The Office is postmodern, from tv to online

I watched the video Postmodernism and The Office which talks about how the office is a good example of postmodernism by being a mockumentary, making popular culture references and having its online presence authentic as if it were a real entity.

First off the format of the office mocks that of a documentary, from the shaky one camera shots that follow the character around, to the close up interviews, the way the office is shot reflects the style of many documentaries. Other such things that do this would be Reno 911 or Borat, which both satire their subjects, providing a social commentary along with comedy.

The office makes many popular culture references throughout the show, from the characters referencing their knowledge on Battlestar Galactica or The Lord of the Rings, or even mentioning that they caught the last episode of the Apprentice, the characters try to prove that they are real people by being relatable and like most people, they discuss tv, movies and other pop culture things.

And lastly the Office website. This internet masterpiece includes blog sites for each of the characters along with photos and episode guides. There even is a mock website for the Dunder Miflin paper company that was updated along with the progression of the show. This site is a delight to viewers who wish to experience the office in other forms of media as well.

The Office is very postmodern in that it is a work of fiction that pulls from real life to give itself an authentic feel. With its website and the documentary format it attempts to establish itself as a pseudo real identity never giving up its guise of authenticity. This proves for a very entertaining and unique take upon life in the office and makes a great postmodern show. Quite a few other shows or films also attempt to create something that seems real to make a point, for example District 9 is an allegory about racism and apartheid but uses Aliens as the persecuted race to make its point. It is also another mockumentray but it comes with an important message.