Black Mirror

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Quote “The alienation of the spectator to the profit of the contemplated object [...] is expressed in the following way: the more he contemplates the less he lives; the more he accepts recognizing himself in the dominant images of need, the less he understands his own existence and his own desires. [...] This is why the spectator feels at home nowhere, because the spectacle is everywhere.” “L’aliénation du spectateur au profit de l’objet contemplé [...] s’exprime ainsi : plus il contemple, moins il vit ; plus il accepte de se reconnaître dans les images dominantes du besoin, moins il comprend sa propre existence et son propre désir. [...] C’est pourquoi le spectateur ne se sent chez lui nulle part, car le spectacle est partout. “ Guy Debord – The Society of the Spectacle Cultural and literary studies Satire of contemporary technocratic world Black Mirror • Netflix original series since 2014 • 4 seasons • Dystopian satire • Side effects of our addiction to new technologies Objects of study • Nosedive (episode 1 season 3) • USS Callister (episode 1 season 4) • The Waldo Moment (episode 3 season 2) Questions • How does this dystopian satire shed light on the current society of the spectacle? • Is the satirical impact impaired by the use of cinematographic genres with traditional techniques? • Does the genre, as a medium for satire, become itself an object of satire? Nosedive, satire of social hypocrisy • Political correctness • Superficiality and obsession • Dependence and competition • Role of media and politics Nosedive, satire of Hollywood comedies • Language as object of satire : vocal fry • Stereotyped characters • Making fun of classical happy endings USS Callister, satire of the power in companies and hierarchical relations • Robert = victim in reality, bully in virtuality • Satire of work industry • Story of revenge and power USS Callister, satire of Star Trek (sci-fi movies) USS Callister Star Trek USS Callister, satire of Star Trek (sci-fi movies) • Parody of Star Trek • Analysis of the protagonist’s psychology • Hollywood stereotype The Waldo Moment, satire of the political system • Paradoxical position of James • Waldo = symbol of political manipulation • Gwendolyn = symbol of disconnected politicians The Waldo Moment, political satire • Public opinion deprived of free will • Bad influence of the media • Corruption of politicians Mister Smith goes to Washington Conclusion • « The spectacle is everywhere » • « If new technology is a drug, what are the side effects? » • Place of the spectactor • Netflix language and generation Sources.

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