About the book
Were movies in the East Bloc propaganda or carefully veiled dissent? In the first major study in English of East German film, Joshua Feinstein argues that the answer to this question is decidedly complex.
Drawing on newly opened archives as well as interviews with East German directors, actors, and state officials, Feinstein traces how the cinematic depiction of East Germany changed in response to national political developments and transnational cultural trends such as the spread of television and rock 'n' roll. Celluloid images fed a larger sense of East German identity, an identity that persists today, more than a decade after German reunification. But even as they attempted to satisfy calls for “authentic” images of the German Democratic Republic that would legitimize socialist rule, filmmakers challenged the regime’s self-understanding. Beginning in the late 1960s, East German films dwelled increasingly on everyday life itself, no longer seeing it merely as a stage in the development toward communism. By presenting an image of a static rather than an evolving society, filmmakers helped transform East German identity from one based on a commitment to socialist progress to one that accepted the GDR as it was.
Editions of The Triumph of the Ordinary
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807827178
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807853856
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807861455
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890872241
Read an Excerpt
Were movies in the East Bloc propaganda or carefully veiled dissent? In the first major study in English of East German film, Joshua Feinstein argues that the answer to this question is decidedly complex.
Drawing on newly opened archives as well as interviews with East German directors, actors, and state officials, Feinstein traces how the cinematic depiction of East Germany changed in response to national political developments and transnational cultural trends such as the spread of television and rock 'n' roll. Celluloid images fed a larger sense of East German identity, an identity that persists today, more than a decade after German reunification. But even as they attempted to satisfy calls for “authentic” images of the German Democratic Republic that would legitimize socialist rule, filmmakers challenged the regime’s self-understanding. Beginning in the late 1960s, East German films dwelled increasingly on everyday life itself, no longer seeing it merely as a stage in the development toward communism. By presenting an image of a static rather than an evolving society, filmmakers helped transform East German identity from one based on a commitment to socialist progress to one that accepted the GDR as it was.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Triumph of the Ordinary about?
Were movies in the East Bloc propaganda or carefully veiled dissent? In the first major study in English of East German film, Joshua Feinstein argues that the answer to this question is decidedly complex.
Drawing on newly opened archives as well as interviews with East German directors, actors, and state officials, Feinstein traces how the cinematic depiction of East Germany changed in response to national political developments and transnational cultural trends such as the spread of television and rock 'n' roll. Celluloid images fed a larger sense of East German identity, an identity that persists today, more than a decade after German reunification. But even as they attempted to satisfy calls for “authentic” images of the German Democratic Republic that would legitimize socialist rule, filmmakers challenged the regime’s self-understanding. Beginning in the late 1960s, East German films dwelled increasingly on everyday life itself, no longer seeing it merely as a stage in the development toward communism. By presenting an image of a static rather than an evolving society, filmmakers helped transform East German identity from one based on a commitment to socialist progress to one that accepted the GDR as it was.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Triumph of the Ordinary?
History and Archaeology > History > European history
Where can I read a sample of The Triumph of the Ordinary?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807827178
How long is The Triumph of the Ordinary and how many pages does it have?
The Triumph of the Ordinary has 352 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Triumph of the Ordinary?
Joshua Feinstein
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Triumph of the Ordinary is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807827178) and paperback(ISBN 9780807853856) and ebook(ISBN 9780807861455) and pdf(ISBN 9798890872241)
Where can I buy The Triumph of the Ordinary online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy The Triumph of the Ordinary?