How to spot a Postmodern Text

POST MODERN ELEMENTS EXAMPLESHypereality Proposed by the philosopher Jean Baudrillard, hypereality is the shift from texts that reflect an external reality to reflecting one in which reality is false or exaggerated.A reality which is based on a reality which is not real.

Dystopian NarrativesNarratives become dystopian or negative, downbeat. Often the "bad" guys win or everyone dies. Often these texts suggest a lack of hope in the future

(also includes flattening of effect)Voyeurism/Panopticanisation/ ScopophilliaTexts that are obsessed by the process of looking at others or the process of looking. These films suggest a society dependent upon the visual consumption of others.People change behaviour when they know they are being watched (panopticanisation)

Self ReflexivityThis is where a text knows it's a text and draws attention to it's structure, production and/or conventions to the audience. In doing so, inverts (reverses) itself reflecting its own reality rather than an outside one.

(often where characters talk to camera or you can see them on set)

NostalgiaThere is no future so why not recycle the past? Using remakes and a glossy positive memory of the past to create distracting entertainment from contemporary times. (linked to nothing new)(non-original material)

Non Linear NarrativesBreaking up the rules of narrative, staring at the end, jumping around in time or even making a film run backwards to create something new. MANIPULATION OF TIME AND SPACE.

High art / low art hybridsCinema is largely considered a mass entertainment and low art, so juxtaposing it with "high" art is seen as a way of producing something new.

Intertextuality If there are no ideas left out there, steal your ideas from other media or reflect them in your texts.

*The problem with this is that is can only make sense if you've seen what it's referencing

*Pastiche, parody, homage are part of intertextuality

Hybridisation or Bricolage/ JuxtapositionThis occurs when attempting to create something new by merging two existing objects together. The result of forming new conventions is called Bricolage Juxtaposition is a mash up of contrasting/opposing elements.

Anything ArtificialMoving away from anything natural or organic represents a sense of hyperreality and un naturalness that is at the centre of Postmodern ideas

KEY TERM CHECKLIST

Non linear narratives High/low art hybrids Self reflexivityArtificialness Dystopian narratives (& pessimism) Non realism

Hyperreality Voyerism Nostalgia Hybridisation/hybrids Bricolage Juxtaposition

Intertextuality: Homage, Pastiche, Parody