#theangryriver

So with the massive hype over Netflix’s Bandersnatch, interactivity seems to be seeping into everything; adverts, films, tv. The past few week’s classes have definitely showed that interactivity is everywhere, it’s not just resigned to video games but even a game with friends is interactive. 

That being said, film is something that previously has only been interactive so far as between those watching rather than any interaction happening between the film itself and its audience. This is something we are seeing now in a different way with the introduction of using technology on your phone to interact with a film you are watching (because let’s be real, we all seem to struggle to put our phones down for as long as 2 hours now). But to engage audiences on a further level, we have interactive films. 

We know how Bandersnatch works: it’s a choose your own story type deal where the viewer can select a decision using a controller or remote, therefore deciding on a particular narrative journey (and a lot of dead ends). 

However, writer/director of The Angry River (2017), Armen Perian believes this technology pulls us too much out of the immersive experience when we have to physically make a decision. To create a seamless journey, The Angry River uses eye tracking technology through your webcam to make your decisions. The film chooses everything from colour palette to story perspective based on where you are inclined to look. The film lasts anywhere between 8 to 20 minutes based on whose perspective you are seeing the story through. 

Instead of your usual choose your own adventure story that gives you multiple plots, this film gives you the same plot told multiple different ways, decided by your unconscious decisions. I found this idea of multiple perspectives fascinating and a really original way of approaching interactive storytelling. This leaves you questioning the validity of each character’s version of events, further immersing you into the story. 

Unfortunately I watched this through twice, both with the same perspective and little ability to manipulate my own decisions because it is less about choice and more of a natural subconscious choosing. This could be potentially alienating and frustrating as I really want to see more of the story but was I interested enough to try it a third time? I’m not so sure. 

This approach also explores structure in an interesting way. Scenes are revealed or not revealed depending on the story you choose. Although my experience was quite limited so my story didn't feel very whole, this also leaves you wanting to know more and watch another time.