Legende von Paul und Paula

HISTORICAL CONTEXT & PRODUCTION

What is the historical context of Die Legende von Paul und Paula?

1973, directed by Heiner Carow. Chief Nazi propagandaise. Film nowadays has political functioning — educating people to avoid educating in hands of state, whether overt or covert. DEFA (sole state producer) — art to inspire people to achieve. Shares long-term plans. Recognise as a medium of manipulation. Common theme: Vergangenheitsbewältigung. Film state implies themes of rehabilitating from past as result of contributing to socialist political party now.

How did the development of the film unfold?

Already successful — limited censorship, don't believe in censoring act. Erich Honecker: new want taboo to act as green light for light criticism and to fight censoring until his statement implied exposing emancipation not true.

What was the public reaction to Die Legende von Paul und Paula?

West took as misogynistic and thought Paula on drugs. Social/political bombshell in East — different social circumstances (Paula's dreams seem silly as not experienced her occasion for concern, close to the scene).

What is significant about sex on screen in the film?

Initiated by women — appeal to younger generations to break taboos.

THEMES

What are the general themes of Paul und Paula?

Benefits of individual happiness. Tension between conformity and individual happiness — became social/political bombshell. How far should one pursue individual happiness. Themes to depict society of time. Love steps away from common society ideology — challenges hypocritical behaviour in socialism. Done by opposites. Debates public/private sphere, love in private. Calling it "legend" implies moral/lesson to learn.

What are the themes relating to Paula as a character?

Should dislike for selfishness as person. Defined by collective contribution. Becomes curious hero — could be Paul driving her personal change. Dares to be different. Room for everyone's happiness in collective society. Despite death, story gives hope as Paul changed by her. Happiness on own terms. Death may imply punishment and show socialist not escape all negatives. Her struggle shows not emancipated enough — a critique too strong. Radiates optimism while struggling too.

What are the themes relating to Paul as a character?

Conforms to state expectation (job etc). Contrasted to Paula by name. Can't leave wife as it would ruin his/his party image.

What does the orchestra scene show about both characters?

Paul conforms by participating in educating scheme for lower class. Landscape in GDR and their ideology. Paula breaks taboos and social norm by clapping. Her fantasies go against orchestra's educating aim — widen her ideas/raise her to a higher level.

SCENE ANALYSIS

What does the bedroom scene (red and white, half a bed) signify?

Red = love. Red = complexity of love. Half a bed means incomplete sex — complete together? Split because of state?

What does the scene with Paul in suit and Paula in wig/jewellery convey?

GDR reality and blocks. Paul fulfilling duty. Paul as primary power by size and stance. Paula's fake jewellery/wig implies not herself and presenting herself different to Paul — not out of society. Both disguised in clothing.

What does the scene where Paula removes Paul's military uniform signify?

Paul struggles with love for Paula. Seduces and pulls him away from his wife — removing military uniform = forgetting social position, coming to new mindset. Flowers instead of military hat = happiness/freedom. Demonstrates unmatched ideologies.

What does the fantasy boat marriage scene represent?

Extent of nonconformity and imagination. Keeping him away from reality.

What does the prolonged sex scene signify?

No clothes — differences forgotten. Prolonged sex scene shows unity for classless society and intelligentsia.

What is significant about the dream sequence and the flying kite/suggestive song?

References pornography and sexual intercourse. Jab at Eastern politics and taboo.

What happens in the musicians scene and what does it mean?

Paul sees and becomes blindfolded when Paula says "can't see." Remark on Statsi — by associated suits limiting their control, criticising intense state observation.

What does singing German folk songs together signify?

Unity vs orchestra — separate.

What does the featured bands scene show?

Featured bands imitate Western bands — shows influence and tension with GDR ideology.