Postmodern Theory

Features of Postmodern Films:

• Often post-modernist films do not pretend to be whole films, and accept the fact that they are fictitious.
• Postmodern films borrow from many different types of media, such as music videos, TV animation, and other forms. 
• They often use inter-textually, referring to other films
• Postmodern films often re-arrange or disrupt script linear narratives, instead using circular narratives and open ended closures. 
• They sometimes contain stories within stories or films within films. 
• They often involves characters that feel disconnect or alienated from their environment and disrupt authorities.   

Genres of Post-modernism:


Pastiche
This type of film is self-referential, tongue 'n' cheek and uses rehashes of popular culture. Examples this genre of post-modernism are Kill Bill Vol 1, Scream, Scary Movie and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Flattering of Effect 
This style of post-modernism uses technology, violence, drugs and the media to lead to detached, emotionless, unauthentic lives. Examples of this film include Natural Born Killers, A Clockwork Orange, American Psycho, Fight Club and Apocalypse Now. 
Hyper Reality 
Technologically created realities are often more authentic or describes than the real world. Examples of this type of post-modernism includes Matrix Trilogy, Total Recall, The Truman Show and Inception. 
Time Bending 
Time travel provides another way to shape reality and play 'what if' games with society. Examples include Donnie Darko, 12 Monkeys, Primer Memento. 
Altered States
Drugs, mental illness and technology provide a dark, often psychedelic, gateway to new internal realities. Examples include Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Naked Lunch, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and A Beautiful Mind.
More Human than Human 
Artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybernetic seeks to enhance, or replace humanity. Examples of this include Blade Runner, Robocop, District 9, Terminator Salvation and Avatar.