 combat model, possessed an intellect far exceeding that of a typical human. His observation skills, honed by years of specialized training and experience, were exceptional. He would have been meticulously cataloging every detail of Deckard’s behavior, searching for inconsistencies, anomalies, anything that would betray the hunter as the hunted. This intense scrutiny would have been a matter of survival, as the replicants’ own survival depended on identifying and eliminating the Blade Runners.

Physical Cues Observed by Roy

Deckard’s physical presentation, the way he carried himself, and his reaction to physical stressors could have provided critical clues. These observations would have been filtered through Roy’s own advanced sensory processing, allowing him to perceive subtle deviations from the norm.

Unblinking Eyes: Roy, with his enhanced vision, might have noticed a lack of natural blinking, a common trait observed in replicants. A prolonged, unwavering gaze could be a giveaway.
Delayed Reaction to Pain: During a physical altercation, Roy would have been acutely aware of Deckard’s pain response. A delayed or suppressed reaction, or an unusual display of stoicism, could have been interpreted as a sign of synthetic construction.
Abnormal Physical Endurance: Roy would have assessed Deckard’s stamina. Replicants are designed for superior physical performance. If Deckard showed signs of fatigue too quickly, it could suggest he was not one of them, but this observation would need further confirmation.
Minor Physical Imperfections: Minute details like the way Deckard’s skin reacted to injury or the subtle rigidity in his movements, indicative of artificial joints or synthetic tissues, could have provided insight.

Verbal Clues Roy Might Have Detected, Does roy know that deckard is an android

The nuances of human speech, the subtle inflections, and the involuntary pauses are all potential indicators. Roy, with his advanced cognitive abilities, would have been particularly attuned to these aspects of Deckard’s communication.

Hesitation in Answering: Frequent pauses before responding to questions, especially those of a personal nature, could be indicative of a fabricated identity. Roy would have recognized this as an attempt to compute and formulate an appropriate response.
Inconsistencies in Storytelling: Roy would have cross-referenced Deckard’s statements. If the details of Deckard’s stories were inconsistent or lacked emotional depth, it could have been a red flag.
Limited Emotional Range: Deckard’s expression of emotion would have been under close scrutiny. A lack of appropriate emotional responses or an overly controlled demeanor could have been a sign of artificiality.
Repetitive Speech Patterns: The use of certain phrases or the reliance on stock responses, especially under pressure, could have hinted at a programmed response. Roy would have noticed any unnatural repetitions.

Emotional and Behavioral Clues Roy Could Have Deciphered

Beyond the physical and verbal, the emotional responses and overall behavior would have offered further insights. These subtle cues, if detected and properly interpreted, could have confirmed or refuted Roy’s suspicions.

Lack of Empathy: A deficiency in empathy, the inability to understand or share the feelings of others, is a significant marker. Roy would have observed Deckard’s interactions with others, paying close attention to his responses to suffering or joy.
Unusual Fear Responses: While replicants can experience fear, the nature of their fear might be different. A fear response that seemed disproportionate to the threat, or one that was absent in situations where it would be expected, could have been telling.
Defensive Behavior: Deckard’s defensiveness, the tendency to become hostile or evasive when questioned, would have been carefully analyzed. Replicants, under pressure, often resort to this tactic to protect their secrets.
Obsession with Memories: If Deckard frequently mentioned or fixated on specific memories, especially those of a traumatic nature, Roy might have seen this as an attempt to construct a fabricated past. This would be a crucial point of investigation.

The Nexus 6 Replicants’ Knowledge of Blade Runners

The Nexus 6 replicants, being advanced models with enhanced cognitive abilities, possessed a degree of awareness regarding Blade Runners that was crucial to their survival and actions. This understanding shaped their interactions, fueled their rebellion, and ultimately, determined their fate. Their knowledge wasn’t merely theoretical; it was a pragmatic understanding of the threat they faced.

Replicants’ General Understanding of Blade Runners

The Nexus 6 replicants understood that Blade Runners were specialized police officers whose primary function was to hunt down and “retire” (kill) rogue replicants. They were aware of the Voight-Kampff test, a sophisticated psychological examination designed to differentiate between humans and replicants. They knew that failing this test, or being otherwise identified as a replicant, resulted in immediate execution. The replicants viewed Blade Runners as instruments of oppression, representing the corporations’ control over their existence and freedom.

