Mr Robot: Initial Thoughts

The television program Mr Robot, created by Sam Esmail and starring Rami Malek and Christian Slater, is one I had been interested in for some time, as it provoked a generally strong response among critics and friends. I had not actually heard very much about the show's premise, however, and so had relatively few preconceived notions when I belatedly watched the first two episodes this week. I was struck by how bluntly the show's narrative, centered on a socially anxious and depressive hacker named Elliot, attempted to convey contemporary paranoia and alienation spurred by the rise of the Internet. The plot is heavily infused by conspiracy , through Elliot's antagonism towards a sinister, massively powerful corporation as well as the activities of a quasi-terroristic hacker cell led by Christian Slater's character, the mysterious "Mr. Robot" This effect is reinforced with montages alluding to relatively current events, signaling the show's deep investment in capturing something of the national zeitgeist. I had somewhat mixed feelings about this, as when a show or film attempts to be overtly "timely", I can grow suspicious of what it's trying to sell me. Since Elliot's therapist refers to prior delusions on his part, there is some ambiguity as to the degree the events of the show are being shaped by his perception. This allows the program to create some ambiguity towards the socio-political anger and cynicism it portrays, and while ambiguity is a boon for a drama, this seems potentially too easy a form of ambiguity.

I found the direction and subjective tone of the drama deeply impressive, and also had a high regard for the cast. Coney Island was a splendidly atmospheric setting for the scenes surrounding Mr. Robot. The opening scene of the second episode, where Eliot meets with the interim CTO of Evil Corp, outrageously flanked by a dozen corporate lawyers, was one I found especially visually remarkable. A TV show that treats the visuals as more than an adornment for the writing is always a rare treat, though it seems there is lately some improvement on that front. Since we are essentially living in a post-prestige era of television, the ambition of the show was a welcome throwback to some of the major programs of the real or supposed Golden Age. If the themes of anger towards prevailing American (perhaps global) society are developed in a genuinely original or profound manner, we certainly could have a classic series on our hands. Yet I was never entirely convinced by Mr Robot's portrayal of society, since the dominance of one particular evil monopolistic corporation can only distract from the real world dominance of multiple centers of overwhelming corporate power.

I couldn't help but be reminded of the recently departed and dearly missed Person of Interest while watching Mr Robot..Being an overt genre show, and airing on CBS, POI does not immediately smack of prestige and ambition in the manner of the newer program. Yet it similarly highlights contemporary anxieties towards technology and society at large, and the fact that it does so without deliberately presenting itself as a commentary on our historical moment is perhaps a boon in that show's favor. POI's willingness to function in a deliberately unhip, procedural frame marks its relation to the surveillance state and the rise of the machines as something that must be deliberately pursued by the audience, whereas Mr. Robot forces the audience to view it as primarily a reflection of modern angst. For the moment, I surprise myself by preferring POI's approach, which did not allow it the privileges bestowed on programs that signify their status as prestige TV. Yet Mr. Robot is already tremendously compelling, which was not necessarily true of Person of Interest in its earliest episodes. The show is a work of tremendous talent and potential, and I greatly look forward to seeing where its first season arrives.

London is Dead

While I claim no particular expertise regarding UK politics or the global economy, my political instincts and prognostications have served me well this year, and I thus feel more adventurous in commenting upon the UK's recent "decision" to leave the European Union than I otherwise might as a relatively clueless Yank. Regardless of the numerous faults of the EU as an institution, it's hard to read this result as anything other than a potential catastrophe for the United Kingdom.

Preexisting divisions between the various parts of the UK have been greatly increased and highlighted, as Northern Ireland and Scotland are faced with the unappetizing prospect of being dragged out of the EU kicking and screaming due to English votes. Scottish independence is back on the table, and a united Ireland suddenly looks delightfully plausible. It's difficult to foresee the long term impact of the UK going the way of the USSR, but certainly we're living in interesting, historic times.

That is to say, of course, that we're living in a period of chaos and turbulence, and the vaguely absurdist rise of Trump in the US is another symptom of the breakdown of the current political order. It's almost impossible for me not to feel a certain schadenfreude towards the former British Empire, though doubtless the fallout will greatly threaten the vulnerable citizens of that country and others. Likewise, Trump's rise has produced a gratifying panic and confusion among America's political class and punditry, but is terrifying in so far as it represents a rehabilitation of fascism and a direct provocation of violence against minority populations. The rise of ethno-nationalist reaction is an evil which must be opposed with all available political weaponry, but as it increasingly changes the balance of political forces in every country it impacts, and throws their systems into disarray, an opportunity to create a more durable, progressive, and inclusive political order should not be missed. If a war of bombs and guns does not yet arrive, a war for the future of the world is nonetheless in progress, and capitulators have no place.

Introductory Note: Pretentious, Simultaneously Self-Deprecating and Self-Aggrandizing Gobbledygook

There are certain periods of life when even beloved activities and pursuits become difficult to fully enjoy, because the precondition of full enjoyment of anything is wholehearted engagement with it. Distraction and half heartedness, once they they have taken root, can leave former sources of joy sapped of their strength for us. This malady is not necessarily a condition of active misery, but it exacerbates a real or perceived emptiness in an individual's life and reduces our ability to rely on our traditional sources of comfort and rejuvenation. My limited experience seems to give me the lesson that the only real solution to arriving at such an impasse is to find a new angle or pathway from which to approach the materials furnished by this world for us. I have never been a particularly active writer (or even converser) upon the things in my life I care and think about the most, as attempting to pour my heart and mind out for the world to see is a very fearful task for the sniveling coward I unfortunately am at present. Yet, active engagement with my interests needs to be restored to a higher level if I am to feel satisfied with the way I live my life, and more coherent analytical writing and thought seems the only road available to me. Following my intellectual and cultural inclinations in an eclectic and haphazard manner was all well and good for a while, but as I grow further into adulthood, it is not enough, in the view of both myself and others. Therefore, I have elected to start this blog as a tool and motivation to think more clearly about the cultural and social phenomena that are presented to my eyes and ears, and to convey whatever impressions of mine might be of use to others, scant as they might be. Initially, this blog may be dominated by discussion of films, as they are perhaps my major interest, and to a lesser extent TV programs, but I would like to further engage with literature on here as well. I will also in all likelihood engage to some degree with politics and political theory. All of my views and writings on these subjects will probably be rightfully rejected as completely unbearable by polite society, but with luck there are a few weirdos in this world who could find me perversely enjoyable. If you are such a weirdo, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.