Semester Exam - Film Analyses of Black Mirror (season3, episode 4, San Junipero)

 

There are many film elements incorporated in the show "Black Mirror", season 3, episode 4, San Junipero that makes it appealing and interesting to the audience. The first scene shows an establishing shot of a city to inform the viewers where the episode is taking place. The main character, Yorkie is introduced with a dolly shot of her walking on the sidewalk very calmly comparing to the pace of the other people around. Later, A medium shot introduces Kelly and Wes, followed by a full shot of them walking into a club, then Yorkie follows them. There is a contrast editing technique between the scene in the streets and inside the club. The street is calm comparing to the club, which is loud, has a lot of people inside. It also appears to have a shallow space since everyone are really close together. Furthermore, a close-up shot is shown of the guy with the glasses to further depict his emotions of panic and frustration, which hint that his conversation with Yorkie did not go the way he intended. Also, another close-up shot is shown of Kelly when she spotted Wes. She seemed angry and did not want to talk to him.

Undoubtedly, this episode uses many different sound techniques to communicate with the audience and emphasize certain shots. Various part of the clip incorporated direct sound, which is recorded at the same time of filming, such as when the characters are talking. In the beginning, they use post-synchronized dubbing to match the water shown with an appropriate sound of water/waves. They also use this sound technique when showing the games to increase the intensity of the car crashing, as well as the authenticity of the scene. When the camera was focused on Yorkie while she was looking at the televisions, offscreen sound was used for the pedestrians talking along with other city sound, because we assumed that it is in the scene, but the sources of the sounds remain offscreen. Sound bridge is incorporated in the first scene because the music in the car is played only when the car is within frame. Additionally, sound perspective can be identified within the shot in the club. The music cannot be heard until Yorkie enters the club, and it is very loud while she maneuvers herself through the crowd, then it decreases once she arrives at the gaming station. This also shows a sense of realism for the viewers. Also, diegetic sound is use for the music.

In addition, this episode is meant to be taking place in 80's era, which is reflected in the characters costumes, as well as props such as the car type in the first scene. I believe there are two main social groups: nerd and jock. The nerd group is identified by wearing bright yet soft colors, glasses, minimal hair dues, and simple to no accessories. It conveys than those characters are shy, awkward, and anti-social. On the other hand, the jock group wears lots of bold and dark colors, which conveys confident, loud, and social characteristic. Moreover, high key lighting is seen during the scenes in the streets, in contrary to lowkey lighting which is seen inside the club. The lightings emphasize the different dynamics between the two locations. Lastly, all the actors use method acting to naturally portray their fictional characters.