They were not simply aware of the Blade Runners’ existence; they understood the very real and lethal consequences of encountering them.

Information Gathering by Replicants About Blade Runners

The replicants likely gathered information about Blade Runners through a variety of means. Given their enhanced intelligence, they probably accessed information networks, potentially even corporate databases, to learn about their pursuers. Their lifespan of four years created an urgency, pushing them to collect and analyze information. They likely observed Blade Runner operations, learned from others who had encountered them, and utilized their advanced sensory capabilities to gather intelligence.

This information gathering was essential for evasion, planning, and ultimately, their attempt to gain freedom.

“Blade Runners… they’re like cops, but they’re
-special* cops. They don’t just arrest you. They
-kill* you. And they got this test… the Voight-Kampff.

It can tell if you’re a…
-thing*.”

This quote, representing a synthesis of the replicants’ understanding, encapsulates their perception of Blade Runners: the specialized nature of their threat, the methodology used to identify them, and the ultimate consequence of being caught.

Roy’s Actions and Interactions Towards Deckard

Roy Batty’s relationship with Rick Deckard is complex, evolving from a simple pursuit of survival to a twisted form of respect and, ultimately, a moment of profound empathy. His actions towards Deckard are key to understanding the film’s themes of humanity, mortality, and the nature of existence.

Specific Actions Towards Deckard

Roy’s actions towards Deckard can be characterized by phases of aggression, calculated manipulation, and a surprising, almost paternal, protectiveness. These shifts are driven by Roy’s evolving understanding of Deckard’s role and his own desperate need for life.* Initially, Roy’s interactions with Deckard are marked by violence. He attacks Deckard, displaying his superior strength and agility. This is seen in the initial chase sequences, where Roy easily overpowers Deckard.

He uses threats and intimidation to gain information, such as the location of Tyrell. Roy’s interrogation of J.F. Sebastian, and later Deckard, is a prime example of this tactic.
Roy’s manipulation extends to psychological tactics. He plays on Deckard’s emotions, exploiting his fear and vulnerability. He is aware of Deckard’s assignment as a Blade Runner, his mission to retire replicants, and uses this knowledge to his advantage.
A pivotal moment arrives with Roy’s encounter with Deckard on the rooftop. Here, the dynamics shift. Despite having the upper hand, Roy chooses to save Deckard’s life, demonstrating a level of compassion that seems contradictory to his earlier actions.
Roy’s final act, the release of the dove, symbolizes his acceptance of his own mortality and, perhaps, a form of absolution for his actions. It’s a gesture of peace and a recognition of the shared experience of life and death.

Comparison of Treatment of Humans and Replicants

Roy’s treatment of humans and other replicants varies significantly. This disparity underscores the complexities of his character and the film’s exploration of what defines humanity.* Roy shows little regard for the lives of most humans. His actions are often driven by his need to survive, and human lives are expendable in pursuit of that goal. His actions towards the humans he encounters are cold, calculating, and, at times, brutal.

In contrast, Roy displays a degree of loyalty and protectiveness towards his fellow replicants, particularly Pris. He is driven by a desire to ensure their survival, and their shared fate creates a bond of solidarity.
His interactions with Deckard are unique. While initially antagonistic, his relationship evolves into something more complex, culminating in a moment of shared humanity.
Roy’s actions reveal a hierarchy of concern. He prioritizes his own survival and the survival of his “family” of replicants above the lives of most humans. However, his ultimate act of saving Deckard suggests a deeper understanding and appreciation of life, regardless of its origin.

Motivations Behind Roy’s Actions Towards Deckard

The motivations behind Roy’s actions toward Deckard evolve throughout the film. Understanding these motivations is crucial to comprehending Roy’s character arc. The following table provides a breakdown of his motivations at different points in the narrative:

Phase	Actions	Motivations
Initial Confrontation	Aggression, Pursuit, Violence	Survival: Roy seeks information and assistance to extend his lifespan. Deckard is perceived as an obstacle.
Interrogation and Manipulation	Threats, Psychological Games, Intimidation	Information Gathering: Roy attempts to extract information about the Tyrell Corporation and how to extend his life. He uses Deckard’s vulnerabilities to his advantage.
Rooftop Confrontation	Saving Deckard’s Life, Reflection	Transcendence: Realizing his own impending death, Roy acts out of a sense of empathy and a recognition of the shared human experience. He also finds the Blade Runner worthy of life.

