Intertextuality in:

Eminem
Without Me

Artist and Genre

The song Without Me was produced by the artist
Eminem, who is a mainstream rap/hip-hop/pop artist.
Eminem is very much a part of popular culture therefore
is prone to making intertextual references in his songs
and music videos.

Intertextual References in:

Eminem Without Me
In Without Me, there are various intertextual uses. The
video intertextually references the Batman and Robin
films and TV shows. Secondly, comic books in general are
referenced throughout the video. On top of this, popular
culture is referenced also in regards to the famous Elvis
Presley.

How is Intertextuality used?

In Eminem Without Me, intertextuality is referenced through both Mise-enScene and editing. For example, intertextuality is referenced through Miseen-Scene with the inclusion of the almost an identical Robin Costume worn by
Eminem, the only significant difference being that where the R is placed on
the costume from the original text is replaced in the music video with an E
standing for Eminem. The intertextuality referenced here is an example of
homage since the reference stays true to the original and the comedy that is
involved is not centred around the intertextual reference as such.

How is Intertextuality used?

Also in Eminem Without Me, again intertextuality is
featured with the example of Editing in the Music Video.
Editing has been used in this music video by creating a
border around certain shots and adding boxed text as
layers on shot. This is an example of intertextuality as
this references the culture and style of comic books. The
border around the edge of the shot matches that of a
stereotypical comic book frame, just as the boxed text is
reassembling of that from an actual comic book. This
intertextual reference is that of pastiche as there are
slightly comedic yet there is still the respect.

How is intertextuality used?

Intertextuality is also featured in Eminem Without Me, this
again being evident in the use of costume. In the music
video costume is used with the iconic outfit commonly worn
by the famous Elvis Presley, this obviously intertextually
references the deceased singer himself and possibly past
popular culture itself. What Eminem does also reinforces this
intertextual as he is seen in the video as sat on the toilet
and obviously the link here being that Elvis died on the
toilet. This use of intertextuality follows the conventions of a
parody as the reference is designed for humour and mocks
the original.