Mr. Robot is a psychological thriller TV series that aired from 2015 to 2019. The shows follows Elliot Alderson, the main character, a cybersecurity engineer who becomes involved with a hacktivist group known as fsociety. The TV show deals and explores themes of technology, identity and mental illness. The use of sound and music is a key part of its storytelling, helping to create a sense of constant tension, uncomfortability and unease.
One of the standout features of Mr. Robot’s audio approach is its use of music. The show incorporates a wide variety of genres, from electronic and hip-hop to classical and pop. The soundtrack features both well-known songs and more obscure tracks, creating a sense of disorientation that mirrors Elliot’s own mental state. The music is often used to undescore key moments in the story, heightening the emotional impact of each scene. M83, Brian Eno, The Cure, Daft Punk, Depeche Mode or Phil Collins are some of the names that appear in the soundtrack of Mr. Robot.
In addition to its use of preexisting music, the series also features unique sound design that helps to create a sense of atmosphere. The show’s use of distorted electronic sounds and glitchy effects creates a sense of unease and paranoia, reflecting the show’s themes of hacking and surveillance, specially in the second season due to a new approach of an unreliable narrator. The sound design is particularly effective during scenes where Elliot is experiencing a mental breakdown, as the sound becomes increasingly distorted and disorienting.
One of the most memorable examples of Mr. Robot’s use of audio is in the season one “eps1.5_br4ve-trave1er.asf.”. In this episode, Elliot and fsociety launch a massive cyber attack on Evil Corp, the show’s fictional corporation that controls the global economy. The episode features a tense and chaotic score by composer Mac Quayle, which incorporated pounding drums, electronic beats, and distorted vocals. The music builds to a climax as the hack is executed, creating a sense of triumph and catharsis for the characters and the audience.
Another example is the distorted, metallic voice that the protagonist hears in his head. The voice is a representation of Elliot’s inner thoughts and struggles with mental illness, and it’s used throughout the series to create a sense of disorientation and unease. The voice is often accompanied by jarring sound effects and music cues, which help to create s sense of tension and urgency. The use of this metallic voice is a powerful example of how sound can be used to represent complex emotions and inner turmoil, and how it can add to the overall mood and atmosphere of a show.
Overall, the audio in Mr. Robot is a key part of the show’s storytelling, helping to create, again, a sense of tension and disturbia that enhances the viewing experience, making it a bit emotionally demanding. From its use of music to its unique sound design, the show’s audio is a clear representation of the power of sound in visual storytelling.
LINK PRESENTATION: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/19QGhHrhruSgczIYkNk2Fa3L5KS0Pzpnxsx09RtjWoZ4/edit?usp=sharing
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Buchholz, Kevin. “‘Mr. Robot’ Supervising Sound Editor Kevin Buchholz On Crafting an Immersive World with Sound.” IndieWire, 13 Sept. 2019, https://www.indiewire.com/influencers/mr-robot-supervising-sound-editor-kevin-buchholz/.
Carpenter, J. (2016, July 22). Inside the music of ‘Mr. Robot’: Composer Mac Quayle talks about that perfect theme. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-en-st-mr-robot-score-20160722-snap-story.html
Harrison, P., & Buchholz, K. (2016, July 26). Hacking Time: Picture Editor Philip Harrison & Sound Editor Kevin Buchholz on “Mr. Robot” & the Workflow of Cinematic Television. Sound & Picture. https://soundandpicture.com/2016/07/hacking-time-picture-editor-philip-harrison-sound-editor-kevin-buchholz-on-mr-robot-the-workflow-of-cinematic-television/
Thomas, J. (2015, June 22). Hacks from Mr. Robot: How to Hide Data in Audio Files. WonderHowTo. https://null-byte.wonderhowto.com/how-to/hacks-mr-robot-hide-data-audio-files-0164136/
Kaufman, R. (2017, December 8). A TV composer shows exactly how music can change a performance. Quartz. https://qz.com/quartzy/1142934/a-tv-composer-shows-exactly-how-music-can-change-a-performance/
Digital Audio 