2. Post-modernism in "The Matrix
• The matrix is a 1998 SF action film written and directed by Larry and Andy
Wachowski. It is popular due to its visual effects known as "Bullet time". It
was first released In the USA in March 31st 1999.
• Simulacra and simulation- In the early scene of the Matrix, we see a
simulated reality created by machines in order to pacify human population
while their body heat and electrical activity are used as energy sources. the
computer programmer "Neo" is drawn into a rebellion against machines.
The film contains many references to cyber hackers and subcultures. It also
refers to religion such as Christianity and Buddhism. Neo has shown how
media has overtaken each person and this has collapsed within reality due
to the use of media and technology today as it has brainwashed many
people making them addicted to it.
3. Post- modernism in Jessie J who's laughing
now
• Hyper conscience- In the music video of Jessie J who's laughing now, we see the singer (Jessie j)
playing a number of stereotypical characters as well as being herself. This shows that it is hyper
conscience as it tells the audience that its fake and she is acting as other stereotypical characters.
This could also be seen as Narcissism as she is over exaggerating others self-image making herself
look like others but making it very noticeable for the audience to see what character she is trying
to be.
• Intertextuality- Intertextuality is being shown within the music video making the mean girls all
dress in pink showing emphasizing their personalities as energetic and not shy, where as the
victim is dressed in black and white. This shows the dark colors represents the character to be
depressed as she is the one getting bullied and shows anger.
• Hyper reality- in the music video of Jessie J who's laughing now we see a cross cutting of Jessie J
old and Jessie j as a young girl. This seems to confuse the audience not sure weather Jessie J is old
and having a flashback to when she was young and getting bullied, or weather Jessie J is young
and is getting bullied and looking ahead to the future to when she becomes older as this confuses
the audience as they are not sure on what they are watching is real.
4. Post-modernism of Madonna "material girl"
• Pastiche- I have noticed that Madonna is clearly making reference in her music video of Material girl t
Marilyn Monroe, Madonna had copied a scene from her film " Gentlemen prefer blondes" where Monroe
sings the song " Dimond's are a girl's best friend" to which madonna copies the setting and the costume.
This shows that she had a lot of respect for more and was one of the best inspirational actresses around
back in the days as many females wanted to be like her.
• Meta- narrative. I have noticed that the video and song is narrative. At the beginning of the music video,
Madonna is discussing her new film with two other directors. We see the video constantly being cut to
different scenes. This keeps the audience intrigued and interested as it shows the meaning and story behind
the song as a lot of effort has gone into creating the music video.
Symbolism- There is a lot of symbolism as madonna refers to herself as "material girl" which represents
madonna as an independent lady as she is aware of how she is being presented within the media. She is also
mocking the media as she is embracing her self-image. Throughout the media, Madonna has been presented
as many different people, but by calling her lelf material girl she is trying to mock the media for their negative
portrayal of her and she is far from what the media pressures her as looking. This shows that madonna doesn’t
care about what the media thinks of how she looks as she is showing of and embracing the way she looks as
she is loving it as it just shows that she is a strong and independent young women whom doesn’t care about
what people may think of her.