Blur- The Universal

INTERTEXTUAL REFERENCES

How is intertextuality used?

Intertextuality is used in three ways; a parody,

pastiche and a homage.

A parody is a reference that uses the conventions of the

original product but in an absurd, ridiculous way in order

to create humour or poke fun at the original.
A pastiche is similar to a parody, but the intentions are
more light hearted and not as mocking as a parody.
A homage is a respectful reference to the original and aim
to show how worthy it is. The copy is indicating how good
the original one was.

Biography
Blur are an alternative English rock band that

started in 1988- 2003 and then 2008- present.

A Clockwork Orange was made in 1971
Their song The Universal has a science fiction

theme and the music video is a tribute (homage) to

the film Clockwork Orange, but can also been seen
as a pastiche (like a parody but more respectful).

How did Blur use intertextuality?

They dressed all in white and filmed in the same bar as the one in the

film.
Damon Albarn does the same crooked smile to the camera as in the

film.
Damon Albarn also have very similar eye makeup as characters in the

film.
The setting is very similar

How are the links Blur used effective?

1

Why did Blur Choose this and what effect does it have?
The lyrics for this song link to the music promo, but it

also links to clockwork orange the film this is the next

century, this links to both because they are both set in
the future.
They could be trying to portray that this kind of future
could happen to us if we carry on the way we are
Unnaturally still poses makes audience uncomfortable as
the band is usually lively. Shows this dystopia is not
good.
Both video and clockwork orange are surreal like the
music style so they fit well together.