Picton argues that the popularity of Shonibare's work in the Western world can be at least partly attributed to the very exotic spectacle that the artist seeks to critique, as he relies
upon theatrical staging and the dramatic effects of unfamiliar materials.
It announces this with the simple words, «Once
upon a time...» and consistently reminds the viewer it is phony through its highly stylized dialogue,
theatrical staging, and musical cues quoted from other distinctly flavored movies.