Several historians and film scholars have dealt with the German Heimatfilm. They mainly concentrated on the films' reception in the 1950s, when they served as a form of distraction from reality. Large audience figures were attracted to go to the movies to see peaceful villages, mountains, lakes or woods. The reasons for the genre's success were revealed by several researchers. But, when switching on television today, it becomes clear that the phenomenon of Heimat is still of remarkable impact. The old classical Heimatfilme from the 1950s are frequently repeated. Furthermore, fairly recent productions can be found as well as contemporary TV-series which follow a similar pattern. To underline this phenomenon and its development TV-guides from the years 1991 and 2007 are taken into account to analyse the frequency of Heimatfilme on German television. The thesis also contains a case study of the outstandingly famous Immenhof-trilogy in order to reveal the values that are transported through the genre. For different reasons, the films managed to survive sixty years and, even though they are not shown in cinemas any more, they nevertheless survived on TV and regularly achieve high market shares. Although Germany is not lying in ruins and is not suffering from a devastating war, there still seems to be a longing for distraction nowadays. Globalisation, alienation and modernisation are only some reasons that reinforce a glorification of rural areas and the 1950s. The foundation myth, the economic 'miracle' and the so-called 'zero hour' in 1945 have further increased the popularity of the decade. In this sense, the films are also analysed according to the way they project German self-perception and how they are coming to terms with the nation's past.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Heimatfilm - History and Historical Background
- Empirical Research
- Case Study: The Immenhof - Trilogy (1955-57)
- Wer früher stirbt ist länger tot (2006) - New and old Elements of the Genre
Objectives and Key Themes
This dissertation aims to examine the enduring popularity of the German Heimatfilm genre, extending beyond its initial peak in the 1950s. It investigates the reasons for its continued presence on German television and explores the values and societal perceptions reflected in these films.
- The historical context and evolution of the Heimatfilm genre.
- The enduring appeal of Heimatfilm in contemporary German society.
- The values and ideologies conveyed through the genre.
- The role of Heimatfilm in shaping German national identity and its relationship with the past.
- A case study analysis of the Immenhof trilogy.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter likely introduces the topic of the German Heimatfilm, its historical context, and the research questions that will be addressed in the dissertation. It sets the stage for the subsequent analysis by providing a brief overview of the genre and its significance.
Heimatfilm - History and Historical Background: This chapter delves into the historical development of the Heimatfilm genre, tracing its origins and evolution. It likely discusses the socio-political factors that contributed to its rise in popularity, particularly in the post-war era, and examines its changing representations over time. The chapter will likely explore the genre's initial function as escapism and its subsequent transformations.
Empirical Research: This chapter presents the empirical data collected to support the dissertation's arguments. This likely includes data from television program guides analyzing the frequency of Heimatfilm broadcasts across different years, providing quantifiable evidence for the genre's ongoing presence in German media. This section might also analyze audience figures or reception data if available.
Case Study: The Immenhof - Trilogy (1955-57): This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the Immenhof trilogy, a highly successful and well-known example of the Heimatfilm genre. By examining this specific case, the chapter likely explores the key thematic elements, narrative structures, and values promoted in the films. This in-depth look at a specific set of films allows for a more nuanced understanding of the genre's impact.
Wer früher stirbt ist länger tot (2006) - New and old Elements of the Genre: This chapter likely analyzes a more contemporary Heimatfilm, "Wer früher stirbt ist länger tot," comparing and contrasting its elements with those of the classic 1950s Heimatfilme. The chapter probably explores how the genre has adapted to changing social and cultural contexts while retaining its core thematic elements. This comparison illuminates the evolution and enduring appeal of the genre.
Keywords
Heimatfilm, German cinema, national identity, post-war Germany, popular culture, nostalgia, rural life, globalization, modernization, alienation, Immenhof trilogy, television, media analysis.
German Heimatfilm Dissertation: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the subject of this dissertation?
This dissertation examines the enduring popularity of the German Heimatfilm genre, tracing its history from its peak in the 1950s to its continued presence in contemporary German television. It investigates the reasons for its sustained appeal and explores the societal values and perceptions reflected in these films.
What are the key themes explored in the dissertation?
The dissertation explores the historical context and evolution of the Heimatfilm genre, its enduring appeal in modern German society, the values and ideologies it conveys, its role in shaping German national identity, and its relationship with the past. A case study analysis of the Immenhof trilogy is also included.
What is the structure of the dissertation?
The dissertation is structured into chapters covering an introduction, a historical overview of the Heimatfilm, an analysis of empirical research on the genre's continued presence, a case study of the Immenhof trilogy (1955-57), and a comparative analysis of a more contemporary Heimatfilm, "Wer früher stirbt ist länger tot" (2006).
What kind of empirical research is included?
The empirical research likely involves data from television program guides to analyze the frequency of Heimatfilm broadcasts over time, providing quantitative evidence of its ongoing presence. It may also include audience figures or reception data, if available.
What is the significance of the Immenhof trilogy case study?
The case study of the Immenhof trilogy allows for an in-depth analysis of a highly successful and well-known example of the Heimatfilm genre. Examining this specific case helps explore key thematic elements, narrative structures, and values promoted in the films, providing a nuanced understanding of the genre's impact.
How does the dissertation compare classic and contemporary Heimatfilms?
The dissertation compares classic 1950s Heimatfilme with a contemporary example, "Wer früher stirbt ist länger tot (2006)," to analyze how the genre has adapted to changing social and cultural contexts while retaining core thematic elements. This comparison reveals the genre's evolution and enduring appeal.
What are the keywords associated with this dissertation?
Key words include: Heimatfilm, German cinema, national identity, post-war Germany, popular culture, nostalgia, rural life, globalization, modernization, alienation, Immenhof trilogy, television, and media analysis.
- Quote paper
- Julia Ossenbruegge (Author), 2008, As long as the Roses still bloom. The track record of the German Heimatfilm, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/302980
