Postmodernism Postmodernism is a theory that allows producers to challenge

conventions forms and ideologies

But there are many different ways to define postmodernism, for example:

Postmodernism represents a departure from modernism and is characterized by the self-conscious use of earlier styles and conventions, mixing different styles and showing distrust at theories – oxford dictionary. The Simpsons is a great

example of postmodernism because it is a clear example of challenging meta narratives, because the Simpsons family are trying to live the American dream, but are actually quite a dysfunctional family and have major problems. The programme critiques American society, which is typical of postmodern texts.

Challenging Meta Narratives

Postmodern texts can be identified by their use of challenging meta narratives: Narratives that question the progress of modern society or are a

critique of the society, for example Dystopian films where humankind are to blame for the apocalyptic event. A good example is 28 days later because the apocalypse is started by a breakdown of society following the accidental release of a highly contagious virus. – trailer – 28 Days Later

Narratives that challenge conventional film narratives, for example anti-heroes, a good example of an anti hero is Sherlock Holmes, even though he is mostly seen as protagonist at times he can be grumpy and can an ability to distance himself from most situations and the people around him.

Non Linear Narratives – Narratives that disrupt the sequence of a film. A good example of non linear narrative film is Kill Bill Vol 1 and 2, Tarantino put the films together as complete whole, but they were not told in a linear form. For example the opening of Vol. 2 takes us to the chapel before the massacre, and we finally learn Bill’s reasons for ordering it. – Kill Bill Vol 2 Opening Scene

In the poker scene in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, slow motion is used to show importance of money and different emotions on the peoples faces, additionally a montage is used to sum up the series of events that happen.

Anti-Narratives – disrupt narrative, this can be done through slow motion and freeze frame. A good example of Anti narratives is the poker scene in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels as seen in the example below.

Additionally mixing/blurring genres to create new hybrid/mixed genres. For example Shaun of the dead, it is not your typical zombie apocalypse film because there is comedy involved throughout the film to make it seem more light hearted than a typical post apocalyptic movie would feel.

Shaun Of The Dead Trailer

IntertextualityPost modern texts can be identified by their use of intertextuality: Pastiche – straight copy of another text, for

example Austin Powers is a Mock Bond film and it also pays homage to the popular culture of the Swinging 60's, British Invasion, and ridiculous Spy flicks.

Bricolage – ‘steals’ images/objects from other styles to create new meanings. A good example of where bricolage is used well is in Zoolander where it parodies the concept of fashion bricolage-like styles by creating a clothing line out of trash called Derelicte.

Homage – used to show respect The movie, Pulp Fiction is a good example of paying Homage to films because it is a quirky tribute to old Hollywood crime films and Pulp magazines. Pulp Fiction Trailer

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Quentin Taratino’s version of Django, shows pastiche because he copies the film that was in 1966, the theme is the same as well as the costume, font and soundtrack. Tarantino films always pay homage to other films.

Parody or Satire of other texts, critique through comedy. The Monty Python and the holy grail is a great parody film. It is loosely based on King Arthur and his knights of the round table, the film takes a different look at the period with more of a funny approach and in some ways does critique the knights of those times for being stupid and arrogant. Trailer For the Monty

Python and Holy Grail

HyperrealityPost Modern texts can also be identified by their use of Hyperreality: Hyperreality allows the commingling of human reality with virtual

reality and human intelligence with artificial intelligence.

High art styles- film techniques that challenge conventional ideas. A great example of high art styles is ‘ The square’ in Pulp Fiction, where the main character draws out a square with her fingers on the screen, which is impossible in real life and not seen in other movies. Don’t Be A Square Clip

Hyperreality – changing themes representations to be explored. The Matrix trilogy is a hypereality because the world is in fact a simulated prison for humanity run by intelligent machine agents, this obliviously makes it a hyperreality because it is so different from the world we live in today and also allows human reality and virtual reality to come together.

In the film Alfie, it shows a great example of Meta-reference because Michael Caine addresses the audience and it makes you aware you are watching a movie.

Meta- Reference – when audience is made aware it is watching a film. A brilliant example of meta- reference is the film Alfie as seen in the example below, this is a good example because it shows the breaking of the 4th wall.

Breaking of the 4th wall - Alfie

Some other examples of Postmodernism

In the Sherlock Holmes fight scene it clearly shows postmodernism through challenging narratives. It also shows anti narratives because Sherlock thinks about the fight before it happens and it shows his inner thoughts and his thought process before the fight actually happens so this makes it very hyperreal for the audience watching the film.

At the beginning of Reservoir Dogs it shows paying homage to a film and intertextuality because the opening scene is almost the same as the ending scene of Ocean’s 11.

More Examples of Postmodernism

Kick Ass is a film that uses hyperreality. It is about comic book geeks who make their superhero fantasies come to life as they battle against their enemies.

Memento is a postmodern films full of different postmodern elements. Flashbacks lead the viewer back in time to better experience the life of a man with no long term memory, this shows the time bending in the film. It is also told backwards which helps to show how the main character struggles with remembering or knowing what had previously happened.

Kick Ass Trailer