When considering the above, the film Inception and the film Inglorious basterds are a great example of postmodernism. inglorious Basterds can be considered postmodern mainly due to a number of intertextual references throughout the film that incorporate texts from different genres and particularly vary in age in order to create a film that combines different forms of media in a way which can then appeal to media-literate audiences. Another element that makes it postmodern is the frequent use of hyper reality within the film, which constructs a fantasy for the audience to engage in – with at several points it being made clear the film is not real, however allowing for it to be enjoyed.
A film that has been compared to Inglorious Basterds in some elements is ‘Where Eagles Dare’ a 1968 war film by Brian Hutton. This is due mainly to the way death is conveyed in both films, particularly of Nazi’s. They share a ruthless, emotionless style of killing the Nazi’s with high numbers of deaths shown in both – with the ways in which they die varying creatively and sometimes shown as graphic. This an example of hyper reality, as the deaths are shown in a way that are not what is expected from real life – yet do not pretend to be real. This is something that creates the argument ‘is Inglorious Basterds a war film at all?’ as stereotypical war films such as Saving Private Ryan aim to be as realistic as possible, whereas Inglorious Basterds blurs the line between what is real and what is virtual in a way which makes it different to most. For example, the Nazi’s wear completely neat and pristine uniforms even during battle – rarely looking unwashed or dishevelled whereas in a real life situation we know this would not be the case as it is not what we associate with war. However, based on Fiske’s theory, it can be argued our perception of war is only based on war films to an extent, and that the stereotypical image that is portrayed such as in Saving Private Ryan is being challenged by Tarantino. Another non-conventional element is the lack of emotion and fear, which is something usually played on a lot in war films, in order to create a sense of realism. Therefore suggesting Inglorious Basterds does not attempt to create something that is meant to be seen as real, and instead is a film that acknowledges it is a film. It does have elements of a stereotypical war film, mainly in the storyline and plot. For example, the way it is about fighting the Nazi’s, the way the main characters are – similar to The Dirty Dozen and also the way it is set in World War II. However, the way it breaks conventions is in the way it is not historically correct as the war did not go according to the film so therefore it could be considered a film based on war rather than a war film.
In Chapter 1 of the film, Tarantino adds postmodern parts from different films which can either be immediately spotted or some not as prominent and have to be searched for. The opening scene can refer to the opening of The Sound of Music as the scenery is very open and uplifting. The vibrant colours and realistic setting displayed creates a calm atmosphere which soon fades due to the arrival of Colonel Hans Landa. This rather dumbs down the mood. This spacious and noticeable setting leads to the idea of a typical fairy-tale opening and also links to the name of the chapter ‘Once Upon a Time in Nazi occupied France’. The backdrop is very eye catching to viewers that have seen The Sound of Music and they would be able to associate that setting to the opening scene of inglorious Basterds which is located in France and looks quite similar to the Austrian location in The Sound of Music. By having this fairy-tale reference in the title it sets the film up as unreal so this is an example of hyper reality. The tension gradually increases by the music that is played which sounds like a mix of classical and the Spaghetti Western music. By combining these two elements, it shows that Tarantino has taken something original and made something new and creative out of it. The Spaghetti Western music originates from films such as The Good The Bad & The Ugly. This is a 1966 Italian/Spanish Spaghetti Western film directed by Sergio Leone. The finale to this film shows the three men involved in a gun fight and the iconic music plays to create tension and leads the audience to believe something bad is about to happen. This element works the same in inglorious Basterds as the music is used in scenes where an event is predictable so by hearing this music it leads the audience to believe that something is going to happen momentarily. The Spaghetti Western music creates an interesting contrast to the genre of the film as the two are quite different and you wouldn’t expect to hear it in any other war film. Tarantino uses similar shots to Leone in the forest and cellar scene and this is where the postmodern aspect is enhanced.
Inglourious Basterds has several intertextual references, such as Battleship Potemkia with the Odessa steps sequence which is also referred twice in Nations Pride with the shot in the eye and the baby in a pram across the town square, in addition Nations Pride is also a intertextual reference being a film within a film, this Is a very clever method as the general audience will not pick up on it but it is very prominent within the film. The Good The Bad The Ugly with the camera work and with it being a spaghetti western and within Inglourious Basterds the British officer makes a reference to the film 'White hell of pitz palu'.
Moving onto the film Inception this piece has also got a lot of postmodern elements to it. The director of Inception Christopher Nolan, is renown for producing very Unique films in the past, he is probably best known for the batman sequel, including Batman begins
The film Inception has many aspects of Hyper- Reality. During this film the mind is opened to another reality which could be seen as more desirable than real life reality. This aspect of the film means a sense of a new, better and more sought after world and so the audience are convinced that is in an authentic world.
The Penrose staircase is referenced in the film inception. This expands on anything in a dream can be possible with the architects creativity. The scene with the mirrors references citizen Kane when he sees himself in defiantly reflected.In the film Inception it shows the idea that there are many different worlds that reflect of this one. This reinforces the dream within a dream concept.
During the film Inception I think there is a reference to the photographer Ori Gersht who also blows things up as like in Inception.
The film inception has a 'What If' style nature. It makes the audience question what the world would be like if we could alter peoples mental states.
Overall I believe both pieces are a great example of post modernism.
