Postmodernism essay question

To what extent can you case studies be described as Postmodern?

Postmodernism is often hard to define, but generally means showing an objective view on the ‘real world’. It is almost the opposite of traditional modern views, and rejects grand narratives such as religion and feminism.

My case studies of The Simpsons, The Sims and Blade Runner are seen as postmodern to a large extent as they possess features of which, are famously linked to the term; pastiche, noir, rejection of grand narratives, intertextuality and identity crisis.

The Simpsons is an animated series and has been extremely popular since it first aired on Fox over 20 years ago. All of its episodes are riddled with postmodernity, however the particular episode this essay will be focused on, is “Bart to the Future”.

The name of the episode itself is a parody of popular 80s trilogy, “Back to the Future”. Linking back to this, the episode is filled with pastiche. Pastiche is a piece of media, like for example a TV series that imitates other bit of work. In my chosen episode, Bart is seen to be a jobless washed up rock star. In Back to the Future the protagonist Marty Mcfly is also a washed up rock star who is seen to get fired.

The whole episode is filled with flying cars and futuristic gadgets, all of which are very similar to that of objects shown in the film.

Although the concept of the two is slightly different, Bart is shown a glimpse of his future threw the use of a crystal ball, whereas Marty was sent there personally, the message sent out to the audience is still the same.  Both protagonists get a sneak preview of their future selves, and are unimpressed with the outcomes and vow to make a change.

Leading on from this, Bart is seen to have an identity crisis. He is able to take a glimpse into his future life and is immensely displeased with what he sees the outcome to be. This causes him to have an epiphany as such and want to make a change in his life for good, and causes him to re-think his typical menacing ways.

One of Baudrillard’s most well-known theories of hyper reality is also used by Groening. The Simpsons follows a non-linear narrative whereby there is confusion between time and space; the series has been shown over a 22 year period and none of the characters have aged, nor do any new characters that appear last more than one episode. Also, although the show is based on real life events that could potentially happen to real people, occasionally the laws of nature are opposed by some of the episodes containing aliens or other religious or mythical creatures. This particular episode of the series shows hyper reality as Bart is able to take a look into his future, and throughout the scene frequently switches back to the ‘present’ so the audience are able to see Bart reflect on the state of his future self.

However, the amount of postmodernism in The Simpsons is questioned as although religion is often parodied and hugely stereotyped, the show still sends off the message that it does exist, causing good citizens to go to heaven and the bad to end up in hell.

Scott Ridley’s 1982 hit ‘blade Runner’ is also hugely cited as postmodern.

The film noir genre used throughout Blade Runner is contradicted by the futuristic setting of the film as it is set in the year 2019. Scott uses steam in the background of the streets, deep voice over narration, constant rain and Deckard’s old-fashioned detective style clothing which are all features associated with film noir. However, these aspects go against the technological imagery the film uses to look futuristic.

Scott uses pastiche to reuse both the classic film noir imagery shown throughout Blade Runner, as well as the stereotypical views on what the future is to look like and the state of the world in regards to pollution. This links to Jameson’s theory that postmodernism ideas recycle the past. Also, this mixing of textual references and images gives the film a very postmodern aesthetic and also creates a sense of time bending.

The replicants in Blade Runner are shown to all be ‘more human than human’, and have all been create in what is thought to be a perfect image making them seem better suited for life then the rest of us. This use of hyper reality links to Baudrillard’s theory that we don’t know what is real and what is simulated just like Rachel being a replicant and not knowing it.

The ending of Blade Runner is also cited to be postmodern, for it ends on a cliff hanger where it is suggested that Deckard may ironically be a replicant himself but it is never verified; the audience are left to make their own decision on the matter and the director himself never confirmed whether he was or not, un till recently. This is seen as a postmodern aspect as it ends the film with no closure.

The Sims is a simulation game developed by Maxis, and is thought by many to be very postmodern. This is because of its interactive nature and giving the audience the control to get the characters to do whatever they want, as well as simulating their looks and lifestyles.

The Sims contains intertexuality as it is created to have pre-made characters and some of which are made to conform to famous or well-known people. For example, some of the games have pre-set characters called ‘Romeo and Juliet’, which are created in an old fashioned style to fit the times they actual characters were set in.

There is also, quite ironically, intertextuality within The Sims itself, as the characters are able to play The Sims on their computers and games consoles.

Players can create their own Sims characters as well as their own villages and towns, and in some cases shopping centres; this links brings Baudrillard’s theory of simulacra. The hyper-real world enables players to control their own characters and even create Sim versions of themselves.

The Sims is based on real life, but is treated by its fans as a different world as they have their own language ‘Simlish’ and even have their own kind of money which they have to earn and use to buy things; Simoleans.