A Level Media - Black Mirror: San Junipero - Media Language

Summary

This guide explores the use of media language in the Black Mirror episode 'San Junipero', focusing on how it sets the scene and character traits. It discusses the use of color, music, costumes, and editing to convey time period and narrative. The video also touches on genre mixing, with elements of drama, romance, and sci-fi, and raises questions about attitudes towards love, technology, and aging. It concludes with an analysis of post-modern themes, including reality and hyper-reality.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The use of mise-en-scène in 'San Junipero' helps to set the scene and indicates the time period through elements like color palette, music, and costumes.
• 🌊 The color palette of pinks and purples, along with ocean scenes, creates an escapist and exotic feel, suggesting an Americanized setting.
• 🎵 Music from the 1980s and 1990s is used to anchor the narrative in specific time periods, with songs like 'Heaven is a Place on Earth' and 'Totally Addicted to Love'.
• 🎥 Intertextual references, such as arcade games and film posters, are employed to solidify the time period and enhance the narrative.
• 👗 Costumes are used to characterize Kelly as outgoing and confident, and Yorkie as shy and less confident, reflecting their roles in the story.
• 🎥 The camera work, including close-up shots and key lighting, is used to indicate intimacy and a futuristic, heavenly feel.
• 📽️ Editing techniques like shot reverse shots and juxtaposition are used to contrast characters and emphasize themes.
• 🎭 The genre of 'San Junipero' is a mix of drama, romance, and sci-fi, reflecting a hybrid genre that explores love and technology.
• 💡 The episode explores themes of love, romance, sexuality, and the benefits and issues of technology, especially concerning aging.
• 🔮 The narrative includes enigmatic elements to engage the audience, such as the focus on time and the mysterious transitions between periods.
• 🌐 Post-modern themes are present, including 'what if' scenarios about technology, intertextual references, genre mixing, and the blurring of reality and artificiality.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video guide on Black Mirror's 'San Junipero'?

The video guide focuses on the media language used in the 'San Junipero' episode of Black Mirror, particularly relevant for A-Level Media Studies students.

How does the color palette in 'San Junipero' set the scene?

The use of pinks and purples in the episode creates an Americanized, exotic, and escapist atmosphere.

What role does music play in indicating the time period in 'San Junipero'?

Music from the 1980s and 1990s, such as 'Heaven is a Place on Earth' by Belinda Carlisle, is used to set the time period.

What are some examples of intertextual references in the episode?

Examples include the choice of arcade games, Lost Boys film poster, and songs like 'Don't You Forget About Me' and 'Totally Addicted to Love'.

How do costumes help identify characters in 'San Junipero'?

Costumes like intense makeup, jewelry, and revealing outfits for Kelly, and the twist of the clock, glasses, and plain outfit for Yorkie, help identify their roles and personalities.

What does the use of camera techniques signify in the episode?

Close-up shots of the two women indicate growing intimacy, while high-key lighting suggests a futuristic or heavenly feel.

What editing techniques are used to emphasize the sexual nature of a scene without explicit content?

The use of shot reverse shots and the juxtaposition of characters undressing with crashing waves on a beach.

How does the genre of 'San Junipero' mix different elements?

The episode combines drama and romance with sci-fi elements, using technology and time changes to create a hybrid genre.

What are some of the overarching themes of 'San Junipero'?

Themes include attitudes towards love, romance, sexuality, and the benefits and issues of technology as it relates to aging.

How does the episode use enigma codes to engage the audience?

Enigma codes such as the focus on time period and the mysterious transition to the 90s keep the audience engaged and curious.

What post-modern themes are present in 'San Junipero'?

The episode explores post-modern themes like 'what if' scenarios involving futuristic technology, intertextual references, genre mixing, and the blurring of reality and artificiality.