Intertextuality in MVs

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Intertextuality describes the interplay and connection between different texts. In music videos, it refers to how a video draws from or integrates elements of other works, such as films, TV shows, books, and historical events, etc. Using this technique is sufficient in invoking nostalgia while also serving as an effective marketing tool. Here are some aspects of intertextuality in music videos:

Historical context: Some MVs, such as "This is America" by Childish Gambino, reference real events, social movements, or historical figures. This song critiques gun violence and racism in America.

Self-Referencing: Artists sometimes reference their own past work and personas. Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" features versions of her past self.

Celebrity and Pop Culture References: Some artists may feature other famous figures and events in their music videos. "Thank U, next" by Ariana Grande recreates scenes from Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, and Bring It On, all of which star famous movie stars like Lindsay Lohan and Reese Witherspoon.

Nostalgia and Reminiscence: Artists may refer to past cultural moments, styles, and media. It helps to build a connection with the audience and create deeper meanings. Bruno Mars's "Finesse" recreates the vibrant '90s aesthetic of living in color.


Detailed Analysis - Fancy by Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX


  • Iggy Azalea’s Fancy (2014) is a prime example of intertextuality in music videos, as it heavily references the 1995 teen film Clueless in both visual style and narrative structure.

  • We mainly observe Pop Culture and Celebrity references through this song, which creates a sense of nostalgia and enhances the song's themes of confidence, wealth, and status. 
  • In the MV, Azalea dresses up Cher Horowits, the girl played by Alicia Silverstone in Clueless, wearing her iconic yellow plaid suit that became a symbol of 90s fashion. On the other hand, Charli XCX's outfits reflect a preppy aesthetic of 90s high school culture, mirroring Cher's friend group
  • The video takes place in a Beverly Hills high school, referencing key moments in the movie, including Cher's argument about social issues in class. 
  • Furthermore, Fancy celebrates wealth and luxury, which parallels Cher, whose lifestyle is described as a rich, stylish, and socially dominant teenager.
  • Both Clueless and Fancy reinforce female empowerment due to the independent female leads who are socially dominant and fashionable. 
  • Finally, through intertextuality, both Clueless and Fancy tap into existing cultural texts to engage audiences. Clueless modernized a classic novel (Emma by Jane Austen) for a 90s audience, while Fancy revived Clueless for a new generation, showing how pop culture constantly recycles and reinvents itself.








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