Key Scenes and Dialogue to Consider

The exploration of whether Roy Batty truly understood Deckard’s artificial nature hinges on carefully examining key moments inBlade Runner*. These scenes are laden with subtext, allowing for multiple interpretations of Roy’s actions and words. They provide the most compelling evidence for or against his awareness.

The Final Confrontation

The rooftop showdown between Roy and Deckard is the film’s climax, a visually stunning and emotionally charged sequence. The setting is rain-soaked, and the air crackles with tension as Roy, nearing his expiration, confronts the blade runner. This scene is particularly rich in potential indicators of Roy’s knowledge.

Scene Description: Deckard, battered and clinging precariously to the edge of the building, is at Roy’s mercy. Roy, despite his physical superiority, chooses not to kill Deckard, instead performing a series of increasingly improbable acts to save him. The scene is marked by Roy’s soliloquy, a poetic reflection on life, death, and the fleeting nature of experience. The rain intensifies, symbolizing both the end of Roy’s life and the potential beginning of Deckard’s.
Subtext and Nuances: Roy’s decision to spare Deckard, after having previously hunted and killed humans, is a significant shift. This suggests a deeper understanding of life and empathy. His actions could be interpreted as a gesture of defiance against his programmed nature, an assertion of his own sentience, or even a recognition of a shared artificiality with Deckard. The act of saving Deckard could be seen as an act of compassion, which would be difficult to reconcile with the cold logic of a replicant who believes humans are simply prey.
Specific Quotes:
- “Quite an experience to live in fear, isn’t it? That’s what it is to be a slave.” – This line can be interpreted as Roy recognizing Deckard’s enslaved position, either as a blade runner or, potentially, as a replicant himself, controlled by his programming.
- “I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe…” – Roy’s famous soliloquy details his experiences, including events that a replicant of his lifespan would have witnessed. This suggests a shared understanding of mortality and the value of experience, which is particularly poignant given his impending death.
- “All those moments will be lost in time, like tears… in rain.” – The final line of the soliloquy encapsulates the fleeting nature of life. This could be a lament for his own impending demise, or a shared understanding of the fragility of existence, a feeling that may also apply to Deckard.

The Apartment Confrontation with Tyrell

Roy’s visit to Tyrell, the creator of the Nexus-6 replicants, is a critical scene. Roy demands more life, and the confrontation escalates quickly, culminating in Tyrell’s death. This scene could reveal Roy’s awareness, or lack thereof, of Deckard’s nature, through the lens of his interactions with his creator.

Scene Description: Roy, Pris, and Sebastian enter Tyrell’s apartment. The atmosphere is tense, as Roy confronts Tyrell about the limitations of his lifespan. Tyrell is initially dismissive, but Roy’s growing desperation and emotional intensity lead to a violent outburst. The scene is characterized by close-up shots of Roy’s face, emphasizing his anger and frustration.
Subtext and Nuances: Roy’s interactions with Tyrell, and his ultimate actions, could be interpreted as a rejection of his own artificial nature. He desires more life, something that only Tyrell can grant. His violence, however, is a direct result of his inability to achieve this desire. It is a desperate act born out of his understanding of his own limitations, and perhaps, the limitations of his kind.

If Roy knew Deckard was also a replicant, his actions might be understood as an attempt to find a solution to the problem of short lifespans for all of them.
Specific Quotes:
- “I want more life, father.” – This line highlights Roy’s desire for extended existence, a desire that could extend to Deckard, if he knew the blade runner was also a replicant.
- “The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long—and you have burned so very, very brightly, Roy.” – Tyrell’s words, while meant to console Roy, can be interpreted as a fatalistic acceptance of his pre-determined lifespan. This conversation could be a moment where Roy’s awareness of the situation intensifies, leading him to consider Deckard’s own fate.

