Postmodernism & Deutschland 83: blog tasks

 Media Magazine - A Postmodern Reimagining of the Past

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

 

The west is presented as full of pop culture with unlimited resources such as foods and drinks to citizens whereas in the east a strong sense of lack of freedom is presented as there is limited resources for the east.

 

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

 

Deutstchland presents a range of historical style along with a side of artistic styles which contrasts usual norms which is what postmodernism goes against. Moreover one could argue that reality and fiction is blended together to create a unique style whilst playing with intertextuality.

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

 

One aspect of episode one which is significant is the foreshadowing of Martins future work as an undercover agent/spy. This can be seen through the conversation that Lenora has with another high-ranking Stasi official where she considers sending Martin to west Germany to spy on general Edel who is thought to be allying or working with America.

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

At the party scene at Martins house, stereotypes of the east being restrictive and unloving of each other is subverted as in the party scene we can notice that there is a lot of humanity, care an affection of people.

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

One aspect can be seen through Martin's first glimpse of West Germany and his first taste of western consumerism which is shown by the choice of music that is played and the types of foods and clothing that are offered. Moreover, postmodernism can be seen in this episode as there is a varied blend of an artistic style which can be seen through the volume of products which mirrors the James Bond franchise in a sense of gadgets. Moreover, the choice of editing and use of music has many pop culture references.

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

The article suggests that the fact that our protagonist (Martin) is a communist who is being manipulated unknowingly reveals that the text appeals to a post-unification audience whom are ready to challenge the usual Cold war representations of reality.

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)?

One example which is provided are the characters Bruno and Borat, this is because the article says they have more 'reality' for film audiences than their creator Sacha Baron Cohen. This is due to the fact that Cohen's films rely on characters he creates to be seen as 'real' people and this is why he is able to get away with saying and doing things that a 'real' person could not.

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

Jameson argued that as mediazation increases the culture begins to find itself losing a sense of historical context. He also states that history is now reduced to 'talking heads' documentaries and historical knowledge which is often based on media representations.

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

The article suggests that people are strongly influenced by branding when they buy products because people are more attached to the idea of identifying themself with the label rather than the product. This is why people will pay high prices which bear the logo of a fashionable label such as Gucci products rather than acknowledging the quality of the product itself. The article provides the example of celebrities being famous for being famous rather for their talents/abilities.

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 which is a form of low art is often created from high art classical music samples. Another example would be that advertisers use classical music which is high art in order to attract audiences and sell its products. This can be seen in the supermarket scene where a famous 80s/90s music is played which is a form of low art containing high art classical music samples in order to appeal to an older audience and sell the show.

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

Bricolage refers to the process of adapting and juxtaposing old and new texts or other forms of media products in order to create new narratives and meanings. The opening scene is a perfect example as there is a blend of both archived footage and new footage in order to create an enticing intro.

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.

One key audience pleasure which is constantly created throughout the show is a sense of nostalgia, this is created through postmodernism through the use of elements in the show such as the type of music played in the supermarket or the food/products which are sold or even the clothing and technology featured in the show. Moreover, postmodernism denies that there can be any single truths/realities as most of our cultural understanding comes from personal interpretations that we make based on media representations all around us. This is why grand narratives are often identified as too simplistic.

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

Deutshland 83 demonstrates aspects of postmodernism through music and the use of mise-en-scene which is constantly reinforced throughout the show and especially in episode such as the use of products, brand labelling ect.

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

The supermarket scene is a great example of artistic blend as it perfectly encapsulates the art style of Andy Warhol. Another example would be the use of clothing where Martin has to change clothing to appear more western. Another key scene would be where Martin is eating whilst Tobias is explaining to him about all the chemicals and other unhealthy elements of the west.