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November 1993

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Film and TV Studies Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
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Sun, 7 Nov 1993 16:52:36 -0500
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Don't forget the recent episode of THE SIMPSONS which parodied/quoted
(whatever) CITIZEN KANE.  The glass ball shot was nicely re-created
with the reflection of Smithers crossing the room to Burns's bed.
Instead of a sled, however, Burns was unhappy because of the loss of
his little bear doll, 'Bobo.'
 
Once again, THE SIMPSONS raises questions related to polysemy and
intertextuality.  Amazingly, the show managed to be funny and
enormously popular even among those who don't get it's many references
.... and, I daresay, makes such questions irrelevant.
Because the show is all about quoting from other works.
It is highly referential (or 'intertextual' if you prefer) by nature,
and this is one of the things that make it more intelligen and witty
than almost anything on the air.
 
Or is it still politically incorrect to come out in favor of THE SIMPSONS?
 
        -- Derek Bouse

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