Shrek 2

Shrek 2 (2004) – Genre: Film

http://www.imdb.com/rg/s/4/title/tt0298148/?ref_=ext_shr_eml_vi#lb-vi1065550105

Four Horizontal Intertextual Connections:

The Mask of Zorro (1998) – Genre: Film

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120746/?ref_=nv_sr_1

From fighting villains to winning over crowds with their romantic Spanish accent, Puss in Boots and Zorro’s characters are strongly related.  In The Mask of Zorro, Zorro leaves a distinct mark with his sword by cutting the letter “z”.  Puss in Boots mimics this action in Shrek 2 by slicing a “p” into a tree.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)  - Genre: Film

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101414/?ref_=nv_sr_2

Multiple scenes in Shrek 2 appear to have derived from the Disney classic Beauty and the Beast.  The personification of the furniture in Fiona’s bedroom when Fairy Godmother appears is the same as in Beauty and the Beast.  The furniture dancing and singing in Shrek 2 goes hand in hand with the “Be Our Guest” scene.

Another scene takes place in the Fair Godmother’s potion factory, where two factory workers transform into candelabra and a grandfather clock (much like those in Beauty and the Beast) when doused in potion.

Flashdance (1983) – Genre: Film

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085549/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The iconic water scene in Flashdance is replicated by Puss in Boots in one of the ending songs of Shrek 2. 

Spiderman (2002 ) – Genre: Film

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145487/

The well-known seen of MJ kissing an upside Spiderman is remade in Shrek 2.  Shrek hangs upside down from a trap and Fiona plants a kiss on him.  There’s no mistaking this Spiderman reference.

Four Vertical Intertextual Connections:

The Brothers Grimm – Genre: Literature

A number of folklores and children’s tales, popularized by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, are the foundation for characters and storylines in Shrek 2.  “Rapunzel”, “Cinderella”, “The Frog Prince”, “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Sleeping Beauty” all stories made popular by the brothers were featured in Shrek 2.

Puss in Boots – Genre: Literature

“Master Cat: or, The Booted Cat” commonly known in English as “Puss in Boots” is an European fairy tale.  The tale about a cat who uses trickery and deceit has had many adaptations over the years.  Puss in Boots character is stemmed from this book.

Hollywood – Genre: Geography

The Kingdom of Far Far Away is modeled after Hollywood, California.  The huge “Far Far Away” sign mimics the “Hollywood” sign.  A street sign reads Romeo Drive in place of Rodeo Drive.  The kingdom also features parodies of shops including Abercrombie & Witch, Ye Olde Foot Locker, and Farbuck’s Coffee.

“Cops” (1989-) Genre: Reality Television

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096563/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The chase and arrest of Shrek, Donkey and Puss in Boots is featured on the Far Far Away show called “Knights”.  “Knights” is modeled off the action packed show “Cops”. 

Two Public Tertiary Texts:

David Denby – Film Critic, New Yorker

http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/shrek_2_vernon

The movie is obvious, but consistently entertaining and animated in DreamWorks's "realistic" digitized style.

Joe Morgenstern – Film Critic, Wall Street Journal

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB108509699305017631

This second edition of DreamWorks's Oscar-winning ogre opus may not match the original for, well, originality, but it honors the prime injunction governing sequels: To thine own characters be true.

One Private Tertiary Text: