Intertextuality Example

Ellie Goulding- Beating Heart

   

Intertextuality was used a lot during this music video due to the fact that this song was on the soundtrack for the movie Divergent. There are many shots in this music video which come directly from the movie and other which include certain aspects that came from the movie.

The music video starts with the artist holding a little glass cylinder with a light blue liquid in it. This is the first example of intertextuality as it was seen in the movie too. This shows intertextuality as it refers back to the movie and only a few people would get the reference while others would think it is insignificant or add a different meaning to it.

Another example of intertextuality is when clips from the movie itself are being used in the music video. This shows a huge reference to other media platforms. These shots would leave audience confused if they have not seen the movie as it will leave them wondering why these shots where placed in the music video. However to fans of the movie it will be very helpful as it helps them understand the music video and link what is going on in the music video back to the movie.

















The one very obvious reference made to the movie during this music video are the tattoos. This music video adds a lot of details on the tattoos and makes a very clear reference to it as they are sometimes the main focus on the screen. The tattoos are emphasised even more due to the fact that clips from the movie that also use the tattoos as a main focus point are used in the music video.

Another very important thing which they have used as a main focus of the music video is the love story between the two main characters which is also shown in the music video. The music video uses the narrative of the movie as its narrative as well. The music video starts with the artist being lost not knowing where she is while shots of a male are being shown where he is training and walking. This follows the narrative of the movie and makes a huge reference to it as this is how the movie starts to. The artist then continues to sing and wander around and later on she find the male and fall in love, Again this is a very important part as it is referencing the music video. This shows intertextuality as references to other forms of media have been made during this music video in the case it is the movie divergent.