Black Mirror Flashcards
see essay plan on on drive
1
Q
Industry
Charlie brooker
A
- The writer/ producer of Black mirror
- Well known for creating postmodern media and ideas about technology
- His involvement attracts pre-sold audiences who may be cult fan of his work
2
Q
PRODUCT CONTEXT
series 3, episode 4
A
- Black Mirror is a science fiction anthology TV show - THIS IS WHERE EVERY EPISODE IS SELF-CONTAINED AND TELLS A DIFFERENT STORY. = this explores a diveristy in genres
- Black Mirror recalls vintage anthology shows like The Twilight Zone with each episode acting as a standalone TV movie
- This inceased production costs as they needed new locations/ set, cast and props for each episode.
- Black Mirror could be classified as ‘speculative fiction’ or ‘dystopian’ sci-fi, where specific elements of our contemporary world are exaggerated and distorted in a near-future setting
- The first two seasons (three episodes each) aired in the UK on Channel 4 = channel 4 is not a profitable company = funding would have been expensive (Netflix later bought it)
- The main theme of Black Mirror is the (usually unpleasant) effect of technology on human bodies and consciousness
3
Q
industry - ecomonic
High budget in black mirror
A
- the episode was located in serveral global locations including south africa
- They cast american actors and also create a number of visual effects using
- was able to afford the rights to a number of songs from the 1980’s period
4
Q
Context
A
- The serires had gained a reputation for dark and controversial plots.
- pushing boundaries that other programs didint
- san junierio has a different tone to previous episodes, with a focus on americanised aesthetics, and a less gritty outlook. as opposed to its british content.
- There are themes of euthanasia which are often a taboo
5
Q
economic context
MARKETING STRATERGY:
A
- Netflix released a range of teasers for the series
- Asoundtrack available yo purchase
- an online interactive web game was also available range of posters were created to tease the episode/series
- an inside black mirror book
6
Q
Keywords
SPECULATIVE FICTION
(S.F.)
A
A category of fiction that includes stories featuring unreal elements like time travel.
7
Q
What makes this a science-fiction program? Consider…
- the narrative
- themes
- iconography
A
- urban landscapes
- different realities
- time travelling
- science world having minimalist colour palette: white, grey, silver (emotionless)
- stimulated environment
8
Q
Genre/ themes of san juniperio
A
- classed as a sci-fi romance
- a period piece (as much action takes place in the 80’s) = older audiences will enjooy the nostolgia
THEMES
- broken love triangle
- teen drama
- life vs death
- older vs young
- supernatural vs humans
9
Q
Uses and gratification theory with BlackMirror
Bulmer and Katz
A
- elements of dystopian/utopian world = creates escapsim for younger audiences (especially those who are in to games)
- elements of technology = helps inform the audience about the negatie impact
- this episode allows the audience to pick and mix the pleasures and use what they want to get out of the text.
- enables a variety of different audiences (older or young) to negotaite the series
10
Q
Songs used in SJ
A
- Gilfriend died in a coma’ = foreshadows the end
- ‘Heaven is a place on earth’ = Heaven emphaises eternal happiness, live happily ever after
- Music used in the Tuckers
11
Q
Structure: Todorov
A
- Equilibrium - Introduction to San Junipero - Highlight on Yorkie’s introverted character (ingenue) - Youthful and utopian life - Technology isn’t the main plot line of the narrative - Yorkie and Kelly old and living in the hospital and care home (real life reality)
- Disequilibrium/Disruption- - Establishing the characters and who they are (Yorkie’s introverted personality juxtaposes Kelly’s extroverted personality that pushes Yorkie to have fun, to the point she’s uncomfortable)
- Recognition -Kelly never passes over -The Kelly that Yorkie sees is a computer generated copy.
- Resolution -Kelly decides to pass over her consciousness to San junipero.
- New Equilibrium - Embracing technology and happily in love (fairy tale ending) - Yorkie leaving her glasses on the beach (can see the beauty of life without a lens of restrictions holding her back) - Yorkie “feeling San Junipero” and feeling free from her parents’ restrictions - Happiness gained in a lesbian relationship -Happy Ever-after -Heaven is a place on earth
12
Q
strenght and weakness of todorov
A
> helps the audience recognise the social and cultural context- ideologies
allows them to position the sotryline
< x:story structures are continuously adaptiong - steve neale
< x:binary oppoion - strauss
13
Q
Structualism binary oppistion
A
A Binary oppositions can be used to create stereotypes and promote certain ideologies or beliefs.
Real Life - San juniper Past- Present Mortality- Immortality Old Relationships- New Relationships Heterosexual- LGBTQ+IA Dynamic and Fun (Tucker’s)- Subtle and Calm (Nursing Home) Yorkie (Introverted)-Kelly (Extroverted) Vintage Technology-New Technology
See notion
14
Q
Media language
A
- The 1980’s diegetic club music, as well as the costumes, hair, make up and film posters
- intertextual references of gamer, the tuckers
- scream poster = help the audiences to signpost the exact time period.
