Post-cinema can be defined as the way in which ‘21st-century media help to shape and reflect new forms of sensibility” (Denson and Leyda, 2016). It moves with the times, relaying on technological advances, as well as economic, political, and social changes that are affecting the current society. With the introduction of Post-Cinema there has been a change in techniques within media, such as the breaking of the fourth wall that have allowed for film and television to grasp viewers attention in a new way.

The concept of breaking the ‘Fourth Wall’ is used in films, tv shows, etc. to break the barrier between the subjects within the screen and the audiences, similarly to the concept of ‘synthetic personalisation’ we see in texts, the subject is talking to mass viewers but due to the nature of watching TV where we usually find ourselves in our own space and on our own, it appears as though the subject is directly addressing us as individuals.

The 2015 sitcom ‘Chewing Gum’ created by Michaela Coel is one that follows the technique of the fourth wall, what is interesting about this technique is that it moves away from the linear way of editing, it creates an immersive experience for the viewers that intensifies the idea by Steve Shapiro that TV and Films are ‘machines for generating affect’, the idea of affect focuses on the way in which consuming media makes us feel. In ‘Chewing Gum’, we get to go through a journey with Coel, by breaking the fourth wall we are invited to become more invested in the narrative, it feels as though we are active members within the story, removing the label of the passive viewer. Shows such as ‘Chewing Gum’ benefit of using this technique as the plot of the show is not a common storyline that viewers can instantly relate to, it inspires more emotion as there is a closer connection to the character.

References:

Chewing Gum (2015)

Post-Cinema: Theorizing 21st-Century Film – Julia Leyda & Shane Denson (2016)

Post Cinematic Affect – Steven Shapiro (2010)

By Gabriela Vadcard