Deutschland 83: case study
Work through the following tasks to build a detailed case study for Deutschland 83. This will give you plenty of background information to use in an exam question. Remember, for this CSP the question could be on any of the key concepts: language, industries, audiences or representations.
Introduction: Reviews and features
Read the following reviews and features on Deutschland 83:
The Guardian - Your next box set: Deutschland 83
The Guardian - Deutschland 83 Pity the Germans don't like it
1) Find one positive aspect and one criticism of Deutschland 83 in the reviews.
Positive: it's a perfect moment
negative: "the flop of the year"
2) what does the second guardian article suggest the Germans didn't like the show?
It puts us in the shoes of those living under the socialist regime, making us see the world through their eyes, where a military exercise in West Germany feels like a genuine threat to their very existence.
3) Find three 'below the line' comments from either of the Guardian articles. What did the audience think of Deutschland 83? Do you agree with the comments?
A bit harsh. I watched the series with a keen interest, and not being German, or having ever lived in Germany either East or West at any time, including 1983, I was happy to enjoy the story as it unfolded, with the constant interruptions from actual news footage grounding it in real events. I loved it.
I lived in East Germany in 1981 and I can say that Deutschland 83 captured the atmosphere perfectly"
I completely agree with you that the East German part was unrealistic"
I think that it was quite interesting as it had moments which really engaged me, and I think the sound track really complimented the scenes.
Promotional interview
Channel 4 News: Matt Frei interviews Jonas Nay
1) What does Jonas Nay say about growing up in a united Germany?
He believes there isn't any "easy or west Germany", its all one. He also explains how the Cold War was a period coincided with his parent's youth and his teacher's youth. Additionally, he claims if he was living during that era he would prefer the west as he prefers his freedom and liberty.
2) The Channel 4 News interview is conducted in German with English subtitles. How does this reflect Channel 4's remit as a public service broadcaster and their target audience? (Clue: revise your work on Channel 4 and Public Service Broadcasting here!)
Channel 4 targets the german audience however by providing english subtitles, others can also understand it, reflecting the channel's commitment to inclusivity.
3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the a Channel 4 audience?
Channel 4's audience has interest in international affairs and diverse perspectives, so they would find Germany's politicalside quite interesting, especially considering the country's significant role in European and global contexts
Textual analysis: Audience pleasures and representations
We need to consider the audience pleasures of Deutschland 83 alongside various representations created in the first episode.
- East Germany (at the beginning): The garden setting is more modest, with simpler furniture, faint colors, and more utilitarian items that suggest the communist regime's values of austerity. The characters' clothing is also less fashionable, reflecting the restrictions and scarcity of goods in East Germany.
- West Germany (later in the scene): In contrast, the West German BBQ has a much more vibrant, modern setting with well-dressed people, colorful decorations, and luxurious elements like a modern grill and outdoor furniture. This reflects the capitalist nature of West Germany, where wealth and consumerism were more prominent.
- East Germany: The scene represents East German family life as more restrained, with a focus on functionality rather than enjoyment. Gender roles are somewhat traditional, with women serving food and men grilling. The focus is on the family unit, but there is a clear emphasis on the political divide.
- West Germany: The West German BBQ scene represents a more liberal, open, and consumer-driven lifestyle. The portrayal of families in the West is more relaxed, with everyone participating equally in social activities. Gender roles here are also evident but are less traditional, with both men and women shown as participating in socializing.
Scene 2: Martin/Moritz first sees the West German supermarket
Timecodes: 14.30 – 20.25
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Technical Codes – Mise-en-Scene:
- The supermarket is bustling with a wide range of products on display, emphasizing the abundance and consumer choice of West Germany. Bright lighting and clean, organized aisles highlight the capitalist ideals of freedom and choice. The vibrant, orderly setting contrasts sharply with the controlled environments in East Germany.
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Audio Codes – Music:
- The music in this scene emphasizes Martin's sense of wonder and disorientation as he experiences the affluence of the West for the first time. The music is upbeat, highlighting the contrast to his previous life in East Germany.
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Representation of East & West Germany / Communism & Capitalism / Historical Accuracy:
- This scene clearly highlights the stark contrast between East and West Germany. The West is shown as a place of wealth a key characteristic of capitalist societies, while East Germany is portrayed as poor and restrictive.
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Audience Pleasures:
- The scene may appeal to audiences by providing a sense of pleasure, as viewers enjoy the protagonist's discovery of a world that is markedly different from his own. There is also the pleasure of seeing the 'other side' of the Iron Curtain, something that is familiar yet foreign to many viewers.
Scene 3: Training montage scene when Martin/Moritz learns how to be a spy
Timecodes: 20.40 – 22.40
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Technical Codes – Camerawork and Editing:
- The scene uses fast-paced editing, jump cuts, and close-up shots to create a sense of urgency and intensity. Quick cuts between various tasks suggest a montage of his learning process, building tension and excitement. The camera often focuses on Martin’s face, showing his concentration and the pressure of his new role.
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Audio Codes:
- The sound includes intense, rhythmic music that complements the fast pace of the scene, heightening the tension. The use of diegetic sound, such as the clicking of a pen or the rustling of papers, adds to the sense of immersion in the training process.
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Audience Pleasures:
- This scene appeals to the audience’s desire for action and suspense. The training montage is a familiar trope in spy dramas, providing viewers with a sense of progression as Martin moves closer to his ultimate goal. The excitement and the thrill of learning new skills are pleasures that the audience can enjoy through the protagonist.
