The most out-there interactive technology experience
- Katie Jones
- Nov 5, 2020
- 2 min read
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
“In 1984, a young programmer begins to question reality as he adapts a dark fantasy novel into a video game. A mind-bending tale with multiple endings ... This interactive odyssey won the 2019 Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie.”
“Bandersnatch” (2018) was directed by David Slade, written by Charlie Brooker and produced by Russel McLean. I remember its release in 2018 and how I was so excited to watch the film and experience this interactive, video-game film. I love Black Mirror’s dystopian concepts and this film really interested me.
The most interesting thing about “Bandersnatch” is how the character consciously feels like something is controlling him - and we are that thing. This deep concept really interested me because at first I thought the film would just allow us to make his decisions. I didn‘t expect this deep psychological thriller and existential debate that contemplated the viewer’s position as well as the characters. You really felt involved in the film, rather than just a player playing the game.
^ https://ramenswag.com/black-mirror-bandersnatch-quotes/ (Date Accessed: 05/11/2020)
^ https://pin.it/2jiAtLm (Date Accessed: 05/11/2020)
As an interactive experience, out of many others I have come across - like the Van Gogh interactive exhibition and the Budweiser Tag Words ad (which I will link below), Bandersnatch is my personal favourite. I love film, dystopia and fiction that explores the human psyche and existence - and Bandersnatch covers all of this in one interactive film.
“I would say say that everything is becoming a story platform, really. We classify “Bandersnatch” as a film ... but you could easily classify it a game, or a TV episode. I think the boundaries are blurring, and I don’t know where you draw the line between these different things. Ultimately, we have to start recognizing the fact that these are stories first and foremost, rather than bespoke media. There’s very little difference between movies, TV and games, and it’s all starting to merge into one ... the story is what remains, but the boundaries are becoming arbitrary.” (Brooker)
^ https://deadline.com/2019/05/black-mirror-bandersnatch-charlie-brooker-annabel-jones-disruptors-interview-1202610099/ (Date Accessed: 05/11/2020)
Other interesting interactive experiences, technology and advertisements:
The Van Gogh Immersive Exhibition
This multi-sensory exhibition places you inside the artist’s work and explores his life in a new, innovative way.
Lego’s “Slimy Situation” video
The interactive ad lets you choose how to save Lego City from a slime flood.
Budweiser’s TAGWORDS
The advertisement instructed viewers to search tag words into Google, which brought up images of famous faces drinking and holding Budweiser beer. This risky ad won the highly prestigious Grand Prix in Print and Publishing award at Cannes Lions 2018 festival.
YouTube’s makeup try-on feature
While watching the makeup videos, you can virtually try it on - the first brand to use this is MAC Cosmetics. There are also other ads and apps that allow you to virtually try on the product before you buy - for example, finding your shade of foundation before you buy online, or try a hairstyle before you cut it.
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