Intertextuality

In this intertextuality research task, I will be looking at how a range of media products in the category of 'music videos' and how they use intertextuality to appeal to a wide range of audiences.  I will also be highlighting what makes these references to other media texts effective.

One product of intertextuality is the music video ‘writing on the wall’ by Sam Smith. The song starts with Sam Smith in a suit which is a reference to the James Bond as James Bond is always in a suit. There are also scenes of the movie in the actual video. There is also the classic symphony at the start which gives the audience the classic James Bond vibe.

Another product of intertextuality is the music video ‘Thank you next’ by Ariana Grande. Ariana Grande’s target audience is 15 – 25. The video starts off with a pregnant Colleen Ballinger who is well known for character Maranda Sings she appears to be gossiping about Ariana Grande. There is also an appearance of Gabi Demartino who is well known for copying Ariana Grande’s style and also trying to copy Ariana Grande’s appearance. The school setting and gossiping with Ariana and a group of people walking down the school halls is a reference to hit film Mean Girls released in 2004. Ariana Grande, Elizabeth Gilles (Ariana’s former co-star in the hit show Victorious and also her best friend) and even a guest appearance of Kris Jenner recreate the iconic Christmas performance from the movie. Ariana also recreates the cheerleader battle scene from the movie Bring it on (released in 2000). The video then makes references to the nostalgic film 13 going on 30 (also released in 2004). In this scene she has the iconic doll house but instead of a regular doll house like in the movie, this doll house includes rooms from the video, such as here bed room from the dancing on her bed scene. The video makes on last nostalgic movie reference - Legally Blonde (released in 2001). Ariana Grande even pays homage to the movie by recreating the iconic Bend And Snap move but making it slightly different for copyright purposes. Ariana Grande even when as far as hiring the same actress that worked at the nail shop from the original movie. By making these references it is clear that Ariana Grande aims for an audience that grew up watching these movies like she did and by using the iconic and nostalgic references appeals to her target audience which is why this video is Youtube’s biggest debut but was eventually overtaken by Blackpink’s ‘Kill This Love’

                                                                                   

I will use a face mask from the official BLM website as intertextuality.