Robert Gray White Mirror Analysis

The act of discovery is a perplexing and intricate process which can originate from thoughtful realisations or unanticipated events. Regardless of the nature, the experience can be rousing and prompt a morphing of perception within an individual or of the greater society. These ideas are exemplified in Australian Robert Gray’s poems, Late Ferry and Flames and Dangling Wire, it is within the process of discovery evoked by curiosity and necessity cause Gray’s perceptions of greater society to be starkly addressed. Likewise, Charlie Brooker’s White Bear which forms part of the science fiction anthology television series Black Mirror scrutinises how abrupt discoveries directly challenge our own perceived understandings regarding humanity and our …show more content…
Society’s infatuation with technology has grown tremendously with the likes of social media, in some cases causing the dehumanisation of people and events. Cleverly titled Black Mirror, aims to projects a dark reflection of society revolving around the utilisation of technology within the public. White Bear takes power from amping up our use of existing technology, and exploring the very real possibilities of the future. Almost the entirety of the episode was filmed in a hand-held manner that would be found in reality television. This draws attention to the perpetually intrusive camera causing the responder to wonder about the mysterious, unknown and sinister presence working behind the camera this wonder can prompt a reflection of the widespread omnipresence of surveillance technology in our current world. The notion of recording devices causing apathetic bystanders who are more concerned documenting a distressing event as it unfolds rather than being first on scene to intervene. Brooker addresses this through characterising Victoria Skillane to be in a perpetual state of fear, with limited vocabulary which emphasises her repeated pleas for “help”.Michel Foucault’s (1975) explanation of the spectacle of punishment is also thoroughly explored by Brooker by utilising unreliable narration and creating a tense atmosphere which allows us to identify and sympathise with Victoria who is the focal point of punishment that aims to inflict psychological trauma in the manner that her crime did to her victim. Foucault claims this to be indicative of modern society. However, the divulgence at the very end of the episode unveils that the psychological torture and public humiliation is to be relived every day with a tabula rasa state of mind. This prompts a