Music Video with Intertextual References

This is 'Pork and Beans' by Weezer which couldn't have more post modern intertextual references:





1. What makes this MV post-modern?


The entire video is a parody of successful and well known youtube videos that went viral. The video and song in this case is a rebellion against a majority of popular culture and 'doing the things that you want to do' rather than following the crowd to be 'cool' experimenting with the representation of reality and taking on a different view on the world. It puts across the idea that being different is a good think and not being taken hold by the hands of the media and thier institution. The use of utterly ridiculous youtube videos helps to show this as the self generated content of individuals who want to be different and try new things become internet sensations and if you have ever been on youtube you are sure to recognise many of the clips that have been parodied some of which with the original people in them.      

2. Analyse intertextual references.


This video is full to the brim with intertextual references mainly from popular youtube clips many that people will recognise from thier use of the website. All the clip references in the video were viral and therefore well known and loved by much of the youtube community. Some of the youtube clips have been used to show that being different is fun, interesting and not necessarily a bad thing. For example the boy with the glasses and the microphone at centre left of the picture board below who is famous for singing his song 'Chocolate Rain' is different as he has a substantially low and bazaar singing voice and style. 'Numa Numa' at the very bottom right is known for his interpretation and miming of a famous Eastern European song in a funny and embarrassing manner on webcam and became famous for it. Furthermore the Ninja/karate man is known for his hilarious fail at the martial arts and the viewers laugh at this, despite being to bad he is content to continue his routine.

3. What impact do the intertextual references have on the audience?


They at first hand are used for humorous reasons and also to give the audience flashback moments making them say for example ' i remember that video, its so funny'. I then think many of the videos have been used to reflect the audience for what they really are meaning that we all have qualities that are different some of which people will think are weird and its not a bad thing to exploit these qualities as that is what makes us human. I think that is why the intertextual references have been used in backing up the message the lyrics promote.