TV: 750 words exam question

Question 1
“Realism is a vital component of television drama”. To what extent does an analysis of your television close-study products support this view? [25 marks]


Deucschland 83 agrees with this statement that realism is a vital component of television drama as it shows alot hyper reality and pastiche. Pastiche is shown through deucshland 83 having alot of possession of military equipment and speeches on the TV reflecting the cold war from both east and the west side. This allows the audience to relate to the real world as it the items or places used exhibit reference to real life crimes. Deutschland 83 also shows hyperreality as they copy or reenact real situations or location which are better than the original. For example, the Houses used are not really modernized due to their dull and dim colours which connote ancient and outdated. Furthermore, it has a sense of bricolage due to the juxtaposition of old and new places. This is portrayed through the difference Between east and west Germany. The west is the more wealthy and liberated side of Germany therefore, would involve rich source of equipment and luxurious place that the east hasn’t seen.  The audience get a sense of nostalgia of the 1980s culture which is further reinforced through the music used in the east as it fits the the culture perfectly. Moreover, the conflict between Communist and the Capitalist side conveys a sense of realism as it acts as a surveillance for the audience. The audience are taught about the Cold War and how did Germany split into to two nations. This implies some social and historical content as it educations young teenagers about the Cold War.

In addition, the typical stereotypes used also convey a sense of realism due to them stereotypes being able to relate to other texts. For example, Deutschland 83 reinforces typical male stereotypes as they are shown to be robust, brave and courageous. The audience can interpret that in many other film text such as James Bond. Intersexuality plays a key part in agreeing that realism is a vital component of television drama since having reference to non fictional movies can evoke voyeuristc pleasures for the audience as they have more movies to correspond to. Another stereotype that reflects realism is the representation of  family in Dueschland 83, the TV show consists of conflict between states however family plays a big role as well since the main character puts his family before everything. The audience could gain personal identity and relate to the scenarios in real life.

Another television close study product that supports this view is Capital. Capital is a state of nation drama and reflects many stereotypes of the middle class. The characters in Capital take London as granted and a place where they can relax and only provide for their family and not for London. On the other hand, you see the immigration in society, they are more caring and kind heartened than those who lived in London their entire life. For example Quentina, who is an immigrant, serves more love and care for London than London people ever could even though they face a lot of trouble trying to live a good life. Also the Asian family are seen to be kind-hearted and generous which subverts typical Asian stereotypes as they should be depicted as terrorist. However, in capital they are not shown in that type of way as they supply vegetables to Arabella who are in the upper class in the society. This links back to realism since these are raised in Capital but still an ongoing problem in todays society.

Some may argue that capital doesn’t show a sense of realism as its been said that Capital are shown to be using left wing bias, portraying wealthy class people in a negative image. However, Capital have portrayed middle class in such way, in contrast to a positive image representation of multiculturalism and illegal immigrants, which subverts typical TV drama shows.

Overall, Deutschland 83 shows some sense of realism however due to not having the original locations used in the cold war, it doesn't full emphasise the realism since audience may not feel nostalgic enough towards the settings constructed. Therefore, Deutschland 83 doesn't fully represent the cold war but still has some aspects of history which audience may relate to. On the other hand, through the representations and the locations used in Capital show realism as many audience can feel connected to the society in Capital and the society today. London's diversity in capital represents a positive aspect in Capital which is further reinforced in reality.