Postmodernism in Deutschland 83

 Postmodernism & Deutschland 83: blog tasks


Media Magazine - A Postmodern Reimagining of the Past

Media Magazine 73 has a feature exploring Deutschland 83 as a postmodern media product. Read ‘Deutschland 83 - A Postmodern Reimagining of the Past’ in MM73  (p18). You'll find our Media Magazine archive here - remember you'll need your Greenford Google login to access. Answer the following questions:

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

Classic media representations of the Cold War often depicted ideological conflicts, nuclear threats, and the tense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.

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

"Deutschland 83" provides a particularly good example for postmodern analysis due to its deconstruction of Cold War narratives, blending of genres, and traditional storytelling techniques.

3) Pick out some of the aspects of the opening of episode 1 and explain why they are significant.
  • Setting: The opening scene is set in East Germany in 1983, immediately establishing context of the series.
  • Music: The use of the song "Major Tom" by Peter Schilling serves as a cultural reference to the 1980s and highlights the themes of the journey.
  • Character Introduction: We are introduced to the protagonist, Martin Rauch, who is portrayed as a typical young East German soldier. This sets up the central characters transformation.
  • Family Dynamics: The interactions between Martin and his family reveal tensions and expectations within East German society.

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

It subverts stereotypes of East Germany in the Cold War by portraying a lively social atmosphere, challenging the common perception of East Germany as a dull society.

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

Aspects of the episode set in West Germany in "Deutschland 83" that offer postmodern elements include blending of genres, coming-of-age drama, irony and self-awareness in the portrayal of historical events.

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

The article applies postmodern theory to "Deutschland 83" by highlighting its construction of Cold War narratives, blending of genres, and self-aware approach to historical events. It suggests that these elements appeal to a postmodern audience.

Postmodernism Factsheet

Go to our Media Factsheet archive on the Media Shared drive and open Factsheet #54: Introduction to Postmodernism. Our Media Factsheet archive is on the Media Shared drive: M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets. If you need to access this from home you can find our factsheet archive here (you'll need to use your Greenford login).


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

The idea of 'historical deafness' can be applied to the protagonist's initial lack of awareness or understanding of the broader underlying issues.

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

Examples of 'style over substance' include prioritising aesthetics in media, which overshadow the content thought. Theories supporting this include postmodernism's focus on surface appearances.

3) What examples from music are provided for the breakdown of the distinction between art and popular culture? Can this be applied to Deutschland 83?

In music, artists like Madonna and Michael Jackson blur the line between art and popular culture. Similarly, in "Deutschland 83," popular music of the 1980s high culture and entertainment reflect this breakdown.

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

Bricolage involves creating something new from diverse elements. In "Deutschland 83," it's seen in blending genres, using historical events, and incorporating 1980s pop culture references.

5) 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.

"Deutschland 83" offers audience pleasures linked to postmodernism by narratives, blurring reality and fiction, and embracing different perspectives and cultural references.

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

"Deutschland 83" talks about postmodernism through narratives, blurred reality, diverse perspectives, and cultural references, challenging traditional Cold War narratives and embracing scepticism towards narratives.

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

Scenes in "Deutschland 83" demonstrating postmodernism include narratives and blurred reality, challenging traditional storytelling by embracing diversity and complexity in characters portrayed and themes.

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