Charlie Brooker Delves into Dystopia
Charlie Brooker, the mastermind behind Black Mirror, doesn’t shy away from exploring dark themes. During a recent discussion, as he wrapped up a story reflecting on the reflexes of self-driving taxis—”Disappointingly, it didn’t try to kill me” —I mentioned an innovative new rideshare service called Protector, designed for executives and safety-conscious individuals following the high-profile shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Brooker commented, “Jesus, OK, that’s dystopian. But surely it’s a perfect service for anyone who, you know, wants to assassinate somebody? Just sign up to work as the guard, and then you’re in a car with a gun and somebody important.”
A Career Reflecting the Dark Side of Technology
With seven seasons of Black Mirror, the latest of which is set to premiere on April 10 on Netflix, Brooker has consistently highlighted the unsettling potential of technology. Despite his comedic background, he shared his thoughts with a disarming sense of humor during breakfast in West Hollywood. As a father of two with his wife, TV presenter Konnie Huq, Brooker observed the fine line that separates laughter from existential dread.
“It’s remarkable how quickly you can take any subject to an even darker place.”
Brooker candidly admitted, “Oh, I go there. One of the reasons why I have to ration my news intake is because I jump five lily pads over to dystopian horror.” Drawing connections between comedy and horror, he noted the neurotic tendencies within both realms, suggesting, “I can’t look at anything without thinking, ‘How could that hurt me?'”
Confronting Technology’s Insecurities
Despite his reservations, Brooker maintains an Amazon Echo at home, somewhat surprised by his own decision. He humorously recounted its dual purpose: “The Echo is a laziness enabler, but it is good for yelling at the kids to come downstairs and eat their dinner. Originally, it played a slideshow of our photos. Quite nice. Then it started showing adverts in rotation. They’ve completely removed the ability to switch that off.”
Reflections on Celebrity and Authority
Brooker’s thoughts turned to the tech executives present at Donald Trump’s inauguration, where his feelings ranged from unsurprised disappointment to a strange calm that accompanied collective anxiety: “Curiously, when things get worse for all, I get a little calmer because I’m not the only one worrying.”
“I don’t see that that’s my job, and that’s not what I’m trying to do. It’s me worrying out loud.”
As the conversation shifted towards the impact of Black Mirror on audience perceptions, he remarked, “The thing that I always find odd is when people say that Black Mirror is a warning.” While some episodes have unsettlingly predicted real events, Brooker distances himself from being a prophet of doom: “We should have monetized that,” he quipped about a character from the episode “Be Right Back” who explores AI-based immortality.
Behind the Scenes of the Show
Interestingly, Brooker shared insights into the creative decisions behind the show. When discussing a past episode featuring a streaming executive resembling Netflix’s chief creative officer, he explained, “I had full creative freedom, but I felt compelled to clarify the name wasn’t targeted as it might seem.”
From Slacker to Prolific Creator
Reflecting on his early career, Brooker humorously depicted his twenties as a chaotic time filled with distractions. “You would call me a slacker in my twenties, a bit directionless… I always wished I was writing TV comedy.” His breakthrough came with a parody of The Radio Times, leading to numerous opportunities that shaped his future.
The Future of Black Mirror
Looking ahead, Brooker expressed enthusiasm for the series’ evolving format. With a recent sequel episode, he shared the team’s reflections on past themes and the potential to revisit old ideas. “As long as it’s interesting, and people continue to watch, I’d like to keep making the show.”
Creative Freedom at Netflix
Discussing the challenges of episode order, Brooker revealed, “I spend quite a lot deliberating the order of episodes each season.” He used the first Netflix season as an example, illustrating how creative discussions can lead to unexpected outcomes. The right sequencing is essential to maintaining tone and engagement, comparing it to compiling an album.
A Parody-Profit Paradox
When posed with the question of working with giant tech companies he often satirizes, Brooker maintained a pragmatic stance, acknowledging the creative freedoms he enjoys at Netflix. “I’ll probably walk away feeling conflicted now,” he admitted.
Influences and Inspirations
Brooker’s work frequently features specific songs that resonate within the narratives. When asked to choose between two tracks—Irma Thomas’ “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is” and Technotronic’s “Pump Up the Jam” —he humorously contemplated the comedic value of the latter, emphasizing the meticulous permissions process for integrating music into his work.
Jealousy in Creativity
Finally, Brooker expressed envy over emerging projects in the industry, particularly mentioning the acclaimed series Severance without having watched it yet. “People keep telling me to watch it, and I haven’t let myself do it because they say, ‘Oh, you’ll love it. It’s a bit Black Mirror-y, but it’s much better.'”
This insightful conversation originally appeared in the April 2 issue of The Hollywood Reporter. For more detail, click here to subscribe.