Paul Giamatti Breaks Down ‘Black Mirror’ Episode ‘Eulogy’ and That ‘Creepy’ and ‘Ambiguous’ Ending

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ATTENTION: The following narrative reveals plot points from the “Black Mirror” episode “Eulogy,” currently available to stream on Netflix.

Paul Giamatti, who is deeply fond of Charlie Brooker’s anthology series “Black Mirror”, was thrilled to grab the chance and appear in the seventh season, which is currently available on Netflix.

Charlie, Giamatti says, “I told him, ‘I would have done anything you asked of me. I would have even cleaned the floor if needed.’

Thankfully, Giamatti’s skills shine in “Eulogy,” an episode that differs from many in “Black Mirror.” Instead of tech-driven terror, it presents a peaceful narrative of nostalgia. In this story, Giamatti portrays Philip, a man leading a secluded life, who is asked to share recollections of the late Carol, a puzzling figure from his past, for a digital tribute. With assistance from a spirited AI sidekick, he unearths memories from his analog past to create a comprehensive portrait of a past he’s intentionally distanced himself from.

In “Eulogy,” Giamatti plays Philip, a man who lives alone and is asked to reminisce about Carol, an old acquaintance who died recently. With the help of an AI friend, he digs up memories from his past to create a complete picture of someone he’d rather forget. This episode is different from most in “Black Mirror,” focusing on nostalgia instead of tech-based horror.

Despite being less frightening compared to the usual scary episodes “Black Mirror” is famous for, this aspect was actually appealing to Giamatti, who drew a comparison with another impactful anthology series in this regard.

He remarks that the situation feels somewhat predictable, yet it evokes memories of ‘The Twilight Zone,’ a show he was deeply fond of. Sometimes on ‘The Twilight Zone,’ episodes would be more somber and compassionate, focusing on characters grappling with mortality or their past. These episodes had a unique quality and tone, they were less ominous — which he appreciated. He found it an intriguing tale about memory, sorrow, and the technology, questioning whether technology is ultimately beneficial or not.

Additionally, Giamatti mentions discovering a striking similarity between his personal history and the storyline. It turns out that Philip and Carol had a romantic relationship during their youth, both being bohemian artists at the time – a past which resonated strongly with the actor due to its parallels in his own life.

1989 marked a time when I resided in Seattle. It was quite an experience as described by him, “I wasn’t fully aware that I would eventually delve into acting, but I was already engaged in it, without a clear idea of my future plans.” Seattle during those days seemed to be the epitome of coolness, something I didn’t entirely grasp at the time – the grunge culture, music scene, and the general ambiance. It was much like the lifestyle of young Bohemians who were trying to make their way through life with a vaguely middle-class, unconventional existence that many youths were embracing during that period.

Over the episode, Philip contemplates the dissolution of their relationship and his role in it, and he receives an unexpected resolution when he discovers a secret message from Carol hidden away. This twist empowers him to brave the ocean and attend her funeral, where his contributions are included in the digital tribute. Even so, the poignant conclusion, where he gains clarity about his past, is marred by a quick, meaningful glance at those present at the service, all engrossed in the digital eulogy and resembling lifeless zombies in the pews. Giamatti found this unsettling scene effective for maintaining emotional depth.

He finds it a touch unsettling and eerie,” he remarks. “It’s reassuring that he no longer needs the device, but what remains unnerving is the mental picture of numerous individuals, seemingly hypnotized by this gadget, arranged in a church setting. This ambiguity persists because, despite not having it with him, the image lingers.

Although the unsettling finale and being part of the broader “Black Mirror” series might make others wary of technology, Giamatti himself does not regard himself as a fearful of technology in any way.

He admits he’s not very tech-savvy, but finds technology intriguing due to its rapid development and unpredictable nature. Despite some uneasy aspects, he believes that even though technology can sometimes feel coercive, we’re all so accustomed to it now that we follow its lead. In this specific instance, he sees the benefits, acknowledging the potentially beneficial impact of technology on individuals, without holding a pessimistic view overall.

Watch the “Black Mirror” Season 7 trailer below.

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2025-04-12 02:47