Breakdown of the distinction between high culture (art) and popular culture.

Narrative theorist Bauldrillard states that “A crucial implication is that in a post-modern culture become more important, and evoke in turn a kind of 'designer ideology'. Alternatively, as Harvey puts it...'images dominate narrative'. The argument is that increasingly, surfaces and styles consume images and signs for their own sake rather than for their 'usefulness' or for deeper values that they might symbolise.” (Bauldrillard, 1991)

An example of High Culture and Popular Culture:

High Culture (Art)	Popular Culture
Opera	Pop Music
Theatre	Films
Literature	TV

The breakdown of the distinction between art and popular culture is the third point which Strinati highlights as featuring in post modern texts. We can see this in the media rich world we live in, especially in the field of advertising. Here there is a heavy use of high art principles to create eye catching and appealing designs to help sell a product or brand. In both the real and online worlds we are bombarded with images and the distinction between what is art and what is popular culture is often difficult to pin point.

Due to “24 Hour Party People” having a great nostalgic tone running throughout the film, it is clear that it is made up of a lot of the UK’s popular culture from the late 70’s until as late as 1992.

The signs within the film are low culture, therefore they can be recognised world wide, it is important for the viewer to bring their interpretation to the film to have their own understanding of the film. The music scene which the film is based around can be recognised as popular culture within the UK with the many references to the British bands through music videos and old footage, we are also connected to brit pop culture mainly through the presenter ‘Tony Wilson’ as we are informed and introduced to particular pop culture moments throughout the 2 decades of music.

The title music to Pulp Fiction is in many ways now known more than just a song in Tarantino's film, it takes on a new meaning when heard by conjuring up the images and feel of the film whenever it is heard. Similarly the 'showdown' piece of music from Kill Bill was suddenly found being used in everything from television shows to commercials for any 'scene' of confrontation or introduction of certain guests on a chat show for example. This music as a piece of art had filtered down from the film world to hold meaning to casual television viewers as well.

The narrative of "24 Hour Party People" is very much based on the music scene, the audience are carried by the narrator who relates to the time in which the film is set, through the use of nostalgic iconic events throughout, the audience can interpret the feelings and sense of time through viewing the film.

24 Hour Party People is a form of popular culture; throughout the viewer is given a sense of the music scene within the UK by showing popular music and iconic images in a mockumentary film style which overall is seen as a piece of popular culture.