How the video to Riptide uses intertextuality

Summary

In this analysis of the music video for 'Riptide,' the concept of intertextuality is explored, focusing on subtle references to iconic horror and surrealist films. The video makes use of vague allusions to *Suspiria* (1977), *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre* (1974), and *Un Chien Andalou* (1929), using imagery such as a vulnerable female protagonist, primary color filters, and violent themes to evoke these films. While the references are not explicit, they add layers of depth, offering a richer experience for cine-literate audiences. The use of intertextuality enhances the video's symbolic meaning, providing both entertainment and critical commentary on gender representation in horror.

Takeaways

• 😀 Intertextuality is a concept where one media product makes reference to another, helping to enrich its meaning.
• 😀 In media studies, intertextuality is commonly used in comedy, with shows like *The Simpsons* referencing other films and TV shows for humorous effect.
• 😀 Intertextuality can be explicit (parody or pastiche) or soft, with vague references that add depth without directly copying elements from other works.
• 😀 The music video for 'Riptide' utilizes soft intertextuality, referencing classic films in a subtle and non-explicit manner.
• 😀 The video references several iconic films, including *Suspiria*, *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre*, and *Un Chien Andalou*, which provide a deeper understanding of its themes.
• 😀 'Riptide' indirectly comments on the representation of women in horror films, using imagery and symbolism from movies known for their portrayal of vulnerable female characters.
• 😀 The video’s use of vibrant red and blue lighting, as seen in *Suspiria*, enhances the unsettling and nightmarish atmosphere, even if the references are not directly spelled out.
• 😀 *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre* is evoked through the video’s themes of torment and the presence of a threatening male antagonist, resembling scenes from the film.
• 😀 *Un Chien Andalou*, a surrealist film, influences the video’s disjointed narrative structure and incorporation of dreamlike sequences and sexual violence themes.
• 😀 The use of intertextual references in 'Riptide' allows for a polysemic interpretation, meaning the video can be understood in various ways depending on the viewer’s familiarity with the referenced films.

Q & A

What is intertextuality?

Intertextuality refers to the way one media product makes references to another media product. It involves connections between different works, which can be explicit or subtle.

How is intertextuality commonly used in comedy?

In comedy, intertextuality is often used for humorous effect, where media products reference other films or TV shows. A famous example is *The Simpsons*, which regularly includes intertextual references to other media, often for comedic purposes.

What is the difference between explicit and soft intertextuality?

Explicit intertextuality involves clear, direct references to another media product, such as a parody. Soft intertextuality, on the other hand, refers to more subtle or vague references, where the connection is not immediately obvious.

How does the music video for 'Riptide' use intertextuality?

'Riptide' makes use of soft intertextuality, with references to classic horror films and surrealist works. These references are not overt but still add depth and meaning to the video, especially for cine-literate audiences.

Why is intertextuality important in the 'Riptide' video?

Intertextuality in 'Riptide' enriches the video's meaning by subtly referencing other films, which helps to explore themes such as the representation of women in horror. It also engages audiences who appreciate these cinematic references, offering a deeper viewing experience.

What role does intertextuality play in marketing the 'Riptide' video?

By including cinematic references, the 'Riptide' video attracts cinephiles and those familiar with the referenced films, broadening its audience base. This strategy adds layers of meaning, even for viewers who might not typically enjoy the song itself.

Which films are referenced in the 'Riptide' music video?

The video references three key films: *Suspiria* (1977), *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre* (1974), and *Un Chien Andalou* (1929), each contributing to the video's thematic and visual style.

How does 'Riptide' reference the film *Suspiria*?

'Riptide' evokes *Suspiria* through visual elements like red and blue lighting, a vulnerable female protagonist, and a violent male antagonist. The video also includes props such as knives and a noose, which recall the horror elements of *Suspiria*.

What similarities exist between *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre* and the 'Riptide' video?

Both the film and the video feature a young woman being terrorized by male threats. While the video doesn't explicitly reference *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre*, its themes of violence and torment echo the 1974 horror film.

What are the surrealist elements referenced in the 'Riptide' video?

The 'Riptide' video alludes to surrealism, particularly through the use of disjointed narrative and themes of sexual threat and violence, similar to *Un Chien Andalou* by Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí. These elements create an unsettling, dreamlike atmosphere.

How does intertextuality contribute to the confusion and engagement in the 'Riptide' video?

The subtle references and ambiguous narrative create a sense of confusion, prompting viewers to rewatch the video to uncover deeper meanings. This encourages discussion and sharing, allowing different audiences to interpret the video in various ways.

How does the use of retro fashion in 'Riptide' connect to the referenced films?

The 1970s retro fashion in *Riptide* aligns with the visual style of the referenced horror films, particularly *Suspiria* and *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre*, which were also known for their distinctive 1970s aesthetic. This reinforces the video's homage to that era.