Postmodernism research JOE COQUET

Post modernism Postmodernism can be defined in a variety of different ways, depending on how a particular individual views it. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as: a late-20th-century style and concept in the arts, architecture, and criticism that represents a departure from modernism and has at its heart a general distrust of grand theories and ideologies as well as a problematical relationship with any notion of “art.” PBS defines it as: Postmodernism is largely a reaction to the assumed certainty of scientific, or objective, efforts to explain reality.

Post modern texts Post modern texts are those that use the theory of post modernism in literature. It is usually reliant on things such as the use of paradox and fragmentation. This type of literature didn’t really exist pre-world war 2 and only emerged as an opponent against modernist approaches to literature.

Challenging metanarrative Challenging metanarratives is a widely used idea in postmodern films. It involves a storyline that isn’t necessarily seen as the norm, an example being Kill Bill which has a female hero. Tarantino often uses metanarratives in his films to make the hero stand out.

Intertextuality/pastiche Pastiche is an idea used in lots of postmodern films, and is where homage is payed to something, but in a funny or mocking way. An example of this is Family Guy doing their Star Wars episodes, which is done in a mocking way and makes fun of the story and characters, but is also showing their appreciation for the franchise. A more subtle example of pastiche is intertextuality, where only a quick cameo is made, an example being in Shrek, where lots of Disney characters such as Puss in Boots and Snow White are involved.

Hyperreality Hyperreality is when a film is very ‘out of this world’ and is so to show the audience that it isn’t real and isn’t meant to be. An example would be The Matrix, where the storyline and affects on screen really portray an unreal reality. Hyperreality is also used in films like Pulp Fiction, when Mia Wallace makes a square with her hands and it appears on screen, telling the audience the film isn’t real.