A main aspect of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World being able to be considered an example of postmodern media is its frequent and dominant use of intertextuality. Intertextuality is part of postmodernism generally, often being explored in films and music videos. The references within the films are to old-school video games and graphic novels. This relates to the fact that in contrast to modernism, postmodernism explores the past, present and future rather than focussing merely on the future, so the inclusion of existing products supports this. Another aspect that may be significant in its relation to postmodernism is Ritzer’s theory of postmodernism referring to a cultural movement, and within this the emphasis on style rather than content.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a comedy directed by Edgar Wright, based on the graphic novels ‘Scott Pilgrim’, by Brian Lee O’Malley. Since 2010 when the film was released, there has also been a game of it, in the style of ‘old’ video games, as the film refers to frequently. The film starts with the Universal logo and tune being shown, with a twist visually and sonically. The audio is the same sound as how it is in games, being 8bit, as is the game-style logo; with the appearance of pixilation- old-school games did not have the most immaculate appearance in terms of quality. This gives an initial impression of the film being like a game, being a reference to old-school games, supporting postmodernism from the very start. There are regularly references to games throughout the film with smaller things such as images and small audio clips. Throughout the whole film, there are sound effects, however small, that are frequently used in films. An example of this is an image on the front of Kim’s drum kit when it is first shown in chapter one, being a bomb. This is an intertextual to the original Mario game. There are several intertextual references during the film to the game Zelda, such as the music of the computer game playing during the dream sequence in chapter three. Another is the symbol on Gideon’s microchip, as the same symbol is featured on the game. Many words appear on screen frequently, such as ‘FIGHT’. This is important as it refers to old games, where before a fight begins there is a countdown and the fight is announced in the same way. There is also ‘VS.’ featured in chapter six, as in the aforementioned fighting games. As well as this, there is game sound effects often played during the fight scenes. In old-school fighting video games, the figures flash when they are losing life, building up to the end of the fight, which is why the characters flash red in the film during a fight scene. A few of the many game references during the film are Pokémon, Tony Hawk, Zelda and Mario. Lastly, another dominant feature of video/computer games being intertwined with the film are the use of points/coins, which serve as a reward to Scott. This is important as a typical feature of video games is the use of rewards, making it seem as though there has been progress throughout. For example, when Scott knocks Gideon down in the final chapter, he earns $7,777,777, this amount because he was the final and most important to destroy, and also the seventh evil ex, as well as there being 7 numbers in the actual amount.
The other main thing that Scott Pilgrim makes intertextual references to is graphic novels. The fact that it was based upon one Is significant as it is drawing attention to it and conforming to general themes and expectations of one, rather than merely being a film of a comic-book style, with the general storyline being the same and drawn upon. Firstly, ‘DING DONG’ appears on screen when the doorbell rings in the opening chapter, straight away referring to graphic novels, as phrases like these are always used in them. This is therefore self-reflective; emphasising the fact that the film is based on a collection of novels. Similarly, there is the use of split screen when Scott is on the phone to his sister, again what is a recurring aspect of graphic novels, showing multiple characters and/or settings at once. As well as there being phrases/words appearing on screen which are intertextual references to games, the same is true for comics, with words such as ‘KROW’ often being featured in scenes of attack or fighting. When there is a flash back to Ramona and Matthew’s past and their relationship, it is presented in a comic book style, like a story, with the picture-style rather than moving image flashbacks as there would usually, generally be.
Hyperreality is a significant way in which the film is presented; it is not presented as a film would usually be, with only fans being able to identify certain intertextual references within. Many of the references are clearly made to be difficult to spot; being based upon or featuring things that are extremely ‘geeky’ that not everyone will know. However, there are the obvious intertextual references, such as Harry Potter, ‘She Who Shall Not Be Named’ and the game-style of the opening Universal title. The hyperreal aspect of the film is emphasised, as the exaggerated graphic novel and game style makes it clear that the film is not supposed to be real life. Usually, films containing characters of super-power ability are made to be as realistic as possible, but Scott Pilgrim has been made to appear like a game, life the extra lives and ‘pee bars’ and coin rewards.
