Modern Fiction / Mrs. WalshName: ______

(Modernism and) Postmodernism in Shrek

Explanation:Among the many aspects we will learn about postmodernism, two significant ones will be 1) the lack of distinction between “high art” and “low art” and 2) the visuality of the movement. Both of these aspects make the use of a popular animated film perfectly acceptable as a means of teaching other elements of modernism and postmodernism. The following questions will lead you through a reading of the film through the mod/pomon lens. After we have finished viewing, note-taking, and discussing the film, you will be asked to apply what you have learned to other sources.

*Pre-Viewing:What connotations does the name “Shrek” hold? What information does this give us about Shrek before we even begin viewing?

Questions to Film: / Responses: / Modernist/Postmodernist Tenets/Principles Represented:
At the beginning of the film, we are met with a typical fairytale story and serious narrator. How are both of these aspects quickly denied?
Also, if we are watching a fairytale about a character reading a fairytale, how many levels of story have we encountered?
How do the men with pitchforks get the ogre myth wrong? What might the script writers be suggesting about humans and their connection to myth? Who corrects them?
How is the sale of the fairy tale creatures both humorous and horrifying? Be specific in your examples.
Why do the non-magical creatures bring the fairytale ones to the forest, anyway? What commentary is being made about modern society through this scene?
Both Donkey and Shrek find themselves in the same social condition, which Shrek seems to favor but Donkey dislikes. What is it?
List as many fairytales references depicted thus far in the movie as you can:
Pick two of these fairytales and consider how they are presented here. Does the characterization or plot change? Or is an element parodied (mocked)?
What more sinister commentary is being made through the torture of the Gingerbread Man?
Who knows the reference to "the muffin man"? If you know, explain it here:
How many pop culture references can you identify in the Magic Mirror's presentation of potential brides to Lord Farquaad?
How many pop culture references can you identify in Shrek and Donkey's entrance into and adventures in DuLoc?
For discussion and note-taking: The "uncanny valley," magical realism, and high art versus low art:
What modern issues does the relationship between Donkey and Dragon explore?
How is Fiona "un"-princess like during Robin Hood's attempted "rescue" scene?
During the Robin Hood scene, references are made to other pop culture artifacts, for example film. Can you name any of the references?
Fiona has two forms. What are they?
At the end of the film, how do we become aware that we are watching a movie? / Self-reflexivity - occurs when the audience becomes aware of the act of creation, in other words, when they become aware that they are, say, watching a movie. It denies suspension of disbelief, upon which much traditional fiction relies.
What commentary does the film make about appearances? What does this commentary say about our culture’s willingness to accept things “at face value”?
By the end of the film, how are our expectations of fairytales met?
How are our expectations of fairytales modified or denied?