15
Q
costume
A
- Kelly’s intense makeup, heavy jewllery, revealling Janet Jackson inspired clothes = suggests she’s popular, outgoing
- yorkie : plain outfits & glasses clearly identify Yorkie a geek
16
Q
cinemotgraphy
A
- close up shots signifies their growing connectionn and feelings of intimacy = whenever theyre together
- Higher key light & wide angles of white spaces adds to the futurisitic hosipital setting
- The track back scene of the multiple identical lights emphaises the sheer number of people who have uploaded their consciousness into the virtual world.
17
Q
Editing
A
- shot-reverse-shot used to emphaises the differences between the two binary opposite characters = adds conflict and drama.
- In terms of representation, we could also say that this has been used toseperate their personailities/differences creating opposition.
- The sudden cut from kissing in bed, to the waves crashing on a beach, acts as a symbolic image for sexual gratification
- Fast paced editing during the Quagmire club helps to signify it as being a thrilling, dark, chaotic place
18
Q
Diagloue
A
- There is an authentic and compelling tone to the dialogue between Yorkie and Kelly that is both flirtatious (“I’m regarding you”) and wary.
- When the ‘real world’ is revealed, there is a notable absence of ‘tech heavy’ terminology that would be usual for the science fiction genre – this keeps the emphasis on the emotional core of the narrative.
19
Q
Engima codes
A
- why does the characters and camera keep focusing on the time / midnight
- why does yorkie feel out of place?
20
Q
Postmodernism
Buadrillard - Hyperreality theory
A
- often focus on ‘what if’ and futuristic technology
- His theory of hyperreality posits that in contemporary society,(throughthe advaments of technology) its difficult from distinguishing between the blurring of lines on what’s real vs artificial.
- This can be applied to the virtual reality (VR) system portrayed in the episode = individuals upload their consciousness to a simulated world, living out their afterlife in a nostalgic.
- (challenges traditional notions of life and death)
21
Q
characteristic of postmodernism
A
- bricolage (collage of borrowing from different text) = The use of songs like “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” and “Girlfriend in a Coma” by The Smiths.
- intertextuality (reivention)
- ambuigity (things that are not clear/double meaning)
- mixing genres
- homage (pays respect to another text or style)
- loss of historical links e.g. bridgerton - futuristic afterlife that borrows heavily from 1980s culture
- anti-realists (disorted narrative)
- fragmented narrative (doesnt not follow todorov narrative e.g. flashbacks)
22
Q
baundrilard - postmodernism
simulacra
A
- when media texts, replaces the real = leads to hyperreality
- images cannot represent the real e.g. in san junieperio the deceased can live in an artifical world
- reality vs tech? = loss of reality (lacking versimilitude) - think of it lack something that is very similar to.
- artficial copies of the real.
23
Q
postmodernism - intertextuality
A
-
Kelly’s Bold Costume:
- Kelly’s 1987 costume is inspired by ‘Control’-era Janet Jackson, reflecting her confident and bold attitude.
-
Yorkie’s Geeky Appearance:
- Yorkie’s plain clothes and glasses convey her awkwardness and lack of confidence, fitting the ‘geek’ stereotype.
-
Consistent Character Presentation:
- Yorkie’s costume does not change throughout the narrative, avoiding the typical ‘nerd makeover’ trope seen in teen movies like The Breakfast Club.
-
Futuristic and Retro Settings:
- The episode features modern settings like high-tech hospitals and props, emphasizing a technologically advanced society alongside classic arcades, vibrant dance clubs, and retro-styled homes.
-
Music as a Historical and Romantic Element:
- Music in Tucker’s nightclub, such as “Heart and Soul” by T’Pau and “Living In A Box,” evokes the historical period and underscores the central romance and the concept of virtual reality.
-
Symbolic Use of “Heaven is a Place on Earth”:
- The song “Heaven is a Place on Earth” by Belinda Carlisle emphasizes San Junipero as a digital heaven created by man, distinct from traditional religious interpretations.
