Guide to Black Mirror and San Junipero: Media Language

Introduction

• Focus on the episode "San Junipero" from Black Mirror in relation to media language.
• Relevant for EDUCAST's A-level media studies.

Media Language in San Junipero

• Media language is used to set the scene, indicate characters, and establish time.
• Visuals:
  • Scenes of the ocean with a pink and purple color palette.
  • Creates an Americanized, exotic, escapist feel.

Use of Music

• Music sets the time period (1980s to 1990s).
  • Examples: "Heaven is a Place on Earth" by Belinda Carlisle, "Don't You Forget About Me," "Totally Addicted to Love."
• Intertextual references: arcade games, film posters (e.g., The Lost Boys, Scream).
• Tracks hint or foreshadow narrative parts (e.g., "Can't Get You Out of My Head," "Girlfriend in a Coma").

Costumes and Characterization

• Kelly: Intense makeup, jewelry, revealing outfits - popular, outgoing.
• Yorkie: Glasses, plain outfit - archetypal geek, shy.

Camera Techniques

• Close-up shots indicate intimacy between characters.
• High key lighting suggests a futuristic or heavenly feel.
• Final track back shot emphasizes the vastness of virtual worlds.

Editing Techniques

• Shot reverse shots contrast characters' personalities.
• Juxtaposition of scenes (e.g., taking clothes off and crashing waves) emphasizes themes of passion and sexuality.
• Fast-paced editing in the club scene adds intensity and chaos.

Genre

• Mixed genre: Drama, romance, and sci-fi.
  • Drama/Romance: Love narratives, emotional conversations.
  • Sci-fi: Time changes, futuristic technology, and virtual reality.
• Hybrid genre with elements of both sci-fi and romance.

Themes and Messages

• Attitudes towards love, romance, and sexuality.
• Benefits and challenges of technology, especially in aging.
• Enigma codes draw in audiences (e.g., Yorkie's presence, time limitations).

Post-Modernism

• Themes of "What if" scenarios.
• Intertextual references and mixture of genres are common in post-modernism.
• Tackling reality vs. hyperreality and simulacra (links to Baudrillard's theory).
• Black Mirror known for post-modern themes.

Conclusion

• Check out other related videos on the channel.
• Suggestions for future content are welcome.