TV: Deutschland 83 Close-textual analysis

We need to deconstruct Episode 1 of Deutschland 83, exploring how meanings are created in the key scenes using technical and audio codes.

We also need to consider the audience pleasures of Deutschland 83 alongside various representations created in the first episode.


Recap: Uses and Gratifications theory (Blumler & Katz 1974)

Researchers Blumler and Katz (1974) suggested that media audiences are active and make conscious choices about the way they consume media.

They suggested there are four main uses or gratifications (pleasures) that audiences get from the media:

Diversion: escape from everyday problems and routine - entertainment.
Personal Relationships: using the media for emotional and other interaction (e.g. developing affection for characters in TV drama).
Personal Identity: finding ourselves reflected in texts or learning behaviour and values from the media.
Surveillance: Information useful for living or learning

Deutschland 83: representations

We also need to consider a range of representations in episode 1 of Deutschland 83:

• East & West Germany
• Communism and Capitalism
• America and Americans
• Gender
• Family
• Reality / history

Are stereotypes used? Do the representations reinforce or subvert what we usually see in the media?

Blog task: Deutschland 83 Close-textual analysis

Type up your analysis from the lesson using the headings below. You may want to watch the key scenes again and develop your notes in further detail - the more specific and memorable your analysis, the better it will serve you when writing an essay on TV drama. Remember, you can watch the episode for free on the All 4 website.

Scene 1: Garden/BBQ scenes (East & West Germany)

4.58 – 8.20 and 34.00 – 37.20

Make notes under the following headings:

Technical codes – particularly mise-en-scene

Representation of East & West Germany / Family / Gender

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

14.30 – 20.25

Make notes under the following headings:

Technical codes – particularly mise-en-scene

Audio codes – particularly music

Representation of East & West Germany / Communism & Capitalism / Historical accuracy

Audience pleasures

Scene 3: Training montage scene when Martin/Moritz learns how to be a spy

20.40 – 22.40

Make notes under the following headings:

Technical codes – particularly camerawork and editing

Audio codes

Audience pleasures

Intertextuality

Scene 4: Briefcase scene when Martin/Moritz is stealing the NATO nuclear plans

31.13 – 33.30

Make notes under the following headings:

Technical codes – particularly camerawork and editing


Audio codes – diegetic and non-diegetic sound

Audience pleasures

You will do the majority of this work in class - this blog work is simply a case of typing up your notes in an easy and memorable way (bullet points are fine).