24
Q
Representation
Yorkie
A
- wide angles and loose framing represents Yorkie as isolated/lonely
- silenct/ not socially confident
- immature = doesnt really party/drink etc
- wes regularly harasses Kelly which reflects issues of toxic masculinity and the way women are oftn subject to unwanted attention - not taking ‘no’ for an answer
25
Representation of women
- The representatin of women is diverse/modern
- woman are shown as emotional, caring, romantic and nuturing which is conventional sterotypes of their gender
- However, they also could have alot of resentment/frustration, could also be more independent= the influence of feminisation
- Many BM episodes has been led by white males. This episode is female led = appeals to wider audience
26
# Representation
Kelly
- seen as desirable, popular
- costume suggests she is glamorous and confident
- mise-en-scen aso frames yokie+kelly seperately = helping illustrte difference in personalities/appearence
- doesnt want wes = suggest independent = challeneges expectaion
27
representation of sexuality
- through the colour palette, purple, pink etc
- sexualty is a key theme of the show
- many other films represent bisexual characters as promiscous and potentially first to die wheras SJ subverst this through romanticisim
- Yorkie is still shy/tryna figue it out with her sexuality = suggests that some people feel unconfortable being 'out' about their sexuality for fear of ridicule/discrimination.
- How does San Junipero create an empowering queer - - **an inter-racial relationship** between two **elderly** women, one of whom is physically **disabled**, also **challenges** more stereotypical **representations** of these **social groups.**
28
Diversity in SJ
- An inter-racial couple = appeals to other demographic
- represntation of age: the youth = full of enegery, free, happy. Older characters = dependent, in poor health etc. Typical conventions/sterotype
- promotes realism
29
Jenkins - fandom theory
- **fan form part of a participotary culture**
- the **circulation of fan theories** about the programme (e.g. **Kelly and Yorkies LGBTQ love story**) demonstrates that fans
are **active participants** of **textual meanings**
* The way in which **fan fiction and fan art** = fans **appropriate texts** and **read them in ways** that are **not fully authorised by the producers** of the programme
The way in which **fan forums** such as the **SJ's subreddit** and the **SJ's Fans Twitter**.
30
bell hooks
San Junipero **challenges** bell hooks view by portraying a 'heaven on earth' where the female LGBTQ+ characters are **free to fall** in love without the **disapproval or persecution of patriarchal society**.
However,
- **Kelly**'s body is **buried** in the **same graveyard** as her **husband**
- This burial **raises questions about her connection to her heterosexual famil**y.
- Kelly's lesbian relationship and intimacy occur only in the virtual space.
- **This implies that lesbianism or homosexuality is secondary to heteronormative relationships in the context of the story.**
31
Gender Perfomitity - Judith
* **identity is not fixed** but performed and **constructed through repeated actions.**
* **Yorkie**, who in real life was **paralyzed and lived a restricted life**, is able to **express her true** self and explore her **sexuality in San Junipero**, highlighting the **performative nature of identity**.
* **Liberation** in Gender perfrormity - The virtual reality of San Junipero **provides a liberating space** where characters are **free** to **perform identities** and relationships that they were unable to in their real lives.
* Yorkie's exploration of her sexuality and her relationship with Kelly can be seen as acts of gender performativity
32
# hall
Audience
- **Preferred Meaning**: The episode is celebrated for its ***inclusive and positive representation of a queer romance***, providing a rare and uplifting narrative for LGBTQ+ audiences..
-
-
- **Negotiated Meaning**: ***ethical questions about the virtual afterlife*** and acknowledging the ***episode's optimism*** **while considering real-world implications**.
-
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- **Oppositional Meaning**: Critiques about the episode's lighter tone and potential oversimplification of complex moral issues reflect a broader concern that "San Junipero" may sacrifice critical depth for a more accessible, feel-good narrative.
First two seasons were far darker in tone (channel 4), Netflix-produced seasons are too sanitised and 'Americanised'. Moral questions about euthanasia, life after death?
33
David Hesmondhalgh - Cultural Industries
* The idea that cultural industry companies try to **minimise risk and maximise audiences** through**vertical and horizontal integration,** and **by formatting their cultural products (e.g. through the use of stars, genres, and serials).**
* audience of **hybrid genres**
* **nosedive**
* MAEKETING : **Netflix's internal marketing** - *AI generated content* - **suggested films** and *episodes plays* **automatically**, teaser of trialers, reviews and interviews
34
ECONOMIC CONTEXT
San Junipero," a "Black Mirror" episode, **won the Emmy for 'Outstanding Writing' in 2016.**
**Public Service Broadcasting (PSB)** aims to benefit the public by **providing content that informs, educates, and entertains, while fulfilling public interest obligations**.
"Black Mirror," **initially produced by the UK's Channel 4**, fits within the PSB remit through its thematic exploration and narrative depth.
The episode "**Nosedive**" **educates viewers on the societal impacts of social media and the pressures of digital personas.**
"San Junipero" **promotes diversity and inclusio**n by **featuring an interracial lesbian couple and addresses themes of reality, euthanasia, and digital afterlife, encouraging critical thinking and debate.**
| see notion
35
Curran & Seaton
* profit and power.
* nexflix has become a conglomerate gloabally - makes moeny
* Media concentration generally limits variety, creativity and quality.