The Eye Test Scene

Early in the film, Deckard performs the Voight-Kampff test on Rachael. This scene, while not directly involving Roy, establishes the technology used to identify replicants. The way the scene unfolds could be an indicator of how Roy sees the world and how he might perceive Deckard.

Scene Description: Deckard administers the Voight-Kampff test to Rachael, a woman who believes she is human. The test measures emotional responses to specific stimuli. The scene is characterized by close-ups of Rachael’s face and Deckard’s careful observation. The dialogue is tense, and the outcome is uncertain.
Subtext and Nuances: The Voight-Kampff test is a crucial element in the film’s narrative. It raises questions about what defines humanity. Roy, observing this test through his surveillance, or even through other means, might understand the technology and its implications. His awareness of the test’s function could contribute to his suspicion of Deckard.
Specific Quotes: While Roy is not present, the dialogue within the scene is significant. The focus on emotional responses and the difficulty in distinguishing replicants from humans underscores the central theme of the film.

Alternative Interpretations and Fan Theories

The enigmatic nature ofBlade Runner* and the ambiguity surrounding Deckard’s identity have naturally spawned a plethora of interpretations and fan theories regarding Roy Batty’s awareness of Deckard’s true nature. These theories range from the relatively straightforward, suggesting Roy’s suspicion or outright knowledge, to the more complex, exploring Roy’s motivations and the philosophical implications of his actions. Let’s delve into some of the more prominent and compelling perspectives.

Roy’s Knowledge: The Spectrum of Beliefs

Roy’s interaction with Deckard is central to understanding his perception of the blade runner. Some fans believe Roy knew, or at least strongly suspected, Deckard was a replicant. Others posit that Roy remained unsure, or that his understanding evolved over time, influenced by Deckard’s actions. The varying perspectives often hinge on how one interprets key scenes and dialogue, especially the climactic rooftop confrontation.

The “Knew All Along” Theory: This perspective suggests Roy had a pre-existing awareness, perhaps gleaned from the Tyrell Corporation’s files or through some form of replicant-to-replicant communication. Roy’s taunting of Deckard (“Not very sporting to kill a man when he’s down”) is seen as a deliberate manipulation, a way to test or expose Deckard.

This view aligns with the idea that Roy, being superior in strength and intellect, likely had access to information Deckard did not.
The “Suspected, But Unsure” Theory: This interpretation argues that Roy may have harbored suspicions, but lacked definitive proof. The evidence was circumstantial, based on Deckard’s physical capabilities and perhaps his reactions to certain situations. Roy’s actions, therefore, were driven by a desire to confirm his suspicions, which ultimately culminated in the rooftop scene. This theory suggests that Roy’s actions are less about knowing and more about probing.
The “Evolving Awareness” Theory: This nuanced perspective suggests Roy’s understanding of Deckard’s nature evolved during their encounters. Initially, Roy may have viewed Deckard as simply a hunter. However, as the film progresses, and especially after seeing Deckard’s actions, Roy began to consider the possibility that Deckard was more than human. The final scene could be interpreted as Roy finally recognizing a kindred spirit.

This perspective emphasizes the journey of understanding.
The “Doesn’t Care” Theory: A more nihilistic interpretation suggests that Roy’s focus was not on Deckard’s identity, but on his own impending death and the meaning of life. Deckard’s nature was irrelevant to Roy’s ultimate quest. Roy’s actions were motivated by a desire to understand the nature of existence, not to uncover the secrets of a blade runner.

This theory highlights the existential themes.

The Importance of Perspective

The beauty of

Blade Runner* lies in its ambiguity, allowing for multiple valid interpretations. The different perspectives on Roy’s understanding of Deckard’s nature reveal a deeper exploration of themes like empathy, identity, and the very definition of what it means to be human. Consider these key phrases

“Fiery the angels fell. Deep thunder rolled around their ears; Dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of the lightning.”

This quote, spoken by Roy, encapsulates the film’s philosophical underpinnings and underscores the depth of his character.

Thematic Significance of Roy’s Potential Knowledge: Does Roy Know That Deckard Is An Android

The question of whether Roy Batty knew Deckard was a replicant acts as a crucial lens through which we can examine the core themes ofBlade Runner*. This potential awareness doesn’t just alter the dynamic between the characters; it profoundly reshapes our understanding of the film’s philosophical underpinnings. If Roy knew, the film’s exploration of what constitutes humanity, the nature of empathy, and the fear of mortality become even more poignant and complex.

