Wednesday 25 September 2013

Section A - How far does the impact of the films you have studied for this topic depend on distinctive uses of film techniques?

La Haine

The key identity of the  film is its focus on raw reality. Film techniques help to establish the reality and within that  the underlying themes and effect on the characters creating an overall impact of the film. You could argue that the extent to which the film has an impact  does not rely purely on  film techniques used but also on the dialogue and narrative of La Haine.

The most dominating film technique used for the entirity of the film is the use of black and white. Kassovitz makes this decision to emphasise the key theme of  a multi race culture present in the 'projects.' Another interpretation for this black and white is to show how not everything is not black and white  forcing  the audience to look for the colour beneath the black and white.


Throughout the film Kassovitz never gives and illusion of a happy ending and this becomes more apparent towards the end when the three lads are spending their last hours in Paris in a shopping centre. A reacurring issue in the film is the lack of oppurtunity and wanting to get out of the negative impact that the 'Projects' has on the three boys. In this shot Said and Hurbert are waiting either side of a descending escalator . Descending is a stylistic choice used to show that a character is about to go somewhere negative. Said and Hubert waiting at the bottom of the descent  could show how  they wish to 'move up' from their situation, however  the escalator is coming towards them creating a friction  and almost pushing them back down . This shows how if anyone from the projects tries to better themselves something is just going to push them back down.
                                     Said and Hubert are intimidating a man that is riding the escalator ,whilst doing so Hubert says  'People are like sheep they follow the system' I think this is ironic  as the man is doing exactly as Hubert says, he is being carried by the escalator which can been seen as a metaphor for the society that forces people towards a certain path. We know that the man does not want to come down the escalator towards what looks like two stereotypical thugs , yet he knows he has to. This scene is key to show the power held between the two societies , Said and hubert are in full control of their lower level and therefore have power. However I think an element of power is only showed by this  2  mid shot of Said and Hubert  being either side of the escalator united together against the other form of society.  This shows how it is vital for the boys to stick together  in order to remain in power , this can be used as an explanation as to why gangs are ever-present in the 'projects' society.


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