Week 2 Task: Intertextuality

Kanye West ft Lupe Fiasco: Touch the sky

In this video, Kanye plays 'Evel Kanyevel', a parody of stuntman Evel Kenievel. Donning the trademark American red, white and blue jumpsuit and flying in the 'death rocket,' Kanye is making an obvious reference to Kenievel which makes the video funny and very tongue in cheek.

Cameo appearances by actresses Nia Long, Pamela Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross add to the filmic style of the video. There is an interview in the middle of the video, with a reporter which is then interuppted by Nia and Tracee who says "that's right, girl, I told you, when he get on, he gonna leave yo' ass for a white girl," an obvious reference to his Kanye's song Gold Digger. Another reference is made to the single Through the Wire in the line "I think I died in that accident 'cause this must be heaven," which is constantly repeated.

The big budget video is anchored by another celebrity appearance from Lupe Fiasco who features on the track. Shot with a marching band playing behind him adds to the 70s style parody. Through mise-en-scene such as costume, (american jumpsuit, Pamela's white playsuit and the other outfits, the grand canyon shots, american rocket etc.) we really get the all-american feel.

A test card also appears featuring

Kanye's trademark teddybear mascot, adding another layer of branding.

With the use of moving split screens, we see more 70s style filming and the preparation for the take off, which is another parody of Evel Knievel and his unsuccessful jump across the Snake River Canyon in 1974.