Pseudo-realism

Pseudo-realism refers to a form of artistic or literary expression that strives for a semblance of reality, but deviates significantly in its execution or underlying principles. It often employs recognizable elements of the real world – characters, settings, events – yet manipulates, distorts, or embellishes them to serve a specific purpose, such as satire, social commentary, or subjective interpretation. This contrasts with objective realism, which aims for a faithful and unbiased representation. pseudo-realism might exaggerate details, utilize unrealistic plot devices, or adopt a biased perspective to create a particular effect. The intention is typically not to deceive the audience into accepting the work as an accurate portrayal but to use the veneer of realism as a framework for exploring ideas or emotions. It's the conscious crafting of an artificial 'real' world that resonates with our lived experience but is, fundamentally, a construction. It blurs the boundaries, creating a space between the observed and the imagined.

Pseudo-realism meaning with examples

• The political satire deployed pseudo-realism by grounding its narrative in a recognizable city landscape but exaggerating the quirks of local politicians to ridiculous degrees. The characters, while inspired by actual figures, became caricatures. This approach highlighted corruption and incompetence without adhering strictly to factual accuracy, using dramatic license to convey the message with maximum impact.
• In the film, the director crafted a dystopian future utilizing pseudo-realism. The setting, although futuristic, maintained familiar urban elements – buildings, traffic – while implementing subtle changes to architecture and technology. These realistic foundations reinforced the narrative’s thematic exploration of societal control and dehumanization, even though the premise was entirely fictional. The film’s power lay in its recognizable foundation.
• The author employed pseudo-realism to critique the contemporary art market. The novel featured a world eerily similar to the art world, with galleries, collectors, and artists. They amplified the eccentricities and inflated the price points of modern art. This approach allowed the writer to critique the inherent absurdities and commodification of the art world in a setting that felt both familiar and fantastically satirical, engaging readers and critics alike.
• The documentary used pseudo-realism by blending actual interviews with stylized reenactments. The filmmakers used these reenactments to visualize the subject's memories, offering a more emotional and visceral viewing experience. While the reenactments were meticulously crafted and did not misrepresent established facts, they were purposefully constructed to intensify the emotional impact of the true story, therefore they were used in this pseudo-realistic format.
• The artist's paintings, though depicting everyday scenes like cafes and streets, used pseudo-realism. They distorted perspectives, employing bold colors and exaggerated proportions. The settings were recognizable, but the deliberate distortions focused the viewer's attention on the painter's subjective response to the locations, resulting in a fresh perception of even the most ordinary urban scenarios. The paintings highlighted the artist's personal feelings.