Intertextuality

Intertextuality is based on the relationship between two texts. By definition intertextuality is the shaping of texts meanings by other texts. The idea was introduced by Julia Kristeva, she argued against the concept of a text as an isolated entity, which operates in a self contained manner.

Intertextuality is where a text alludes to or in which references towards another text. Every text is a mosaic reference to other texts, genres or discourses. Some texts refer directly to each other, for example the cartoon Family Guy or The Simpsons use extra diegetic references to media and society. The interpretation of these references is influenced by the audience's prior knowledge.


Intertextuality within music videos
John Stuarts uses the description of music videos as the essential essence of intertextuality is "incorporating, raiding and reconstructing." Using something familiar to the audience can be polysemic, as this can possibly generate nostalgic associations and new meanings.


The genre I am particularly focusing on is indie pop or indie rock. I have studied and viewed certain music videos relating to this specific genre. One in which I am heavily inspired by is Robbers by The 1975, as I believe this is where the majority of my inspiration for creating my own music video has stemmed from. The video itself uses intertextuality, as the song and the video is heavily inspired by True Romance starring Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette.

Other music videos which involve intertextuality include; Gentlemen Prefer Blondes along with Madonna's Material Girl.

In 1986, Barthes announced the death of the author and the birth of the reader. This declared that a texts unity lies not in its origin but within its destination. To conclude there is basically no such idea as an original text, as ideas stem from one another.