Postmodernism in music video: Blog tasks

 Media Magazine Theory Drop - Postmodernism

1) How does the article define postmodernism in the first page of the article?

postmodernism is making fun of authority to its face. Postmodernism takes this concept of questioning traditional structures, representations and expectations and pushes things a step further. In 1967 the French literary critic Roland Barthes released his essay The Death of the Author.

2) What did media theorist and Semiotician Roland Barthes suggest in his essay 'The Death of the Author'?

the author's role in defining a text's meaning is diminished, and the reader's interpretation takes center stage. Barthes emphasized that writing destroys the author's voice and point of origin, allowing readers to create their own meanings. 

3) What is metatextuality?

Metatextuality is where a text draws attention to the fact that it is a text. It points to the process of its own creation.

4) What is the repeated phrase on the cartoon on postmodernism on page 28?

postmodernism

5) How does postmodernism link to media representations and reality?

suggests that reality is a construct, shaped by media representations, and that the distinction between media and reality is blurred.

Music video CSPs and postmodernism

Now apply postmodern ideas to our music video CSPs by answering the following questions:

1) How does the music video for Ghost Town incorporate elements of postmodernism?

intertextuality, hybridity, and a blending of performance and narrative. The video features intertextual references to the social and political climate of the time, particularly the economic decline and rising unemployment in the UK. It also uses a hybrid form, combining performance and narrative elements, and presenting a diverse cast of characters, reflecting the shifting identities and realities of the era.

2) What film genres are alluded to in the music video for Ghost Town? Which scenes in particular created these links?

social realism, thriller, and horror film genres. The video's eerie atmosphere, deserted streets, and expressionist lighting evoke these styles. Specific scenes, like the car's shadow highlighting the deserted redbrick buildings and the band's lip-syncing in the car, further solidify these genre connections. 

3) How does Old Town Road use postmodern elements in its music video?

by blending seemingly disparate genres and aesthetics, incorporating internet humor and memes, and utilizing dynamic editing techniques to create a visually and conceptually fragmented experience. This approach challenges traditional genre boundaries, embraces a playful and self-aware tone, and engages with online culture,

4) How does the Old Town Road music video reflect technological convergence and modern digital culture?  

Memes and Internet Humor:

The video cleverly integrates internet memes and online humor, such as subtle nods to viral trends and the use of green-screen technology to create a surreal Western landscape. This resonates with viewers familiar with online culture and adds a layer of humor and engagement. 

User-Generated Content and Community Engagement:

The video encourages viewers to create their own remixes and participate in online challenges, further fueling the song's virality and building a strong online community around the song. 

Technological Convergence:

The video utilizes various technologies, including music production software, video editing tools, and digital platforms like YouTube, to create a unique and shareable experience. 

5) What do YOU think Lil Nas X was trying to say about reality and American culture in the music video for Old Town Road? 

That the industry is very difficult and restricting