Deutschland 83 textual analysis

Technical codes – particularly mise-en-scene
  • Formal costumes in West Germany. In east Germany they are wearing comfortable clothing/more casual.
  • Audio codes- there was a sense of togetherness in the first scene/family because of the singing. The music in east Germany creates a warm/positive atmosphere- they are having fun. Whereas the music in the west is ominous/almost dangerous. 
  • The camera moves around Martin in the west, which emphasises that he is in 'danger' as he is surrounded by his 'enemies'.
Representation of East & West Germany / Family / Gender

  • East- less formal- happy family (together/fun)
  • East- reinforces stereotype of working class people- they know how to have fun.
  • West- more formal-issues/separate.
  • West- male dominance- Yvonne.

Scene 2: Martin/Moritz first sees the West German supermarket 
14.30 – 20.25

Technical codes – particularly mise-en-scene
  • The house has dim lighting (ominous)/ outside- there is bright lighting. 
  • The costume he was wearing went from bland to brand (bright coloured/vibrant)
Audio codes – particularly music
  • The scene begins with ominous music.
  • The fast paced music builds up tension- he is running away.
  • The song in the supermarket has lyrics which are significant-'used' and 'abused'. This reflects Martins situation. (Links to audience pleasures: nostalgia)
Representation of East & West Germany / Communism & Capitalism
  • "People are controlled by allowing them to be lazy"
Audience pleasures
  • Nostalgia- 80s music.
  • Surveillance- learning: "This close to World War III.", "1961-Berlin wall"- emphasises Martin's youth, links to 'coming of age'.
Scene 3: Training montage scene when Martin/Moritz learns how to be a spy
20.40 – 22.40

Technical codes – particularly camerawork and editing
  • Fast paced editing.
  • Different shots of the same action- close ups and mid shots.
  • Split screen.
  • Jump cuts- abrupt, which matches the music.
Audio codes
  • Music- upbeat, matches the fast paced editing, emphasises the turning point in series.
  • The music is non-diegetic.
Audience pleasures
  • Nostalgia- 80s soundtrack, and graphic design.
Intertextuality
  • This scene is a classic scene that all spy movies would do.
  • Links to James Bond- gadgets.
Scene 4: Briefcase scene when Martin/Moritz is stealing the NATO nuclear plans
31.13 – 33.30

Technical codes – particularly camerawork and editing
  • Begins the scene through shutters, links to secrecy and spy.
  • Close ups on the lock, important bits of the document papers and his face.
  • Constant surveillance- the high angle shot implies that he is being watched like a CCTV, the low angle shot show his face.
Audio codes – diegetic and non-diegetic sound
  • The music built tension-ominous music, it was also non-diegetic.
  • Diegetic sound of him breathing and picking the lock was exaggerated.
Audience pleasures
  • Suspense- will he get caught?
  • Personal relationship- we don't want Martin to get caught.
  • Surveillance- we learn from the historical context the drama is about.
  • Diversion- classic spy thriller scene.

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