How have these TV shows used media language to deliberately limit the harm and offence caused to audiences?
While the regulations presented by OFCOM are broad and lack bite, with organisations such as CANAL + and Netflix lying outside their jurisdiction, producers deliberately self-regulate in order to ensure to minimise potential risk and to maximise potential profit. We see perfect examples of this form of self-regulation in both San Junipero and Camille.
Black Mirror - Yorkie’s suicide
- The sequence chooses not to show the full range of emotions which may accompany euthanasia, with Kelly providing a proactive and considered approach.
- The atmosphere and aesthetic is positive, calm and welcoming. The light MES, the lack of opening weeping, and the calm bleeping of the ECG all combine to create a relaxing and calm atmosphere.
- The narrative constructed here is filly positive, and with no complications. While it is unlikely to cause harm to the audience, it does not interrogate the very real issues surrounding euthanasia
- Audiences who have experienced this issues, or audience members with depression may experience harm or offense from this sequence. However, the science fiction themes of simulations, where we cut to the simulation in question, and the context of an old woman choosing death construct a more complex and less impactful representation
Mr Costa’s murder
- Mme Costa’s death’s impact is lessened through her performance. More indignant that terrified, it lessens the emotional impacts
- We cut away to an exterior shot at the moment of immolation, which spares the audience from scenes of injury detail
- Within the wider context of the series, Costa is already dead, has returned to life, and returns again. However, this context is contingent on audiences continuing to watch the show
- The context is obscure, which means certain audience members may be confused and harmed by this sequence.
- The shot of Costa tied up and screaming may affect victims of domestic abuse.