CITY OF GOD: Close analysis of Opening Scene ( and one other )

In 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 innocent people and animals. The music also sets the pace of the scene. When the chicken is being chased, the rhythm quickens, creating a chaotic environment.  The use of tracking shots when following the boys chasing said chicken helps the audience decode that there’s a clear difference in power between these two forces (gang and chicken) that we’ve been introduced to, by viewing it through the tracking shot we view the chase as if from one of the kids chasing perspective and so we as the audience feel included in their predator nature. We can also see that many high and low angled shots have been used, higher angled shots when looking at the chicken as if looking down on it, this is important as looking down on something implies than you’re superior to it, in this case the pursuers who have more power in the scene and are literally bigger and so would naturally be looking down at the chicken, however when the chicken finally starts to get away by flying near the end of the chase sequence a low shot is used, showing empowering imagery of a chicken silhouette gliding across the bright sky which can be seen being it, escape, freedom and liberation are signified here. Aside from this one glimpse of the sky, we are viewing the opening from the perspective of the chicken and the setting feels claustrophobic as the walls surround.  The establishing shot at a skewed angle changes the perspective. The gun shot we hear as we are shown an above angle of the kids chasing the chicken is a shock to the audience as it arises questions such as: why do the kids have a gun? why are they firing it? why are they firing it at a chicken? Showing close ups of the gang leaders mouth and unappealing teeth while he shouts orders serves to portray him as a villain. He is clearly a threatening and menacing man.  The close ups and jump cuts also give the audience a feeling of confrontation and connection to the characters as we are able to see more emotion and almost feel our way through the shots because of this. 

Sound is also used towards the end of the opening sequence to connote a more serious tone, as Rocket is introduced. The use of sound is reduced, as Rocket is casually talking to his friend about how he does not want to meet up with that ‘motherfucking hood’, referring to Lil Ze. This helps to create a binary opposite between the two. It can also be said the same for the close up on the camera boy’s face when he is first confronted by the said gang leader and we get the sense that he may know this boy but does not want to be anywhere near him. We can see concern and fear on his face and this is successfully achieved because of the framing of the shot. The scene slows as the chicken makes it to the road and the buildup of atmosphere then peaks at this moment. The slow motion effect is used to take in the situation that Rocket is in and track his actions. The scene then changes to a flashback of his past which has a bright warm colour palette that heavily juxtaposes the desolate and cold colour palette of the scene so far. When playing football, Rocket kid judges where the ball is going to placed and missed it. This encourages the audience to like him; to favour the underdog. We then see that even as a child, Lil Ze is violent as he hits another boy demanding that he gives him the ball. This first violent action hints how he behaves later, already suggesting he has a villainous aspect to him, even as a young child.