Post-modernism + Deutschland 83

Media Magazine - A Postmodern Re-imagining of the Past

1) What were the classic media representations of the Cold War?

They were stereotypically just a binary opposition of "good vs evil". They often portray the East vs West through certain codes and conventions.

2) Why does Deutschland 83 provide a particularly good example for postmodern analysis? 

Deutschland 83 provides a good example for postmodern analysis as it represents its Cold War setting through typical codes, conventions and stereotypes typically found in the media; however it differentiates from the rest by adding certain, unique elements to it, such as the postmodern generic hybridisation it aims to do, and the postmodern twists it shows in general - Bricolage, Hyperreality and Pastiche are all here through old codes/conventions, real historical elements and allusions/intertextuality respectively.

3) Pick out some of the aspects of the opening of episode 1 and explain why they are significant.

- The reference to real historical figures: The opening of episode 1 showcases real speeches and/or videos from historical figures, most notably Ronald Raegan. It creates a vivid sense of reality as these videos showcase what actually happened to audiences, and adds an element of truth to the drama.

- The opposition between East vs West: From the moment the drama starts it is established that there's conflict between East vs West Germany. We see phone calls and discussions between higher ups discussing what to do against West Germany, and we see the main character, Martin, interrogate 2 students over illegal books imported from West Germany, all whilst preaching East German ideals.

4) How does the party scene at Martin's mum's house subvert stereotypes of East Germany in the Cold War?

This scene shows a different representation of the East, focusing on the kindness, love and compassion of the characters, rather than the government's actions. The lively friendship of the young people, the loud rock music and the positive feeling are in contrast to Lenora, who represents authoritarian figures that are stereotypically associated with East Germany.

5) What aspects of the episode set in West Germany offer postmodern elements?

The supermarket scene in specific offers a postmodern view, seeing as in the background, a famous 80's pop song "Sweet Dreams are Made of This" is playing, and the whole supermarket scene in general with items stacked upon each other is a possible allusion to a painting made by Andy Warhol about Campbell soup cans, an element of intertextuality, and elements relating to hyperreality.

6) Finally, how does the article apply postmodern theory to Deutschland 83 and link it to the potential target audience?

The article applies postmodernism to Deutschland 83 which its references to hyperreality, bricolage and pastiche, which are used throughout the drama with its references to nostalgia and real history.

Postmodernism Factsheet

1) Read the section on Strinati's five ways to define postmodernity. What examples are provided of the breakdown of the distinction between culture and society (media-isation)?

The examples provided include the characters Bruno and Borat; they have more "reality" for film audiences than their creator Sacha Baron Cohen. His films rely on the fact that audiences believe these characters are real.

2) What is Fredric Jameson's idea of 'historical deafness'? How can the idea of 'historical deafness' be applied to Deutschland 83?

Jameson argues that postmodern culture doesn't have a deep understanding of history. It relies on nostalgic representations instead of real historical engagement. Deutschland 83, a drama set in the Cold War with a retro style, is an example of this. It shows 1983 through a nostalgic lens rather than an authentic historical perspective.

3) What examples and theories are provided for the idea of 'style over substance'?

Some examples/theorists include: Big Brother, Paris Hilton, John and Edward, Jameson, and Baudrillard.

4) What examples from music are provided for the breakdown of the distinction between art and popular culture? Can this be applied to Deutschland 83?

Pop music and classical music. This can be applied to Deutschland 83, as there's a fine line between pop culture and nostalgia, and real history.

5) What is bricolage? What examples of bricolage can be found in Deutschland 83?

Bricolage is juxtaposing old and new texts. 

6) How can the audience pleasures of Deutschland 83 be linked to postmodernism? Read 'The decline of meta-narratives' and 'Media texts and the postmodern' to help answer this.

The audience pleasures of Deutschland 83 can be linked to postmodernism as the hyperreality within Deutschland 83 can be strongly linked to the audience pleasure of Surveillance.

7) Now look at page 4 of the factsheet. How does Deutschland 83 demonstrate aspects of the postmodern in its construction and ideological positioning?

It demonstrates aspects of postmodernism in both construction and it's ideological meaning. Deutschland 83 was constructed as a drama based on true events. However its ideological meaning weaponises its nostalgia and history to spread a message to its audience.

8) Which key scenes from Deutschland 83 best provide examples of postmodernism? Why?

- The opening scene

- The supermarket scene

- The BBQ scenes

- Martin finding the documents