Making a show about hackers often ends in failure.
It seems that every time a new portrayal of this profession is shown, the dialogue is cheesy and the plot is contrived.
However, creator Sam Esmail and the USA Network, all the way out of left field, have created a gem in the drama-thriller “Mr. Robot.” Starring Rami Malek as Elliot Alderson and Christian Slater as Mr. Robot, this new show has managed to blend drama, tension and dark comedy in a perfect swirl.
In the vein of “Breaking Bad” and “Fargo,” “Mr. Robot’s” best feature is its cinematography, which perfectly sets the mood. Characters are never centered and are usually placed in awkward positions, such as in the corners of the screen, which provides a haunting sense of loneliness that is prevalent throughout the show. The scenes also cut quickly from one to another, not allowing anything to drag or take away from the action.
It is rare that a show, from top to bottom, is able to accomplish so many different moods in just one episode. There are times where it feels like a spy thriller, romance, horror and comedy, even though the most hilarious moments are tied to distressing matters.
Along with the camerawork, the score of “Mr. Robot” is crucial to the overall vibe. The background music pulses in a way that is mildly traumatizing. It complements the show’s frantic tone to a tee. One scene in particular, outside of a jail, combines the vivacious beat to cop sirens, which is not only perfect for the scene but haunting in a way that sticks with you.
All of the shooting and music is fantastic, but it wouldn’t work without a solid plot. Taking ideas and leitmotifs from movies such as “American Psycho,” “Fight Club” and “The Dark Knight,” “Mr. Robot” makes plenty of jabs at the society we live in and attempts to paint a darker, Gotham-like world.
Alongside hacking, the show also focuses on Elliot’s inner thoughts and anxieties.
As the main character becomes more and more unhinged, the storyline becomes more chaotic around him.
When discussing the plot, it seems necessary to reference Martin Wallström’s portrayal of Tyrell Wellick, who has become the most polarizing character on all of television.
The show immediately depicts him as your run-of-the-mill businessman but as the episodes progress, his shadowy past and way of life comes to light. Most shows would jump right into such an interesting character, but “Mr. Robot” has the patience that most shows don’t have in building a character before showing what is hidden inside of him or her.
Overall, “Mr. Robot” is such a bold and tremendous show that it’s kind of shocking that a show of this caliber would be found on basic cable television and not HBO or Showtime.
Even with everything working against this unknown, “Mr. Robot” has proven that a great show can be anywhere.
Sam Esmail has created something stunning and with the first season now over, it should be at the top of everyone’s TV binge list.
Greg Gottfried
