The film Upstream Color directed by Shane Carruth can be used for the discussion of such a concept of virality. This notion is widely applied to describe the development of popular culture, especially the spread of various ideas, symbols, neologisms, and even patterns of behavior (Brown 7). This paper is aimed at showing how this movie explores popular pre-occupation with viruses which can be both biological and metaphorical.
Overall, it is possible to argue that this cinematographic work has two layers of meaning. In particular, Shane Carruth examines virality as the way in which living organism can interact with one another. The director highlights the dangers of environmental and technological catastrophes which can be caused by malice or coincidence. Nevertheless, this movie can also be viewed as an exploration of the contemporary culture and media which can influence a person through the viral spread of information. Additionally, the director tries to viral mechanisms can be used to manipulate an individual. These are the main arguments that should be elaborated in greater detail.
First of all, this film throws light on the widespread fear of biological viruses. The director relies on vivid images in order to attract the attention of the audience. For instance, one can certainly mention the moment when Kris sees roundworms that crawl under her skin (Upstream Color). This scene can produce a long-lasting impression on viewers who can emphasize with the main character of this film. Yet, the author examines this issue with the help of the plot. In particular, the narrative demonstrates the way in which roundworm can be transplanted from one living being to another. For example, this worm is used to narcotize Kris and subdue her will (Upstream Color).
For a long time, this parasite dwells in her body. Secondly, the audience can see that later this worm is eventually moved to the body of a pig (Upstream Color). It is possible to examine the literal meaning of these examples. To some degree, they are helpful for showing that modern people are strongly preoccupied with viruses, especially virulent diseases that cannot always be controlled. Additionally, this issue is particularly relevant nowadays when many people are extremely concerned the long-term effects of genetic engineering technologies that have become more widespread. To a great extent, Shane Carruth warns the viewers about the risks about the risks of misusing these technologies. It should be mentioned that the character, who is called Thief, applies the worms as a tool for manipulating other people. Thus, Shane Carruth is able to exploit some of the common fears that many people have. Nevertheless, this theme is only a part of the overall message that he tries to convey. This is one of the aspects that should be identified.
On the whole, it is more important to speak about the figurative meaning of the words virus and virality. They are often used to describe a process through which a specific message is transferred from individual to another within numerous personal networks (Shifman 55). Similarly, one can say that popular images, ideas, and symbols can also be spread in a similar way (Shifman 55). In turn, the worm, which is depicted in the film, can be viewed as a symbol of a meme which is spread from one person to another. The main issue is that Shane Carruth lays stress on the idea that viral mechanism can be used to influence the behavior of an individual.
To a great extent, this particular theme is expressed with the help of the narrative. It should be noted that Thief, who uses the psychotropic worm, deprives Kris of all her savings. In particular, one should speak about her collection of rare coins. Later, the viewers learn that Kris is not the first person who was treated in this way. In particular, she eventually meets Jeff who was also robbed by this unknown criminal. More importantly, the consciousness of his victims remains altered permanently. For example, Kris continues to recollect the lines from the novel Walden written by David Thoreau. One should take into account that Thief forced Kris rewrite the passages from this literary work.
Therefore, one can argue that Kris and other people can be programmed by a person. The key issue is that modern media often produce similar effects on a person. In many cases, people tend to use ideas, behavioral patterns, and styles that can be popularized through social networks and mass media (Telofski 157). In many cases, people are not even aware of these effects (Telofski 157). Thus, one can assume that Shane Carruth explores the influence of popular culture on the individual. This is one of the details that can be distinguished since it is helpful for the interpretation of this film.
Furthermore, Shane Carruth includes the pictures of germs in this movie. They are helpful for describing the biological processes depicted in the movie. Nevertheless, scholars, who study popular culture, often use biological terms in order to explain the formation and spread of memes that eventually become a part of the mainstream paper (Shifman 55). So, the cinematographic techniques used by the author help him explore the idea of virality.
Additionally, one should focus on the person who is called Sampler. He removes the worm of Kris’s body. It should be mentioned that he is able to sense the emotions and feelings of people whose bodies were the carriers of these living organisms. Shane Carruth does not fully explain how exactly he acquired this ability. More importantly, he is a composer, and the experiences of people like Kris and Jeff are a source of his inspiration (Upstream Color). To a great extent, he is a morally ambiguous character. Certainly, he does not force other people take the drugs containing the roundworm. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that this person can also manipulate these people as mere puppets (Upstream Color).
As it has been said before, the worms are transferred to the bodies of pigs (Upstream Color). Moreover, the emotional and even physiological state of Kris and Jeff seem to be linked to the behavior of these animals. For example, Kris and Jeff become close to one another, at the time when Sampler pairs the pigs in which Jeff’s and Kris’ worms dwell. In turn, Sampler causes suffering to people like Kris and Jeff. Shane Carruth relies on editing in order to show the connection between the animals and people. Overall, these images are important for showing that modern community becomes more interconnected. Moreover, many people may be willing to use mass media in order to manipulate or abuse other people. These are the main details that can be distinguished.
Admittedly, it is important to mention that Upstream Color can give rise to various interpretations. This film can be regarded as an eloquent example of the impressionist cinematography, and it can certainly be analyzed from different perspectives. Furthermore, Shane Carruth conceals some of the main details that can be of great interest to the audience. For example, we do not know what happens to the character called Thief. Moreover, the viewers do not learn anything about extraordinary abilities of Sampler. Therefore, one cannot that this analysis presented in this paper fully reflects the message that Shane Carruth tries to convey in this film. This is one of the limitations that should not be overlooked. Nevertheless, the chosen examples suggest that this movie can viewed as the allegorical description of the modern media and culture. This is why the chosen interpretation cannot be dismissed.
On the whole, this discussion indicates that the notion of virality plays an important role in the film Upstream Color. Shane Carruth is able to create a powerful metaphor describing the process in which ideas, symbols, or behavioral patterns can be spread. Moreover, this cinematographic work can be used to show that viral development of culture can be used to manipulate people’s behavior. However, at the same time, this movie can throw light on the growing concern about the threat of virulent diseases and environmental catastrophes. So, the literal meaning of virality is also important for the analysis of this film. These are the main arguments that can be put forward.
Works Cited
Brown, Rob. Public Relations and the Social Web: How to Use Social Media and Web 2.0 in Communications, New York: Kogan Page Publishers, 2009. Print.
Shifman, Limor. Memes in Digital Culture, Boston: MIT Press, 2013. Print.
Telofski, Richard. Living on a Meme: How Anti-Corporate Activists Bend the Truth, and You, to Get What They Want, New York: Universe, 2012. Print.
Upstream Color. Ex. Prod. Shane Carruth. New York: ERBP. 2013. DVD.