Directions | Contextual Research: Utopia (TV Drama)

Utopia is series for Channel 4, created by Dennis Kelly and directed by Marc Munden, and stands as one of my favourite shows due to its distinct audiovisual style.  I have looked into Utopia before in my work but I wanted to go back to look at it for this project as I feel the directorial style has resonated with me and will influence how I direct my own work as a result.  Utopia deals with complex ethical questions and explores the blurred lines between what is right and wrong through the characterisation and also through the aesthetic.

Utopia is shot in a very distinct style, using a vibrant and saturated colour palette despite the dark themes present in the series.  These colour palettes reflect the characters' and the blurred lines of the morals in the show by running in parallel with the different groups of people, such as those in 'The Network' and those trying to stop them.  Particular motifs such as the colour yellow and spoons (one of the central characters, Wilson, has his eye removed with a spoon) are repeated through the series to reflect the presence of 'The Network' throughout.

I find the camera movements and framing in Utopia very interesting.  Munden often utilises low angle shots with the characters in the centre of the frame to create a sense of intimidation and fear which is intensified by Munden's use of shallow depth of field.  This shallow depth of field creates camera blur, which could be seen to parallel with the blurred moralities present in the series - I feel as though this is an effective an interesting way to portray and emphasise what is happening in the story, as the director has chosen to use the camera to parallel with the ongoing plot.  In my film, I could perhaps use the camera movements to reflect on Rick's emotions through his ordeal which will allow the audience to empathise with him.