media theories applied to Deustchland 83

1. Language

Semiotics – Barthes

Signification

Sign (iconic, symbolic, indexical), denotation, connotation, myth, anchorage

What are the key signifiers that create meaning in the episode?

In the episode, Barthes Semiotics theory can be used to describe the way Lenora looks at the main protagonist, Martin and also the way Mrs Werner looks at Martin, which is similar to how his aunt looks at him. The male gaze from the two women could signify their attraction towards Martin.

2. Narrative – Todorov

Equilibrium

Disruption

Resolution

Identify the elements of narrative in the episode?
Historical, based on the Berlin wall that split East Germany and West Germany.

3. Genre – Neale

Spy espionage thriller genre – examples?

What are the key generic elements of this drama? Locations, costume, props, camera, plot, sound, editing etc.
Genre: Historical period tv show

Locations: East Berlin and West Germany.

Costumes: 1980s clothing

Props: Weapons,

Camera: Dim in the East, brightened up in the West 

Sound:

Editing: 

4. Levi-Strauss – Structuraliam

Underlying structures

Binary oppositions

What are the ideological significance of binary oppositions in this episode?

5. Character – Propp

Hero

Villain

Princess

Can you apply character types to this narrative?

Hero - Martin - save the world (his world)

Villain - The East could be considered an enemy because they've drugged Martin and sent him to the West to be a spy and report back to the East. But also, America could be an enemy as they think they'll win the war by using nuclear weapons/bombs on Russia. Leonora- hair colour , dull clothing, kidnapping Martij

Princess - Annette (Martin's girlfriend in the East), Yvonne (possible love interest of Martin in the West)

6. Representation

Representation Theory – Stuart Hall

Are their stereotypes by the powerful of excluded groups?

Identity – Gauntlett

How do we construct our identity out of this episode?
The identity here would be the fact that in this drama, people have to choose sides. e.g Martin has to take an identity of someone who is an enemy and therefore has to spy on the West.

Feminist Theory – Van Zoonen

Does the narrative objectify women?

I personally do not think that the narrative objectifies women as much, but it's the other way round instead. Men are sexualised/objectified, such as Martin; the way his aunt looks at him and also the way Mrs Werner looks at him. However, it could be said that some women are potentially objectified, such as Linda Seiler, who Martin is told to seduce to get information from her. Objectification of Ingrid by Leonora , used as a chess piece in martin's mission. Male gaze 

7. Gender Performativity - Judith Butler

Towards the end of the first episode, we can see Martin and his aunt, Lenora, behind him. She is standing behind him and looking down on him, which makes her seem like she is dominant, which is stereotypically a male quality, whereas Martin, looks quite innocent and submissive.