How Peep Show creates a  ‘Surreal Level Of Realism’ by applying Post-Cinematic Affect

Steven Shaviro describes Post-Cinematic Affect as audiovisual media’s attempt to influence and control the emotions through new technology and techniques. The realism and emotional engagement that Peep Show achieves is not possible without modern conventions including digital cameras, editing software and voice overs.

“Emotion is affect captured by a subject, or tamed and reduced to the extent that it becomes commensurate with that subject.” (Shaviro, S. 2010).

Peep Show provides a dynamic, nuanced, yet strangely familiar viewing experience. Non-linear editing allows for rapid cuts and organic lapses in conversation. First person perspective captures social cues, facial expressions and eye contact which add to the emotional realism of each scene. Allowing the viewer to understand the personalities and peculiarities of the two main characters, Mark and Jeremy. 

“Digital technologies…have given birth to radically new ways of manufacturing and articulating lived experience” (Shaviro, S. 2010).

Experiencing each scene first hand (recorded using head mounted cameras), we are placed inside the minds of the protagonists. Their reality is conveyed through a unique aesthetic format, generating alternative sensibilities and complex “Structures of Feeling”. 

Hearing Mark’s nervousness is an example of Post-Cinematic Affect. In the clip below without voiceovers, these scenes seem confusing. However, with the internal dialogue added, reality is altered. Understanding the subject’s thoughts and feelings forms a surreal space where the viewer and the protagonist are in direct communication. 

Peep Show’s use of digital technologies and modern editing software, gains control over the audience’s emotions. Bridging the gap between the thoughts and feelings of its characters, and our own. This application of Post-Cinematic Affect creates a ‘surreal level of realism’, transforming the series from an awkward and mundane piece of television into a comedy classic. 

References:

1. Shaviro, S. (2010) ‘Post-Cinematic Affect: On Grace Jones, Boarding Gate and Southland Tales’, Film-Philosophy, 14(1), pp. 1–102.
2. Armstrong, J., Bain, S. and O’Connor, A. (2007). Peep Show. ‘Holiday’. Series 4, Episode 5.
3. UKEssays. (2017). Situation Comedy: Analysis of Peep Show. [online]

Drew Cahane – 13/11/2022