Postmodern theory is essentially the artistic outcome of a person’s perspective on the political, cultural and economic aspects that have shifted within their respective eras.

This theory also transcends, or goes beyond, the present, rejects traditional art and media, skews time, space, reality and existence, and represents the alienation from tradition. Sometimes, these films are viewed as a simulation of the past and is presented as many genres, styles and codes ready for commodification. Some of these styles include the use characters that aren’t clearly defined and defy the audience’s expectations, the blending of genres, endings without closure and non-linear story-telling. (Sirianni, film class 2018).

For example, in Chinatown – a 1974 mystery/drama directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Towne, was set in 1937. A little history from that era includes the time of FDR and his New Deal that helped restore the economy from the Great Depression. Since this film took place in that era, it’s considered to be postmodern; the type of camera the cinematographer used or the editing style made it have an old fashioned aesthetic to it. A log with that were the props, the old cars and the types of housing that were used in the scenes.

The characters themselves were not clearly defined at all, we knew only as much as the writer wanted us to – only told us what was completely necessary for that specific time in the plot. The characters, JJ “Jake” Gittes played by Jack Nicholson and Evelyn Mulray played by Faye Dunaway, are portrayed as if they are hiding something from the audience.

Each character has their own sense of style, with the gender norms that were taking place in the 1930s the costumes reflected them well. Mrs. Mulray enjoys riding horses through the California ‘desert’ and wears fashionable riding gear, showing she has wealth. Gittes wears suits most of the time, so he must be conducting business very often and must look presentable; however, with the snide remarks and teasing banter the suits might indicate he is full of himself and takes pride in his business.

Postmodernism is an important aspect to creating a film, it gives a sense of nostalgia to those who were alive during that era and is essential for leaning about the customs of the past.