UNIT 26 - Intertextuality

Intertextuality

Intertextuality is where two films refer to each other/ cross reference between films in many ways. it is particularly  used in literary texts. These films have an influence on each other, reflect, or differ from each other. There are many films which covers this. One example of this is the film Shrek. Shrek is a film which consists of a lot of intertextuality.

For example within the film we see the use of various characters from other films or stories put into the world of Shrek, these characters may play a 'Parody' role where they appear to be In the film but play a humerus role. Within Shrek Pinocchio is seen in various scenes with a modern twist to his character. Producers of Shrek put this is as they know audiences will know and recognize Pinocchio as its so well known from the original movie, by adding some humor then creates some additional entertainment, this is because the audience will most likely know Pinocchio for its story not for its humor. This also gives the movie more of a likability as fans can recognize the use of intertextuality themselves. This also aims to bring out more media literate viewers. Media literate viewers will be able to point out the use of intertextuality and can also bring it out the use of media literacy out of people.

There are two types of audiences; passive/active. Intertextuality enables active audiences. Active audiences are viewers who don't just watch the film but recognise different effects implemented by the director, this can vary to the intertextuality used or a link shown in the film to another.

Another example of intertextuality within a production is when the program Family Guy made their own version and referred to the film Star-Wars. The special episode of Family guy featured many references to the very popular film. The episode enabled audiences and fans of Star-Wars to watch and identify the scenes which were used to recreate their own version of the film.


 This may attract new audiences because many people enjoyed and watched Star-Wars and seeing that there is going to be a remade version in a Family-Guy concept then this will intrigue them and they'd most likely tune in to watch it. After this then the viewers may decide to carry on watching Family-Guy. So this is one way in which producers benefit from intertextuality. Fans of both Family Guy and Star-Wars will find this even more entertaining as merging the two productions together benefits both types of audiences be it passive or active, however Active audiences may find the intertextuality a bit more entertaining as they can recognize the use of it and how directors have linked the two.

By linking two productions together there are many ways in which fans can interact to the two productions. One production can gain more viewers because of this. Also intertextuality is a great way for producers o benefit n terms of money as more and more people will want to start watching more of the production.