INTERTEXTUALITY

Intertextuality is the shaping of a text's meaning by another text, the relationship between texts when one text alludes to or partially borrows from another text. Direct quotations, allusions, parodies, or references to characters, themes, or events from another work are just a few examples of how this might be done. It is frequently used to connect a text to other pieces of literature, art, or culture. It can also be used to make new meanings and interpretations of the original text, as well as to remark on or criticise it.

In the media industry, intertextuality is significant, especially in television and movies. Intertextual references can be used to create a sense of shared cultural knowledge and to engage viewers in a dialogue with other texts and media. The usage of references to popular culture and earlier works is a typical instance of intertextuality in the media. As an illustration, a movie might allude to a classic film, and a TV show might make fun of a recent occurrence. These allusions can be used to engage audiences and establish a common understanding of the state of the media.

Michael Jackson’s music video for the song "Thriller” is a classic example of intertextuality as it features several references and allusions to classic horror films. The video's opening shot, which shows Michael Jackson and his girlfriend passing through a cemetery, is a clear allusion to "Night of the Living Dead" from 1968. The choreography of the video incorporates a number of moves from horror movies, including the zombie walk and the monsters' "claw" gesture. In the video, clothes and makeup like the werewolf makeup on Michael Jackson and the zombie makeup on the dancers are also influenced by vintage horror movies. Vincent Price, who is most remembered for his appearances in "House of Wax" and "The Fly," provides a spoken-word introduction to the video. There is a tribute to classic horror movies like "The Wolf Man" and "Night of the Living Dead" in the plot of the video, in which Michael Jackson dressed as a werewolf and dances with a bunch of zombies. Ultimately, the "Thriller" music video incorporates a variety of horror film themes and techniques to provide a singular and unforgettable visual experience.

The music video for Madonna's "Vogue" uses intertextuality by referencing and paying homage to the golden age of Hollywood and its iconic movie stars. The video incorporates a number of well-known dance steps and stances from vintage Hollywood movies, including performances by Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, and Carole Lombard. The use of stylised lighting, clothing, and black-and-white photography is reminiscent of vintage Hollywood movies from the 1930s and 1940s. Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe are mentioned in the song's lyrics, and Madonna can be seen in various scenes of the music video striking the typical movie star poses. The choreography in the video makes various references to vintage Hollywood movies, including the well-known "fan dance" made popular by Sally Rand in the 1930s. The intertextual allusions to vintage Hollywood personalities and films serve to further emphasise the music video for "Vogue" as a celebration of Hollywood glitz and flair. By using these allusions, Madonna is able to honour the legendary characters and movies of the past while simultaneously giving her audience something brand-new and exciting.

Intertextuality is a key element of Lana Del Rey's music videos as it allows her to explore themes of nostalgia, Americana, and classic Hollywood glamour. By referencing other texts and artworks, she is able to create a rich and complex world that is both familiar and new. The video for Lana Del Rey's breakout hit "Video Games'' is filled with intertextual references. It opens with a clip from "The Sadist" (1957), followed by clips from "The Night of the Hunter" (1955). These movies' gloomy, brooding visuals provide the backdrop for the video. The music video also includes images of video games, vintage automobiles, and American flags, all symbols of American popular culture. The song itself makes references to various well-known songs, including "Summertime Sadness" and "Blue Velvet." Elvis Presley, who is frequently used as a symbol of American popular music, is also included in the video. A still from William-Adolphe Bouguereau's artwork "Dante and Virgil in Hell" can be seen. The "Inferno" of Dante is referred to in this picture, which implies that the film is examining dark, existential issues. The intertextuality in "Video Games" helps to create a complex, layered text that invites multiple interpretations.

In order to develop links and produce meaning between many texts, intertextuality is used in creative works like music videos, movies, and literature. A work may gain layers of intricacy and depth as a result, opening up several interpretations for the audience. By drawing on the audience's familiarity with particular texts, intertextuality can also be employed to elicit feelings and responses from them. An audience may be drawn by the use of intertextuality for a variety of reasons. First off, by making connections to literature that the audience is already familiar with, it might give them a feeling of recognition and familiarity. The audience may find this enjoyable as they feel involved in the making of the art and get its deeper meaning. Intertextuality can also give a piece of work a sense of complexity and depth, which will intrigue and engage the audience more. The work can be understood in many different ways thanks to the use of several texts, which adds to its complexity and thought-provoking ness. It can also be utilised to evoke nostalgia or a sense of connectedness to the past. The audience can have a sense of connection to earlier generations and cultures by making references to classic literature or cultural touchstones, which fosters a sense of shared history and identity.

I am not planning on including numerous intertextual references in my music video because it can sometimes distract the audience from the main message or theme of the work, diluting its impact or clarity. However, I will include some references such as a shot which Lana del Rey has in her music video for “Summertime Sadness”. I will also reference the South Korean film director Park Chan-wook. I will use his technique of blending two different shots with the figure placed in the centre in order to change locations. This will allow me to successfully make a smooth transition.