Black Mirror - TV Series Review

Black Mirror – the British television series that delves into the blackest aspects of high-tech postmodern society and its future. Every single episode reveals another dark future in which ordinary occurrences are amplified to almost grotesque proportions. The screenplay moves between different worlds but each is an spin on how technology could go out of control and portraying the societies fear of the technologically driven existence that many now live. Every narrative of the show offers the audience to contemplate on how humans’ life can progress alongside with emerging technologies – from cybertoxic romances to technological dominance of the world every theme is thought-provoking. It plunges into the Grotesque aspects of human life, and the principal instrument employed is Black comedy. In that aspect, each episode presents a vivid portrayal of actually existing aspects of the human psyche and of society where technology is the double-edged sword – the source of power and oppression. Presented overall, the show has a cinematic feel and maintains an overall tension and philosophy, making the audience consider the consequences of the advancement of technology. Every performer effectively captures the psychological aspects of their role and their position in society to the extent where nothing seems fake. The characters are very inconsistent from episode to episode, with some ruled by fear and others hope in the midst of robotic anarchy. The, realistic representation of these diverse characters brings realism into the imaginative contingencies of the show making them plausible and frightening at the same time.The show’s episodes are directed by visionary talents such as Toby Haynes, Owen Harris and Carl Tibbetts, Black Mirror flows smoothly from one episode to the next. Every director has hisher own approach which adds to the horror genre as the films provide compelling watching and leave an audience with food for thought after their viewing sessions. As good as they are at crafting suspenseful pacing, the suspension of disbelief that the audience gets is further enhanced by a haunting score in the series, Black Mirror. Multicolored, ranging from episode to episode, the score becomes the eerie musical accompaniment of the television show and, therefore, of the viewers’ perception of it. The music is incredibly important in creating the eerie tone that the show carries within itself as another layer to the narrative.

Considering the cinematography of Black Mirror, it is nothing short of masterful. The series employs various aesthetics as a series of interrelated visual layers that draw attention to the dystopian potential of the presented story. From landscapes that communicate a general, cold, futuristic desolation to locations in rich modern cities that depict a hyper-realised reality, every episode requires an environment that supports its main motif. The ability to tell the story through the aesthetic successfully communicates the otherworldly both the loveliness and horror of the technophile depicted futures.

The physical aesthetics of Black Mirror are deliberately artistic in their representation of the dark versions of reality that are shown in the series. The detail in the futuristic settings, the gadgets and the overall looks of the show definitely brings a good sense of plausibility to the show’s universe. These components assimilate into the plot in a realistically-rendered manner that makes the setting of the show’s episodes more believable while at the same time, exaggerating the technology-fascist realities portrayed in the series.

Special effects are used in Black Mirror responsibly and though unobtrusive provide a significant contribution to the overall view on the show. Realism is achieved in terms of technology to show the experience that is much needed in making viewers appreciate each world that the episodes portray. The effects are strewn sparingly to build up the narrative tension and to constantly remind the audience of the ever-constant threat of technologist, thus making the fictional Situations seem believable.

The Bleep editing of Black Mirror is properly done and will allow each episode to flow seamlessly. The montage achieves this flow by making many quick cuts and smooth transition from one shot to the next which helps maintain a viewer’s attention. Lulled by such an organized and strategic building up of pace, which is well emphasized by good editing, any viewer can be kept engaged by various twists of plot of each story told in the show.

The pace uniqueness of Black Mirror is enhanced by the director’s effective editing which is in equal portion with characterization, plot advancement, and the show’s themes. In predominantly with the nature of the stories, the pacing is irregular thereby perfectly fitting the general tone of the book – tension, suspense, or deeper philosophical contemplation. This slow, deliberate unfolding of stories suggests that there should be ample time to let the viewer get lost in the narrative and its meaning, thus providing enough time for the audience to contemplate the horrific implications that each segment alludes to.

The dialogues in Black Mirror are witty as well as pertinent to serve the show’s satirical theme. People behind the characters behave realistically, they share important aspects of human experience and our interactions with intelligent devices. Engaging conversations are memorable and whip the audience into the next scene, all the while providing the overarching philosophical theme of the episode.

What sets Black Mirror apart is its ability to tell profound narratives while at times bordering on nihilism which some people might not enjoy. It cannot be denied that some episodes may be very dark as they overshadow the episode’s major themes of hope or strength. However, even in these worst fates, the viewer is faced with the important messages of the shows regarding the technological servitude and the Asian’s frailty and dependency on technology.

Thus, the viewer is forced to think hard when enjoying Black Mirror. The series incorporates complex dramas that generate great thoughts regarding technology and people. It provokes viewers to find their position in the current course of advancement of technology, and strikes deeply by means of dark comedy and unknown horror elements complicated with an existentialist view on life in a high degree.