- We have watched three movies about life in the GDR this semester: Trace of Stones (1966), Good Bye, Lenin! (2003), and The Lives of Others (2006). How do
these movies represent life in the GDR? What positive and negative aspects of the GDR do they focus on? What attitudes towards the GDR do they reflect? Please
also take the socio-historical context in which these three films were produced and their chronology into consideration. What cinematic devices do these three
films use to convey their particular image of the GDR? Please compare and contrast the three films and comment in detail on the similarities and differences
of how at least one particular element of cinematography is used in all three films and to what effects (e.g. themes, characters, setting, comedic elements,
endings, music, camera and other cinematic devices).
Please write at least 250 words. Avoid quoting directly and use your own words instead.
- If you had to pick one topic (other than the GDR) that has recurred in our discussions after the midterm, which one would you choose and why? What have you
learned about this topic from our course. How does this relate to your own life? Please recollect the most important points in our discussions of the topic,
and refer to at least three movies that we have discussed in the second half of the semester, i.e. three (3) of the following seven films: The Bridge;
Aguirre, the Wrath of God; Wings of Desire; Good, Bye, Lenin!; Head-On; The Lives of Others.
Please write at least 250 words. Avoid quoting directly and use your own words instead.
Out of the films that we watched this semester, which one of these is your favorite movie and why? Why do you think that this particular film is superior in
comparison to the other films we watched after the midterm? What elements of the cinematography did you find especially effective? Please make sure to comment
in detail on at least one cinematic device that the film uses particularly well and explain how the film does this and to what effect. What questions does the
film explore? Do you find the film of your choice particularly interesting from a moral-philosophical, political, social, historical, or other perspective?
What part of the story told by the movie was the most powerful for you and why? In your opinion, does the film have a message? What did you learn from this
movie about German culture, and how does the film relate to your own life? Do you think that this film is still relevant for us today?
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