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

In season3, episode 4 of Black Mirror called San Junipero, we see many different film elements executed in different ways. We open to an establishing shot of what we can assume is the city where this takes place. The use of lowkey lighting emphasis the darkness in this bird's eye view shot of the city, really focusing on the darkness of the night but then the bright lights from the city give the shot a beautiful contrast. This then leads to a tilt shot to an establishing shot of the street where we can see a bar and a nightclub. The use of neon blue and pink lights helps add to the disco/club vibe we are about to witness further. A cut shot is then made to a dolly follow shot where we see an older car as 80’s music seems to fade into the scene. This music appears to come from the car where some characters dressed in 80’s clothing. The music is diegetic music because it is coming from the car, meaning that the characters can hear it as well as the audience. It is important we focus on the mise-en-scene of this scene because it gives this clip such meaning. The lowkey lighting helps make the scene dramatic and helps to minimize distractions in the frame, meaning it guides the audience's eyes where the director wants them to be. In this scene specifically, we focus on the sounds, setting, and costumes of the characters we are presented with. We hear over the car radio that this is set in 1987. This is then emphasized through 80’s-based music, clothing, cars, stores, and clubs. Characters are seen with high held or slicked back hair, flowy poodle skirts, and blouses. We are then introduced to the main character Yorkie and supporting charters Kelly and West. Yorkie is seen through an eye-level follow shot as she becomes aware of her surroundings. The acting here is important to note as well because she looks as if she is out of place and lost but knows where she is. Her costume and clothing do not fit as to what everyone else in this scene is wearing, making her stand out. Then we are cut to a follow shot of Kelly and West who appear to be in 80’s costume as well but they still stand out from what we see everyone else wearing. Throughout this scene, since the first establishing shot, it is important to note that there is non-diegetic music playing in the background which is kind of mysterious. An over-the-shoulder shot over of Yorkie captures Kelly and West walking into the club which she then decides to follow them into. We are introduced to more diegetic 80’s music as everyone dances and enjoys themselves, this is captured through a pan shot of the club.  Yorkie makes her way to a section in the club where there are small video games. Sound effects from the video game are added and are now diegetic sound as well. After that Yorkie makes her way into the club and finds a place to sit. She is abruptly introduced to Kelly and West which is captured in a series of two shots and shot/reverse shots. The extract ends here. The execution of all these media elements puts together a captivating scene that uses all the elements of the film to make itself whole. 

WC: 569