Embodied Cinematography in Mr. Robot

Abstract

Mr. Robot is an American television series that conveys the alienating effects of technology through unusual composition patterns. These patterns do not constitute mere coatings but manifestations of embodied metaphors that serve as emotion markers, redundant elements to maintain the mood. The viewers are led to share the character’s emotions, due to perceptual and sensory-motor experiences that are activated through the metaphoric mise-en-scène. The unorthodox framing also appears to affect the attentional synchrony, helping to immerse viewers in the obscure fictional world. All in all, the cinematography seems to facilitate the connection between the minds of fictional characters and viewers through bodily experiences.