Postmodernism
is a complex theory that relates to multiple forms of media as well as architecture
and art. The theory was first formed during what was considered ‘the death of modernism’.
Postmodernism is described by postmodern theorist and author of ‘The Postmodern
Condition’ Jean-Francois Lyotard as an ‘incredulity towards metanarrative’
meaning as a theory, postmodernism is sceptical of truth claims postmodernity
then is in opposition to modernist ideals. Where modernists believe in science,
order and strict conventions, postmodernists instead believe in playfulness, irony,
the look or surface meaning and embracing of subjectivity and individuality.
Media is often described as being postmodern if it adheres to certain
conventions. These conventions include; Intertextuality, Hyper-Reality, Parody,
Bricolage, and Pastiche. The following case studies have been selected due to
their relation to not only these conventions but postmodern theories as a
whole. Watchmen (Zack Snyder 2009), LA Noire (Team Bondi and Rockstar Games
2011), and The Simpsons episode; ‘The Dark Knight Court’ (Matt Groening 2013)
are all examples of postmodern media due to their relation to the conventions
and the theories of postmodernism.
