Steve Neale - 'genre theory'
Steve Neale was a theorist preoccupied with genre. His broad argument is that far from simply being a system of categorisation, genre serves many functions, for both audiences and producers alike. Let's list some of them here
Function one - genre functions as a system of repetition and difference
When a sci-fi fan watches a sci-fi show, for example, we do so because we expect to see certain elements. Aliens, space lasers, and bleepy atmospheric sound. However, seeing the same thing over and over again is boring. San Junipero presents a simulation narrative like The Matrix, but gives audiences something fresh and exciting, by introducing queer themes and 80's bangers.
Function 2 - genre functions as intertextual relay
Intertextuality (referred to by Barthes as referentiality) is where one media product makes reference to another media product. However, this infers that if we don't get the reference, the product ceases to function. This is not true! When we watch a TV show, we will understand certain referential aspects explicitly, while with others, we will only understand them implicitly. Using myself as an example, as a lifelong arcade game fan, seeing the game Outrun being used as a plot device triggered a fairly extreme emotional response when I realised it was being expertly repurposed within the narrative. However, for other, younger audiences, the shot of a couple in a bright red car essentially tells us exactly what is going on.
Therefore intertextual relay is an active audience interaction. We give, we take, and we all negotiate a response that is somewhat different!
Function 3 - genre reflects the time in which it was made
One of the greatest words in any language is 'zeitgeist'. It means 'time ghost' in German, and it refers to how things reflect the 'spirit of the time'. So on one level, San Junipero captures the zeitgeist of the 980s through a combination of expertly selected mise-en-scene, music, costume, lighting, performance codes and so on. Why? Because it looks cool and everyone loves the 800's. But it works on another level. This episode was released in 2016, which at the time of writing this was only seven years ago. So basically, San Junipero captures the zeitgeist of right now. Themes such as queer romance, simulation, videogames, 80's nostalgia, growing old, life after death in the digital age and euthanasia are all issues that potentially affect our society in the early 21st century, and therefore even though it's set in the future (?????????), this episode uses the sci-fi genre to talk out our own lives!
Function 4 - genre can be used as allegory to reflect a deeper message
This is very much related to the last point. An allegory is a metaphor about society, for example Of Mice And Men is an allegory about the fundamental rottenness of 'the American dream', and 1984 is an allegory about totalitarian fascism emerging in the UK following the second world war. San Junipero could 'just' be a show about homophobia, euthanasia and identity. But making it sci-fi arguably makes these themes hit harder. Why? Well this is more complicated. We are more likely to fall in love with fictitious worlds and characters because they present an idealised and fantastic view of the world. We will need to explore this in more detail later on. So what is San Junipero an allegory of? This depends on the audience and your own perceptions of the show!
The following analysis is based on notes from several students. Thanks!
Applying intertextual relay to a key scene: the dressing up montage
The first song is girlfriend in a coma by The Smiths. the utilization of this song functions as a proairetic code, foreshadowing the character (Yorkie's) physical state in real life. This is not something that audience will likely realise until they watch the episode a second or third time! However, this song will be read or interpreted by audiences in different ways. Smiths fans will instantly understand that Yorkie is shy and introverted, much like the signer of the band. Therefore here, music is being used as a shortcut to construct a character archetype.
As the montage progresses, the songs change, which is diegetically explicated through a cassette tape being thrust in to stereo. This in turn reinforces the 1980s setting. With each song played, the song genre changes, and the process of intertextual relay becomes more refined and more complex, meaning that it will not be recognized by everyone in the audience
The second song is 'don't you forget about me' simple minds - this song also functions as a proairetic code, could be conveying a message to Kelly. Don't You (Forget About Me) was used as the theme tune to the smash hit teen movie The Breakfast Club, a film still popular with teenagers today. Yorkie's outfit is an example of intertextual relay, as she resembles the 'weird girl' in this film. This is interesting as she chooses to roleplay as this specific character, as it clearly indicates that she resonates ad emphasizes with the 'outcast' archetype'
After trying on another two, more overtly sexualised costumes, Yorkie chooses to 'be herself' and go back to her normal 'girlfriend in a coma' outfit. This entire montage is itself an intertextually referenced cliché that audiences will understand. The 'just be yourself' message is somewhat trite and predictable, until we of course realise that everybody in this world is playing a role, and everybody is simply existing in a simulation. Therefore intertextuality allows us to understand this complex narratological and philosophical conundrum in a fun and exciting manner.
You can explore this idea of simulation and simulacra further by clicking here!
Significance of music in San Junipero
We can argue that the entire episode is based around the power of music. Music can be intensely emotional, and intensely nostalgic. Music is used to rehabilitate people, for example people with Alzheimer's. Additionally, music is associated with our memories,. we may relate a song to a\ memory or a time period, music intentionally evokes emotions from the listener!
The use of video games in Black Mirror
- Charlie Brooker chose to include video games because they are symbolic of an escape from reality
- the video games within this episode constructs a sense of nostalgia
- the game out run includes a car that resembles Kelly's car, this is a symbolic code
- the setting of San Junipero is resembling of the MES in out run
- Charlie Brookers construction of San Junipero is his idealistic view of what America looks like.
- in out run you play as a man in a car with a woman (hegemonic norms), which contrasts with the themes of sexuality within black mirror
- out run is constructs stereotypical presentations of men and women, you play as a man within the game regardless of your gender. this is an example of Liesbet van Zoonen's feminist theoretical perspectives.