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:
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
Are stereotypes used? Do the representations reinforce or subvert what we usually see in the media?
Scene 1: Garden/BBQ scenes (East & West Germany)
4.58 – 8.20 and 34.00 – 37.20
Technical codes – particularly mise-en-scene: The costume used when representing people from East Germany was more casual attire compared to West Germany who were more formal however it can be argued that these were two different occasions so attire would be different for different events.
Representation of East & West Germany / Family / Gender: The East Germany BBQ scene is seen to be more casual and social compared to the West Germany BBQ scene where everything was shown to be more formal and put together. West Germany is shown to be a lot more wealthier than East German however East Germany is shown to be more happier and to have more of a positive atmosphere - there is a sense of unity. This reinforces the class stereotype often portrayed in the media that working class still see the best in life and still have fun despite not having much. The male dominance in Deutschland 83 is the portrayal of society in 1983 - the male dominance makes it more of an accurate representation. We learn little about the female characters as all of the female characters are created through the men.
Scene 2: Martin/Moritz first sees the West German supermarket
14.30 – 20.25
Technical codes – particularly mise-en-scene: The costume change from boring attire to red Puma branded T-Shirt to represent the Capitalism and vibrancy of West Germany.
Audio codes – particularly music: This scene in the West began with ominous music to create tension.
Colour grading: East Germany clothing was shown to be boring and colourless where as the change of clothing when in West Germany we see vibrancy and colour which creates a certain impression to the audience about the two different sides.
Audience pleasures: Nostalgia - 80's music and props. Surveillance '1961' - Berlin crisis - emphasizes Martins youth - 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: Split screen emphasises difference between East and West Germany - there is a clear depiction of two different lifestyles. The jump cuts used lend pace and excitement to the scene.
Audio codes: Non diegetic music quickens the pace of the scene - this is seen at the pace of the montage as well - the upbeat music creates pace and a rushed atmosphere.
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 which links to the theme of secrecy and spies. Close ups on the lock, important bits of document papers and his face to highlight main focuses of situation, allows audience for a deeper understanding. Constant surveillance - the high angle shot implies that he is being watched like CCTV, the low angle shot on his face.
Audio codes – diegetic and non-diegetic sound: The non diegetic ominous music was used again to build tension - this is an on going thing. Diegetic sound of him breathing and picking the lock was exaggerated to build up tension for both character, situation and audience.
Audio codes – diegetic and non-diegetic sound: The non diegetic ominous music was used again to build tension - this is an on going thing. Diegetic sound of him breathing and picking the lock was exaggerated to build up tension for both character, situation and audience.
Audience pleasures: The suspense and questioning of 'will he get caught?'. Personal relationship built with character - audience sympathises with Martin and doesn't want him to get caught. Surveillance - we learn historical context from this drama.
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