Post-Modernism In Shrek

Characters who are disconnected from authority

Shrek is the main protagonist in the Shrek movies. Shrek is derived from a German word which literally means “fear” or “terror”. Shrek lives by himself in a swamp away from other creatures. Shrek is misanthropic and grumpy, yet doesn’t want to hurt anyone, he just wants to be left alone. He is often said to have Sociophobia.

Along with Shrek wanting to live alone, the other creatures in Far Far Away land are scared and intimidated by him because ofthe fact they think he is a BIG UGLY OGRE!

"I'm not the one with the problem,

Donkey; it's the world that seems to

have a problem with me. People take

one good look at me and go 'Aah!

Help! Run! A big stupid ugly ogre!'

They judge me before they even

know me. That's why I'm better off

alone!“.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEvOYUmoO6k

References to high culture

Shrek makes references to high culture in the film by showing the breakdown of the divide between high and low classes. The best example of this is Princess Fiona turning into an ogre and the love between Fiona and Shrek. Another example is

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rf-xEd-SB4

Hybridity

Shrek mixes genres throughout the film. For example, there is an element of comedy, romance and action and adventure. This adds to the enjoyment of the film as it caters for a wide audience.

Action adventure

Romance

Intertextuality

Use of ‘blind date’, which is an intertextual reference linking to pop culture but also Snow White. This added humour, which will appeal to the younger audiences through their knowledge of other fairy tales, but will also appeal to an adult audience with references to dating.

Intertextuality

Shrek also makes use of various characters from fictional books and other films. For example Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs. This will help the younger audience understand as they will be able to relate to other fictional stories that they have previously read or seen.

Lack of narrator

Like other post-modern films, Shrek does not make use of a narrator. The narrative is therefore presented in a linear way, through the use of speech and interactions between characters

At the very end Shrek puts his hand in front of the camera, this shows that he is aware of the camera.

Self reflexivity

• Throughout the film, references are made in the dialogue that recognises that its a movie, for example;

This is the part where you run away!

OUR TEXT IS POSTMODERN BECAUSE

• Throughout the film, references are made to modern films and television shows such as the Disney movies, The Matrix and Gladiator.

• It uses all elements of postmodernism throughout the film consistently.