How ‘Rick And Morty’ Channeled ‘The Ring’
by Frank Martin
Abstract and avant-garde filmmaking is a genre in and of itself. Probably the most well-known film from this experimental brand is the short “Meshes of the Afternoon.” Essentially, the film has a series of random shots and sequences without any clear narrative to them. It’s a form of filmmaking meant to push the boundaries of what’s possible with not just the medium but the technology in general. Although it’s hard to use the style to tell a complete story, it can be used in segments as part of a story. One of the great examples of this is the infamous videotape sequence from The Ring. But fans may be surprised to learn that Rick and Morty employs it as well.
In the US remake of The Ring, directed by Gore Verbinski, a psychic girl creates a videotape featuring a bunch of random images associated with her life. These images are largely abstract and indecipherable on first glance, although the main characters try to break down what they all mean and it is revealed over time. In essence, these images come from emotional and impactful moments that the girl felt were important to communicate, even after she died.
In the Rick and Morty episode, “Wormhole Tripping,” several characters travel through a wormhole. During the journey, reality pretty much collapses in on itself. What follows is a very bizarre sequence of random scenes and downright trippy sequences. None of it makes any sense, but it’s not supposed to. It was merely supposed to be a weird sequence that showcased the breakdown in reality while inside hyperspace. So while it is definitely difficult to make a long form story using this format, it can still be utilized in various ways. It was used to express horror in The Ring, just as it was used to showcase comedy in Rick and Morty.
Rick and Morty is streaming on Hulu.
