Intertextuality: Hollywood's New Currency

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores the concept of intertextuality in modern filmmaking, emphasizing its emotional impact on viewers through recognizable symbols and references. He critiques the trend of 'weaponized intertextuality,' where familiar elements from previous works are used as shortcuts for emotional engagement rather than for character development or strong storytelling. Drawing examples from various films and shows, including 'Beauty and the Beast,' 'Star Wars,' and 'Batman v Superman,' he highlights the balance needed between fan service and substantive narratives. Ultimately, he suggests that while intertextuality can enrich films, it should not replace thoughtful storytelling.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The teaser for the live-action *Beauty and the Beast* features iconic symbols like a red rose and the phrase 'Be Our Guest', highlighting the emotional impact of intertextuality in modern films.
• 📚 Intertextuality refers to how one text (like a movie) is influenced by another text (such as a book or song), and is a long-standing element of storytelling.
• 🔄 There is a new form of intertextuality emerging, characterized by an abundance of remakes, sequels, and adaptations, often designed to evoke specific emotional responses in viewers.
• ✨ Moments of intertextuality can create a sense of nostalgia, as seen in *Star Wars: The Force Awakens* with the reveal of familiar characters and objects.
• ⚔️ Weaponized intertextuality can sometimes serve as a substitute for strong storytelling, as evidenced by the unnecessary inclusion of Sauron in *The Hobbit* films.
• 🦄 Certain intertextual reveals, like 'My name is Khan', can feel contrived, serving to elicit reactions rather than enhance the narrative.
• 🕵️‍♂️ *Smallville* is cited as a show that effectively deconstructed intertextual cues in its early seasons, focusing on character relationships over fan service.
• 🤖 DC Comics struggles with intertextuality due to its mythological heroes, where excitement from character appearances doesn't compensate for weak narratives, as seen in *Batman v Superman*.
• 🎨 Zack Snyder's *Watchmen* showcases the challenge of relying heavily on visual intertextual references, which can lead to an ultimately hollow viewing experience.
• 🌍 Despite criticisms, franchises can build communities and reflect positive social bonds when intertextuality is used thoughtfully alongside strong characters and engaging stories.

Q & A

What is intertextuality as described in the script?

Intertextuality refers to the way a text, such as a film, is shaped by other texts, including films, books, plays, and songs. It reflects how language and storytelling have evolved by referencing previous works.

How does the speaker feel about the emotional currency of intertextuality in modern films?

The speaker suggests that intertextuality serves as a new form of emotional currency in Hollywood, where recognizable symbols and references trigger nostalgic feelings and emotional connections for the audience.

What example does the speaker use to illustrate weaponized intertextuality?

The speaker cites the inclusion of Sauron in *The Hobbit* trilogy as an example of weaponized intertextuality, arguing that it was included for emotional impact rather than narrative necessity.

What is meant by 'weaponized intertextuality'?

Weaponized intertextuality refers to the practice of using intertextual references as dramatic substitutes, relying on audience familiarity and nostalgia instead of developing strong characters and coherent stories.

What are the potential risks of relying heavily on intertextual references in films?

The risk is that the film may feel hollow or lacking in depth if it leans too heavily on familiar references at the expense of character development and narrative integrity.

How does the speaker view the relationship between franchises and intertextuality?

The speaker acknowledges that franchises and shared universes are not inherently bad; when executed well, they can foster community and create strong emotional bonds among audiences.

Which films does the speaker critique for their use of intertextuality?

The speaker critiques *Batman v Superman* and *Watchmen* for prioritizing visual fidelity to source material over strong storytelling and character development.

What examples does the speaker provide to illustrate the idea of emotional payoff?

The speaker mentions moments like the reveal of the Millennium Falcon in *Star Wars: The Force Awakens* and iconic lines like 'My name is Khan' as instances where intertextuality generates immediate emotional responses from the audience.

What is the speaker's perspective on the future of intertextuality in cinema?

The speaker anticipates an increase in weaponized intertextuality in upcoming films, as many major releases are sequels or adaptations, making it likely that familiar references will be used extensively.

How can intertextuality be effectively integrated into storytelling?

Intertextuality can enhance storytelling when it is used to deepen character relationships and add emotional resonance without overshadowing the narrative or character development.