Video: The Nerdwriter has a really interesting breakdown on intertextuality in movies, or the idea of how something seen in a movie is shaped by something previously seen in something else. A call back, of sorts. A cultural or genre nod, even. But what’s really interesting is how intertextuality is now used in a world of movies dominated by sequels, adaptations, remakes and shared universes.
It’s been re-fitted as a nostalgic ploy. As a way to trigger a quick and easy emotional response for fan service versus for storytelling. Nerdwriter goes as far as to call it “weaponised intertextuality”, and his breakdown is pretty fascinating because the moments are cheapened. Like Khan popping up in Star Trek: Into Darkness. Or all of Batman v Superman. It sucks! But this form of intertextuality doesn’t seem as if it will end since the movie franchises that spawned them are never ending.
How Movie Sequels Play With Our Emotions By Recycling Nostalgia
