<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_TV_Ruined_Your_Life> A great six episode series which uses (mostly dark) humour to state the obvious: television has ruined our lives. Be warned that Brooker's style of humour is described as "savage and profane, with surreal elements and a consistent satirical pessimism". I particularly liked episode three, which among other things takes a swipe at reality shows and minor celebrities. Links to individual episodes on YouTube: 1. "Fear" <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q74PNnL4E8> From hysterical public information films to grisly crime dramas, terror spills out of almost every channel. As Charlie explores TV's approach to fear, you won't know whether to laugh or scream. 2. "The Lifecycle" <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wSbXEDzHHY> From kids shows to Countdown, TV has something to infuriate anyone of any age. 3. "Aspiration" <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP6L5S14ygY> From Dallas to Grand Designs, television continually rubs desirable lifestyles in your face, making you feel inadequate in the process. 4. "Love" <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjF932SFoCc> Charlie Brooker argues that TV has warped our expectations of romance with a toxic combination of Blind Date and rom-coms. Do 'soulmates' even exist? 5. "Progress" <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu06U0vr6mk> From the moon landings to Blake's 7 to CSI: Miami, Charlie Brooker argues that television has warped our relationship with technology. 6. "Knowledge" <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBkIep88Cg8> Charlie Brooker traces how TV's notion of knowledge has changed from bespectacled experts to celebrity presenter drivel. You can watch them all one after the other, followed by some related pieces... <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q74PNnL4E8&playnext=1&list=PLC35092CD7C3F2ED2>
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Posted by Bruno at 5:18pm