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Intertextuality:
- The montage is similar of other spy thrillers, such as Mission: Impossible. This intertextual reference aligns Deutschland 83 with other successful spy genres, appealing to viewers who enjoy those types of thrillers.
Scene 4: Briefcase scene when Martin/Moritz is stealing the NATO nuclear plans
Timecodes: 31.13 – 33.30
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Technical Codes – Camerawork and Editing:
- The camera focuses on the briefcase, with close-ups of Martin’s hands as he handles it. Quick cuts between his anxious face and the briefcase build tension, while the framing of the shots emphasizes the importance of this moment in the narrative.
- Audio Codes – Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Sound:
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- The scene uses tense, non-diegetic sound, with a low, ominous soundtrack to heighten the drama. Diegetic sounds, such as the rustling of papers and footsteps, add to the realism, making the scene feel more immediate and immersive.
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Audience Pleasures:
- The audience enjoys the suspense of this sequence, rooting for Martin as he risks everything to achieve his goal. The tension and uncertainty about whether he will succeed or be caught engages the viewer's emotions and sense of thrill.
Production and industry contexts
Deutschland 83 was produced by German production company UFA Fiction and distributed internationally by Fremantle International. It was broadcast on RTL (Germany), SundanceTV (US) and Channel 4 (UK) as well as many other broadcasters around the world.
1) What kind of company is UFA Fiction and what shows have they produced?
UFA Fiction is a German production company known for producing high-quality television dramas and films. Notable productions include Deutschland 83, The Tower, and Generation War.
2) What kind of company is Freemantle and what do they produce?
Fremantle is a global production and distribution company that produces and distributes entertainment content, including The X Factor, Got Talent, and Deutschland 83.
3) How does Deutschland 83 reflect the international nature of television production?
The series was produced in Germany, distributed internationally by Fremantle, and broadcast in different languages on various platforms like RTL (Germany), SundanceTV (US), and Channel 4 (UK).
Walter Presents
Watch this Channel 4 trailer for their Walter Presents international drama:
Channel 4 introduces "Walter" by starting with a smooth fade-in and a montage of clips from different dramas. It gives each show a chance to be seen as top-quality. By using enigma codes, they create a sense of mystery, revealing just enough to grab the audience's attention without giving too much away. This leaves viewers curious and eager to find out more.
2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?
I think that young audience would be attracted, or audience that is interested in thrillers as there were scenes that consisted of violence and death.
There are less stereotypical representations of women from before which were more traditional, which shows a change in the digital age.
Marketing and promotion
Trailer
1) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory (Blumler and Katz).
Surveillance (Information): By drawing from real historical events, the drama provides valuable insight into the experiences of those who lived through the Cold War.
Personal Identity: Viewers who either lived through the Cold War or have family members who did may feel a personal connection to the story and its characters.
Diversion (Entertainment): Voyeurism (kissing & spy scenes), action and fighting scenes, fake story line in an opposite perspective based on something real.
2) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?
The use of enigma and action codes is evident in scenes like Martin sprinting down a hallway, sparking questions such as: What is he running from? Who is chasing him? Where is he going? Additionally, a fast-paced clip of Martin being attacked by a woman and held at gunpoint, possibly by the same person, further fuels curiosity. These narrative codes hint at a storyline filled with mystery, betrayal, action, and intense emotions, drawing the audience in through emotional appeal and persuading them to watch the drama.
3) The only words heard in the trailer are in English. Why do you think the UK trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue?
English is a global language spoken by people in numerous countries. By presenting the trailer in English, it broadens the target audience beyond a single nation, allowing it to reach a wider international audience.
Read the Channel 4 press pack interview with writer Anna Winger. (If the link doesn't work, you can find the text from the interview here).
1) How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?
She was inspired by her husband's experiences working for the West and monitoring the East, leading her to create a drama from the East's perspective. The show's authenticity and realism played a key role in making it a successful spy drama.
It was an iconic year for pop culture, with songs that travelled far and wide. Plus, with the rise of music videos, people were able to experience music visually for the first time. This unique combination not only captured the vibe of the era but also gives modern audiences a clearer, more immersive way to connect with that time.
Press release
Read this Channel 4 press release on the success of Deutschland 83. (If the link doesn't work you can find find the text from the article here).
1) List the key statistics concerning audience figures. Why was it considered the most successful foreign language drama?
The first episode debuted with 1.49 million viewers and has since grown to 2.5 million, surpassing The Returned, which previously held the record with 2.2 million viewers.
2) How does the press release describe Deutschland 83?
- Saga could be your new subtitled obsession
- Coolest show of the year
- evocative and gripping
- The next subtitled sensation
International marketing
Look at these two different marketing campaigns - the UK DVD release (left) and the American Sundance TV advert (right).
1) How does the UK DVD cover communicate the sub-genre of the drama?
The phrase "Over the wall - under cover/under the gun" reflects the spy sub-genre. Featuring Martin at the center of the DVD cover, wearing a Walkman, hints at the coming-of-age aspect of the drama while also reflecting the historical context of the costume drama. Additionally, the typography "Under Cover" clearly signals the presence of classic spy conventions within the series.
2) How do these use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?
Graphics: Further enhances the 80s vibe with graffiti that reflects the lifestyle and habits of the era, drawing in the audience.
3) Why might the distributors Freemantle International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?
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