Key Areas In Postmodernism

Key Theorists
Francois Lyotard: A polyphony of voices with none worth more than any other (Meta narratives etc)
Jean Baudrillard: Reality has been replaced with simulated worlds, or simulacra
Reception theory: (Dominant, Negotiated, Oppositional)

Key Terminology
Dystopia: A pessimistic, dysfunctional view of a world gone wrong

Hyperreality: A sense of reality constructed by simulated environments (theme parks, Avatar etc)

Simulacra: Any stage where the distinction between reality and its image has been broken down

Hybrid Genre: A cross between two or more film genres

Immersion: A more realistic experience in consuming media e.g. 3D films

Meta narratives: Big stories or big debates that postmodernists argue have little meaning in a personal and fragmented world

Mini narratives: Small practices, storylines, events

Kitsch: An inferior or tasteless copy of a text of recognised value

Fragmented Identity: Fixed gender roles are more fluid and people are changeable

Decentred texts: The margins of a text are more important than the centre.

Retro: Culturally outdated but retro style has become fashionable

Simulated realty: (e.g. avatars)

Eclecticism: A wide range of influences, contributions and techniques.

Intertextuality: An author’s borrowing and transformation of a prior text.

Parody: A satirical imitation of a text. (Sarcastic) - e.g. Scream

Pastiche: A media text made up of pieces of other texts or imitation of other styles. - e.g.

Homage: Where a director pays tribute to another by including images, scenes or stylistic features as an acknowledgement of their influence or importance.

Bricolage: A technique where works are constructed from various materials available.

Acts against modernism: Postmodernism embodies scepticism towards the ideas and ideals of the modern era, especially the ideas of progress, objectivity, reason, certainty, personal identity and grand narrative.

Nostalgic: Celebrates the past and its glory.

Narcissistic: Fascination with oneself; excessive self-love; vanity.

Active audience: The assertion that meaning and experience can only be created by the individual, and cannot be made objective by an author or narrator. Assumes an intelligent and active audience.

Hyper-conscious: Aware of itself.

Film
Bladerunner (1982)
The Matrix (1999)
Pleasantville (1998)
Inglorious Basterds (2009)
Scream (1996)
Scary Movie (2000)
Kill Bill (2003)

TV
Top Gear (1977 – present)
Reality TV (Big Brother, Nick and Jessica, The Hills, The Family)
The Office (2001 – 2005)
Extras (2005 – 2007)
The Mighty Boosh (1998 – present)
Life on Mars (2006 – 2007)
Doctor Who (1963 – present)

General Postmodern Issues
The internet (Media 2.0)
Social Networking (Facebook, Myspace, Twitter) = Seven Days
Youtube
Video games (Grand Theft Auto etc)
Advertising (Cadbury’s Gorilla etc)
Digital renaissance
Personal experiences and response is vital

Key Exam Areas
What are the different versions of post-modernism (historical period, style, theoretical approach)?

What are the arguments for and against understanding some forms of media as post-modern?

How do post-modern media texts challenge traditional text-reader relations and the concept of representation?

In what ways do media audiences and industries operate differently in a post-modern world?

January 2010 Questions
• What is meant by ‘postmodern media’?
Or
• Explain why the idea of ‘postmodern media’ might be considered controversial.