Blog task: Deutschland 83 Close-textual analysis

Blog task: Deutschland 83 Close-textual analysis

Scene 1:

- Opening sequence shows the contrast in East&West Berlin; West Berlin is more lively and enjoyable whilst East is more serious, dull and the main concern was politics.
- Technical codes; mainly mise-en-scene (CLAMPS)
- Representations of the East and West, family, gender

It was filmed in East Germany which is a communist state. The actors were dressed in traditional 1980's clothing which reinforces the concept of period drama. They also showed women smoking which challenged the stereotypes of women as it represented her as more more modern and powerful which showed the audience that this was a time of change for women and they had more freedom and were able to do what they wanted to. There was two sisters living two different lives on each sides of the country; east and west. There was also non-diegetic sound in the background in some of the scenes; the director used music from the 1980's to make it more effective and onto the 80's feels. The concept of economic problems were also conveyed by them showing gritty, run down buildings. 
The scenes in West Germany were a lot more modern and lively with a big gathering and a bbq in the garden. They also had modern/posh houses which connoted wealth and luxury that East Germany didn't have. 
- Men were doing the bbq; reinforces stereotypes of the man doing the dirty work.
- Relationship between a father and daughter; gender roles.
- Privilege vs exploitation (children)
- Helps audience understand that West Germany was a lot more developed than East Germany.
- 360 degree shot; (camera surveillance), creates more tension

-Typewriter text
- Hand held camera; creates realism and be able to see things from characters perspective. 

Scene 2:

- Martin/Moritz first sees west supermarket.

- Technical codes; mise-en-scene

- Audio code; music

- Representation; west/east  - communism/capitalism

- POV shot; identification 

- He wears western clothes to fit in

- He was shocked when he entered the supermarket; it was new to him.

- Communism; individual (independent) but in west connection matters (with one another).

Scene 3:

- Montage of the training scene; Martin/Moritz learns how to become a spy. 

- Technical codes; camera work and editing

- Audio codes

- Audience pleasures

- Inter-textuality

The montage they show has fast-paced editing/compressed time/narrative jump cut - table scene. They have used binary opposition to show the difference between the West and East. There is only non-diegetic music during the montage and no voice-over as voice-overs would slow down the pace. 

They mainly only use voiceovers and music in this sequence rather than dialogue; non-diegtic sound. 1980's track in the background which picks up its pace as the scenes develop and builds up tension. 

Use of rom-com with the girl makeover; during the montage. Also has elements of James Bond type spy genre. 

Scene 4:

- Briefcase scene when Martin-Moritz is stealing the Nato nuclear plans. 

- Technical codes; camerawork and editing

- Audio codes; diegetic and non-diegetic sound.

- Audience pleasures

- The close-ups used build tenion; close-up on briefcase, the lock, face etc. These scenes were also very fast-paced as scenes were constantly changing which built up tension. 

- Change in facial expressions; helped audience read and understand what the character's feeling. 

- Soundtrack is tense; non-diegtic sound

- Breathing heavily which shows the character's under pressure and also makes it more thrilling for audience to watch. 

- Foley sound; locks, draws etc. 

- High angle shot; creates the effect as if audience are seeing what's happening from the surveillance camera. 

- Shots through the blind reinforces the spy genre and builds up on the suspense.