Postmodernism in TV and Music Videos

Postmodernism in TV and music videos

Katie Norris

 

Postmodernism does not have a set definition. There are many different interpretations of it by different people. Many theorists have described what they think postmodernism is.

 

The term ‘postmodern’ was first stated around the 1870’s and was then used in 1921 and 1925 to describe new forms of art and music. However it mainly gained popularity during the twentieth century.  Postmodernism was initially created as a response to modernism and was therefore known as the era that followed modernism. An overall view of postmodernism is that it is an overreaching term for sceptical interpretations of culture, literature, art or philosophy, economics, architecture, fiction, and literary criticism. An example of postmodernism being used in our society can clearly be seen in music videos and TV, of both previous years and in today’s age.

 

Madonna first came around in the 1980’s after signing with Sign Records, and soon began to create a number of songs which topped the charts. She soon became renowned for pushing the boundaries of lyrical content in mainstream pop music and imagery in her music videos, which became a fixture on MTV. One main music video that could clearly be classed as postmodern was ‘Like a Prayer’ which was released in 1989. The video, a lot of catholic symbols were represented, as well as stigmata, and burning of the cross. It also challenges stereotypical religious beliefs that Jesus was a white male, as in the video, the character that is representing Jesus is a black male. This contradicted what many people believed Jesus to look like, and therefore caused upset amongst audiences. Not only this, but the obvious references in the video to Jesus and the catholic religion. So much so that the Vatican also acknowledged the video and condemned it. 

 

The video can be seen as postmodern due to the amount of religious references and questions it creates for an audience. Religion is a sensitive topic for many, and to contradict religious beliefs in the way in which Madonna does would clearly be seen as a revolt against modernism in terms of religion and the fact that everyone tends to only preach what they know. In the lyrics, Madonna states that “life is a mystery” and “everyone should stand alone” which may demonstrate that Madonna disagrees in the Bible and there is still a lot to question about how life itself began, and that by standing alone, no one should follow one another or rely on what they have been told (such as being informed of Jesus and believing he exists). Her use of sexual innuendo in the line “I’m down on my knees, I wanna take you there” was put into the song by Madonna herself to purposely provoke her audience.  This being a very postmodern as getting an audience interested or confused by what they see or hear is a typical aspect of postmodernism.

 

The Mighty Boosh is a T.V series that started out based from three stage shows and 6 radio performances which then developed into 20 episodes and was aired on BBC Three.  This TV series can be considered to be highly postmodern for many reasons.

 

From the moment the opening sequence begins, it is clear to see that this program contains postmodernism. From random squiggles and characters moving across the screen, to eerie music and a futuristic voice that talks about taking a journey “through time and space”. It is clear to see we are about to delve into the postmodern world of TV.  Through out all the series, many concepts and theories of post modernism can be found. This includes the continuous transformation of one of the main characters style ( Vince Noir) which seems to in one episode, be that of a goth, and the next a retro style for example. Mixing and matching a certain style to a different era that it was founded in can be seen as eclecticism which is highly used in postmodernism to question and confuse audiences about the current trends they live with. At the same time, this can also be seen through out the Mighty Boosh in terms of genres. The Mighty Boosh mixes comedy with aspects of a musical and fantasy. Making it highly postmodern. 

 

One episode in particular that I have studied is clearly postmodern. This being the episode of Milky Joe. A coconut becomes a character when Vince and Howard become stranded on an Island. As they are left longer on the island, more coconut characters begin to appear such as Ruby and Precious. These coconuts are seen to be given personalities which would resemble anthropomorphism. This episode can also be seen as a parody of the film Castaway, starring Tom Hanks. There are obvious parallels between the two as in Castaway a football is used to create a character whilst in this case, Milky Joe is created. However the story is developed further as a postmodern episode as the coconuts ‘come alive’ and become surreal when they try to capture Howard and Vince. 

 

Overall, it is clear to see that postmodernism has been used in music videos and TV. It seems like music videos have adapted to become more like short films over the years with less meaning involved, whilst TV has merged many different forms of postmodern media such as art and music with visual imagery and peculiar storylines.