CITY OF GOD: Close analysis of Opening Scene ( and one other )
I n the title sequence we see a picture of Rocket through bars, this not only foreshadows the ending but it also hints that the camera will be a key symbol in the film. Aside from the beginning background noise which first helps to establish the Brazilian culture, the first sound we hear is the repeated harsh sound of the sharpening of a knife. This foreshadows the future violence that is present throughout the film. The images get more violent and the increasing speed of the cuts make the opening scene gain some sort of direction as if this scene is building up to something. The short, jump cut clips including the use of shot reverse shot are able to enhance the opening and create a fast paced rhythm that portrayed the feeling of panic, urgency and fear for the chicken who was awaiting to be slaughtered- almost as if the pacing and rhythm of the montage was an accurate representation of the chicken’s heart rate. This symbolises the threat posed on...