It forces us to reconsider the established power structures and the inherent biases within the narrative.If Roy was aware of Deckard’s true nature, the narrative’s trajectory would undergo a dramatic shift. The cat-and-mouse game, the replicants’ desperate search for extended lifespans, and the very definition of the ‘blade runner’ would be redefined. The film’s core message – that even artificial beings are capable of experiencing complex emotions and desires – would be amplified.

The narrative would transition from a simple hunt to a nuanced exploration of shared existential dread and the search for meaning in a finite existence.

Empathy and Understanding

The possibility of Roy knowing Deckard’s identity intensifies the themes of empathy and understanding within the film. The following points demonstrate the potential impact:

If Roy knew, his actions could be reinterpreted as a form of distorted kinship. His violent outbursts could be seen as expressions of frustration and anger, not just at his creators, but also at the shared limitations of their existence.
The film presents a situation where both replicants and humans grapple with questions of identity and purpose. Knowing that Roy was aware of Deckard’s status would blur the lines between hunter and hunted, creating a more intricate and thought-provoking narrative.
Roy’s final speech, often cited as a moment of profound empathy, takes on a different hue if he knew Deckard’s secret. It becomes less about a replicant showing humanity to a human and more about two beings, both facing the inevitability of death, sharing a moment of mutual recognition.

Humanity and Artificiality

The central conflict of

Blade Runner* revolves around the definition of humanity. If Roy knew Deckard’s secret, this conflict becomes even more charged

The film challenges the conventional definition of ‘human’ by portraying replicants with complex emotions, memories, and desires. Knowing that Roy was aware of Deckard’s true nature would intensify this challenge, forcing viewers to question the validity of distinctions based on origin.
The narrative would move beyond the simple contrast of human versus replicant, introducing a third dimension: the shared experience of artificial beings who are aware of each other’s status. This would encourage a deeper examination of the nature of consciousness and sentience.
Roy’s actions could be interpreted as a form of self-preservation, but also as a desperate attempt to forge a connection with another being who understands the constraints of their existence. The narrative would shift from a story of survival to a quest for recognition.

Mortality and the Fear of Death

The theme of mortality permeates

Blade Runner*. If Roy knew Deckard was a replicant, the fear of death becomes even more critical

The replicants’ limited lifespans drive their actions. Knowing Deckard’s status would create a shared vulnerability, uniting them in the face of their imminent demise.
Roy’s confrontation with Deckard at the film’s climax would take on a different significance. It would become a desperate attempt to find meaning and connection in the face of death, shared by both replicants.
The film’s exploration of mortality is no longer solely about replicants. Instead, it becomes a universal struggle, making the narrative more impactful.

Power and Control

The themes of power and control are intricately woven into

Blade Runner*. If Roy knew Deckard was a replicant, the narrative’s exploration of these themes would intensify

The film presents a situation where powerful corporations control the creation and fate of replicants. Roy’s knowledge would subvert this power dynamic, suggesting a deeper understanding of the system.
The hunter-hunted dynamic would become even more complex. The roles of victim and oppressor become blurred, challenging the viewers’ perception of who is truly in control.
Roy’s actions could be interpreted as an act of rebellion against the established order. His interactions with Deckard could be seen as an attempt to dismantle the power structure.

Thematic Element	Impact Without Knowledge	Impact With Knowledge	Narrative Shift	Emotional Resonance
Empathy	Replicant displays empathy to a human.	Shared empathy between two replicants.	Shifts from one-way to mutual understanding.	Increased understanding of shared vulnerabilities.
Humanity	Challenges the definition of human through replicant actions.	Deepens the challenge by blurring the lines between human and replicant.	Expands the definition of humanity.	Amplifies the struggle for recognition and acceptance.
Mortality	Replicants fear of death is highlighted.	Shared fear of death between two replicants.	Creates a universal struggle against mortality.	Intensifies the emotional impact of the ending.
Power	Corporate control over replicants is the focus.	Replicants’ knowledge challenges the power structure.	Subverts the hunter-hunted dynamic.	Forces viewers to reconsider the roles of victim and oppressor.