Formation- context




formation- context 

Formation makes use of a range of different techniques in order to create meaning for its audience. However, unlike Riptide which can possibly be described as being 'weird for the sake of weird', Formation has a clear and savage political message to present to its audience.
Formation makes intense use of the concepts of intertextuality/referential codes and bricolage.

The use of bricolage

intertextuality - Where a media product or text makes reference to another media product or text.

Bricolage - Where a media product is constructed with iconography and conventions from many other texts, creating entirely new meanings. Often used when discussing postmodern media products. 
-e.g. a media product  that uses bricolage is a 'mashup'. Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill (2003)

Task - If possible, go through Formation and make screenshots of each of the different aesthetic and visual styles that the video demonstrates, including from different eras, settings and situations. Why is this video not just a dance routine in a studio? Why combine so many styles and themes?

New Orleans and bounce music


  • What specific elements of iconography did the producers of Formation use from That B.E.A.T?
  • What literal pieces of footage did the producers of Formation take from That B.E.A.T?
  • Bounce music has a big LGBT following, and is fundamental to the LGBT scene in New Orleans. How many LGBT themes come through in That B.E.A.T? Why?
  • Beyonce is a millionaire. Why is she using the themes and iconography of That B.E.A.T? Think carefully about this last one.

The antebellum era and slavery in the American south

The Antebellum era refers to a period of time of economic growth in the American South in the 19th Century, largely due to heavy industrialisation made possible by utilising black slave labour. 


The era was characterised not only by slavery, but also by the distinctive costumes owned by the slave owners, which you can read more about here. It is important to note that while these dresses are elaborate and beautiful, they have symbolic connotations of racism and the advocation of slavery, due to being worn by those who owned slaves.

famous media product set in the Antebellum South- Viktor Flemming's (1939) Gone With The Wind. -still the highest grossing film of all time when adjusted for inflation. 
riches to rags to riches story, the film charts the collapse of the American South during its four hour running time, shows relationship between slave owners and slaves in a way that is guaranteed to make modern audiences uncomfortable.



formation- context

unlike Riptide which can possibly be described as being 'weird for the sake of weird', Formation has a clear and savage political message to present to its audience.

To do so, Formation makes intense use of the concepts of intertextuality/referential codes and bricolage

intertextuality - Where a media product or text makes reference to another media product or text.

Bricolage - Where a media product is constructed with iconography and conventions from many other texts, creating entirely new meanings. Often used when discussing postmodern media products. An example of a media product  that uses bricolage is a 'mashup'. For an excellent example of bricolage, check out Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill (2003)








































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