City of God = Apartment Scene

Question 1

Cinematography =

Answer 1

• Cinematography is presented through a static camera shot positioned to be a fly on the wall as we observe the
  deterioration of the apartment
• We are positioned as if we are looking from the outside looking into the life of the favelas
• Fixed wide lens throughout
• The colour turns grey and unsaturated which chows the change of tone

Question 2

How does cinematography convey messages?

Question 3

How does cinematography contribute to the film’s overall aesthetic?

Question 4

Mise en scene =

Answer 4

• The scene begins with a warm homely atmosphere with feminine hints such as pink walls
• The femininity is then taken over as Big Boy takes over with his violence, this femineity is abandoned with yellow hues, and pornography on the walls and objectifying women
• The set design and props are able to show the deterioration of the apartment with damp walls and drugs becoming a central focus for the apartment. The walls begin to crumble and damp and no furniture or sense of home
• The major absence of them throughout highlights the toxic masculinity environment of the favelas. This emphasises how CoG is a made dominated favela where women are the subject of patriarchal society

Question 5

How does mise en scene convey messages?

Answer 5

• The apartment acts as a microcosm for City of God, it becomes less of a home and violent place where only the merciless survive

Question 6

How does mise en scene contribute to the film’s overall aesthetic?

Question 7

Performance =

Answer 7

• We are introduced to Carrot who appears a light-hearted person attempting to make himself a better life
• However Carrot is then forced to kill his brother which symbolises his loss of innocence
• It displays the misogynistic nature of the favela when Dona Zelia is physically forced out of the apartment. Men are seen as a physically imposing force which explains the limited representation. They furthermore present Dona Zelia in a negative stereotype as she asked for sexual favours from younger boys but then is forced out by a male gang member

Question 7

How does performance convey messages?

Question 9

Editing =

Answer 9

• Dissolves in and out which emphasises the difference in time and how power has changed within the favelas

Question 10

How does editing convey messages?

Question 12

Sound =

Answer 12

• Heterodiegetic narration from Rocket throughout. The narration tells the spectator how Dona Zelia began selling drugs to provide for her family which is typical representations of women

Question 13

How does sound convey messages?