2. The definition of post modernism according to the oxford dictionary states ‘’a late 20th-
century style and concept in the arts, architecture, and criticism, which represents a
departure from modernism and is characterized by the self-conscious use of earlier
styles and conventions, a mixing of different artistic styles and media, and a general
distrust of theories’’
Post modernism in films;
Post modernism is a theory that allows producers to challenge conventions forms and
ideologies of the film genre. Including sceptical interpretations of culture and history by
mixing genres and creating hybrids.
There are three elements that make a film postmodern;
• Hyper- reality
• Challenging meta- narratives
• Intertextuality ( pastiche )
3. To challenge meta-narratives – challenge the main ideologies in society. For example;
Usually a female as damsel in distressed, saved buy a man, but change to male in
distress to get rid of the idea that females are weak and need to be saved by men. ( an
example of this could be 28 Days Later where we are presented with the main male
character who is shown to be quite weak, and the damsel saves him.)
Post modernism questions if modern progress is good for society- This can be created
through shots, editing and music to present a more active way of watching the film, as
you have to think about it and are frequently reminded through anti-narratives and
hyper reality that you’re watching a film and that its not real life.
This also works by creating a Non-linear story line/narrative, or presenting the film in a
different order. This challenges a meta-narrative as its not what the audience expects as
the chronology is disrupted, not following the traditional three act structure. Anti
narrative Techniques such as such as freeze frames and slow motion are used for the
same effect to disrupt the flow of the film and present the post modern feel to the film.
CHALLENGING META-NARRATIVES
4. To make audiences aware of hyper reality – to make audiences aware of
alternative realities that challenge our ideas, Being aware that it is a film, and
that the producers have created and directed an artificial world and that it is not
real life. Using hyper reality has a similar effect as challenging meta narratives to
give off a post modern feel. A meta-reference would show Techniques such as
Breaking the forth wall, freeze frames (which can be seen in Sherlock Holmes)
and thought tracks- all used to show that the actors are acknowledging the
audience.
An example of breaking the fourth wall can be seen in this clip of the film
Alfie ‘’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0FZhLeHy7A’’ by doing this it
creates a relationship with the audience which encourages them to more
actively watch the film instead of getting drowned in the emotions of the
film without thinking. Another effective way of using hyper reality in film is to
have an animation placed in the narrative of a film with real people, Making you
think that this cannot happen and again taking you out the emotional side of the
film.
5. To use pastiche( or intertextuality ) - to offer ‘updated’ ideas from an old
idea- copying something but not a in a comical way, showing a film inside
another film presenting a Direct and obvious copy. This can be used for
many effects, such a comical or to pay homage. It allows the audience to
relate to conventions of the hybrid genres presented in the film. An example
of this high art could be the costume of ‘The Yellow Jumpsuit’ in Kill Bill. This
technique is used a lot in American comedy cartoons such as the Simpsons
and south park, where they take situations and icons in society and present
them in a comical way.
6. Genre is a French word that means ‘type’ or ‘kind’.
o Genre allows media products to fit into categories according to their
similarities (or iconography) in order for producers to meet or challenge
their audience expectations.
o In film this could be seen through a set of conventions shown through mise-
en-scene, lighting, costumes and character stereotypes.
o Two or more genres can be put together to make a film, often when a genre
has been overdone/boring so extra themes and variations are added. This is
called hybrids or sub genres, typical examples of this could be;
o Romantic- comedy & science-fiction.
o The two genres I will be studying are Dystopia and British crime.
GENRE AND POST MODERNISM
7. Dystopia genre
• The Dystopia genre in film is often Set in a future, in an imagined world that could
occur ( hyper reality )
• Its themes often present; Life changing events/ threat to survival of human kind, eg
nuclear war/viruses and infections- science gone wrong/ natural disasters /
technology dominance/ alien invasion – human kind to blame. It is then created
post modern as this challenging meta narratives and modern human progress.
• It is common in dystopian films that the Narrative starts after the event/pre title
scene or montage. Use devices like flash backs, TV/radio reports, this is used
because it engages the audience as they can easily relate to TV/radio symbols and
Basic agrarian society's.
8. Character types;
• Post modern cowboy, loner, consistent threat and violence for him.
• Groups/tribes ( animal like ) who seek to profit from violence. Hero's encounter
these tribes who want to destroy him, showing the Bad side of human kind.
• Human survivor group – small group post apocalyptic, modern world, struggling
to survive, offers hope for the future. Often innocent child and one in charge,
showing the Good side of human kind.
Sub genre;
• Science fictions – a sense of science gone wrong = Metropolis/Bladerunner
• Horror – presenting a chaotic world of mutants or zombies created from human
genetic research = Dawn of the dead/28 days later.
• Post-apocalyptic – End of the world = Mad max/ End of the road
