Analysing Opening of 'Deutschland 83' 

The use of Western Style music 'Major Tom' immediately contrasts with the genre of the series. The music we hear in the opening would not have been allowed in the East Bloc. The specific song chosen is also very happy and therefore conflicts with the genre of the series. 

The 4, 3,2,1 introduction represent the division of Germany that occurred after WW2, which was a very conflicted and controversial move made by Allied forces. We therefore think that the writer is trying to give some background knowledge on the Cold War before it has even begun. 

The snips of each specific actor/actress are all very serious. This indicates to the audience that the show is going to raise tough moments. The use of dark grey on the actors face, yet colour surrounding the outside represents the different East and Western zones. It shows that there was constant rivalry between the two zones, and that they were always on top and involved with each other. 

 The opening also contains a snippet of two people kissing, one we know is the main Character 'Martin' who was a worker on the Eastern Bloc. The use of this scene is controversial as this was more behaviour of someone in the West. It almost doubts the regime alive in the East as its saying that even those these people are based within the Soviet Sphere they are living a more Western life. 

Throughout, the whole opening scene there is the use of bombs especially atomic ones. This again, gives the audience knowledge of what the Cold War was really about which was nuclear weapons. It also creates a tense feeling as they are used throughout, which reiterates how close the world came to entering a nuclear war. 

The use of real life clips from the Cold War helps to interest the audience as people find it easier to connect when they can see proof it happened in the world. Throughout, the whole opening there are many accounts of giving an insight into the conflict between the US and the USSR, this gives people extra knowledge and understanding before the episodes have even begun. 

The opening shows the West to be although serious less angry and aggressive. They do state the fact that they are turning to nuclear due to the lack of security. This creates tension for the audience as before the programme has begun properly you can see the conflict the two opposing zones had towards each other. The front-line videos of the war allow the audience to feel more included and able to understand the background of the series. 

The clip chosen to represent the East is quite contrasting to what we have heard about that side of Germany. Although, they have the persona of war hungry they are demanding the end to nuclear war, which is a conflicting idea. We can see that the writer may want us to have a more equal view of the two zones, especially as this series follows life from an Eastern perspective. 

The use of this clip, is to show that many people

were supporting the Eastern zone, however, from History we know that this may not be true so although the preferred reading is that Eastern Germany was not as bad as it seemed, due to our own knowledge we see that this clip may be aimed at making the audience becoming more convinced by East Germany primarily because of what the series 'Deutschland 83' is about.