City Of God: Opening Scene

Question 1

Sounds during the opening scene:

Answer 1

• sharp / harsh knife cutting
• drums
• singing
• chickens
• guitars

This is all non-diegetic sound

Question 2

Editing during opening scene:

Answer 2

Hypo-kinetic editing

Question 3

What effect does the hypo-kinetic editing give the scene?

Answer 3

Creates a chaotic atmosphere:

• Shows how hectic the urban environment is
• There are so many things happening at the same time

Question 4

CHICKEN: cinematography

Answer 4

As the chicken runs away, the camera is shot from his point of view putting you in the chicken’s shoes

Question 5

CHICKEN: experience for spectators

Answer 5

During v. early on in the film, spectators are forced into a very chaotic, stressful, and fast-paced situation

Question 6

Cinematography: Lil’Ze

Answer 6

Low angle shot looking up at Lil’Ze:

• he’s in charge
• he has the power
• authoritative
• unattractive angle

Question 7

Camera looking up at Lil’Ze..

Answer 7

A close-up of his menacing face as he shouts orders viciously

Question 8

As spectators we anticipate..

Answer 8

VIOLENCE - we expect to see destructive masculine conflict

Question 9

What is the narrative structure of the film?

Answer 9

A non-linear narrative: links to past and progression of crime

Question 10

What is shocking for viewers as they watch the opening scene?

Answer 10

Seeing little children running with guns is quite disturbing as they have lost their innocence and are destroying their youth