Postmodern chapter pages 136 - 167 - Precis

Postmodernism chapter pages 136 -167 - Precis


Postmodernism influence can be seen in a variety of different media texts and portrayed in numerous ways. One key trend in post modern texts is there is a definite blurring of boundaries between both modern values and in some cases fiction and reality. When fiction and reality is merged together in such a way a hyperreality is formed. A real example of hyperreality can be seen in places such as Disney Land, where the space is real but the contents and theme is entirely fictional.

Music can also be described as post modern either if it is created in the post modern era, or if follows post modern ideology. The music of DJ shadow is a perfect example of post modern music, as it has been created in the pos modern era and includes so many styles merged together it is impossible to classify it as a single set genre. This is another example of boundaries being blurred and merged into something that is different or abstract. The work of DJ shadow can be seen as very unique as he can entwine two completely conflicting music styles into one, for example merging classical music with Nirvana songs.

TV programs such as The Mighty Boosh and The Office can also be described as post modern. The Boosh consists of many different post modern traits, the most interesting of which is the fact that before each show starts the two main characters always introduce it in front of a large red curtain. This breaks away from the norm of going straight into a TV programme. Something I noticed while watching a episode of the Boosh was that they actually use a riff from a song created by DJ shadow (mentioned above) in one of their own songs. This can be seen as another post modern trait by combining both post modern music and TV into one media text. Postmodernism stretches to situation comedies also, for example the Office. Comedy is only because the audience is used to seeing the day in day out functions of a office while the characters completely break the stereotype therefore destroying boundaries of normal life.

Not only are some TV programs post modern but adverts can to include post modern traits and ideologies. A perfect example for this is the Cadburys gorilla. The astonishing fact that the advert had very little obvious relation to either Cadburys as a company or chocolate itself illustrates a very post modern element to this text. For example if the audience were not aware of what Cadburys is or even what products they make they would be left clueless after watching it. Despite the advert being seemingly random there are views that it subtly portrays chocolate as a secret or something more special than it really is, for example the man in the gorilla costume could represent primal urges/instincts to indulge by eating chocolate.

Its not only traditonal media texts that can contain postmodern elements, video games are becoming increasingly more postmodern. The perfect example for this is the game series GTA (Grand Theft Auto). This game in particular offers a inventive storyline which to some degree allows the player to live the life of someone else without the consequences applicable in real life. There are two concepts which helps to define video games as postmodern, flow and immersion. Flow is defined as a state where a activity becomes increasingly more difficult but also progressively more enjoyable to play as a clear goal is always set. Immersion describes how the gamer is brought into the game and absorbed by its content. Especially with GTA the question comes to mind is it a story or a game?, the arguement is both sided as some believe that adding a form of narrative to a game structure does not work, whilst others use GTA as a prime example of how it can be succesful.