City of God: Opening Scene analysis

City of God opening scene is an introduction into many of the themes that the narrative will entail.
the film textn goes against Hollywood films as it does not start with an establishing shot.
Frenetic editing and the dietetic sound within the opening lends itself to the idea of unease of life in the favela which can be interpreted as a symbol of conflict.  An extreem close of of a knife adds to this, and the editing quickly cuts between the knife and a black screen accompanied by dietetic sound which builds on the sense of unease within the opening of the film.
Life and culture continues to juxtapose tradition Hollywood films as the props used within this scene reflect life very stereotypical to how life may be within the slums.
Images of children also reflect what life is like in the slums as it may be considered as 'cheep' and there is a low life expectancy. Editing also reflects this as the frenetic pace draws parallels to the chaotic life in the slums.
The chicken plays a key role in the opening scene, as it could represent the internal conflict of our protagonist , Rocket, who wishes to escape the slums and this is represented in the chase that takes place as the chicken runs away.

A Bout De Souffle Film response

One of the first new wave films, A Bout De Souffle, uses unconventional filming methods which contrast heavily to the American cinema during that period. Some of these methods include:

• Lack of narrative - The lack of any meaningful narrative was one of the key differences between this french new wave film, and that of other films during that period. A basic conceptual idea follows a male protagonist by the name of Michel - an anti hero. Having a gangster persona, he challenges the heroic ideal of many American protagonists during the period. There is a lack of cause and effect within the narrative also leads to a somewhat unsatisfactory ending where it seems as if nothing was resolved or achieved.
• Editing -  the editing of the movie reflects the art house style that the french new wave films brought. The pacing of the scenes would reflect the mood or atmosphere of the characters, this is most noticeable within the taxi scene where fast paced editing is used to show the impatience of Michel.
• Protagonist - Percieved as an anti hero - Michel does not fit most, if not any, of the characteristics of common American protagonist. He does not seem to have any motive to allow the narrative to unfold, and holds traits which contrast the heroic traditional protagonist of that time.
• Art style - The style in which the film was created was made for the purpose of being a more artistic style. this in itslef made the films production very different to that of other films of that time, which lead to the style of the french new wave being created.

Scene analysis: Double indemnity

As the film draws to a conclusion, Keyes is sure that something is wrong with the Dietrichson case. During an unfortunate timing, he comes to Walters apartment at the same time the Phyllis is meant to be coming up.The scene starts with Keyes in the foreground, as an over powering presence against Walter, who almost seems to blend into the the scenery around him. The lamp in the background allows for shadows to be cast, presenting Keyes in a darker, more predominant light, enforcing him as a powerful figure at this part during the film. This is also reflected in the dialogue, with Keyes bombarding Walter with questions, almost accusing him of what he has done. This builds tension in the scene as we are worried about the effects of Keyes finding out the truth.
Keyes paces back and forth from the camera, which zooms in and out to match his pace, further enforcing that the cojnveresation is in his control. When facing the camera his is enforcing his power in the situation and distances himself from Walter. The camera angle changes and we have a mid shot of the two in darker lighting. Keyes darker suit and hat, contrasting even more so against Walters lighter suit.
It is at this point when there is a long accusing pause after 'Maybe he didn't know he was insured.'

Film responce: Double indemnity

Double Indemnity focuses on a insurance salesman and revolves around his experience in the business. When he enters the dietrichson household for a review on car insurance, his perspective on life changes. Being a straight up man, with his morals in check, he is twisted in the web that the spider woman, Phyllis, and all his morals are turned around in her flirtations.
He is seduced into using his skills in the business to kill of her unloving husband and rid her of a unhappy marriage. He plans to kill him in a unusual circumstance so the insurance company will pay out more hence the title 'Double Indemnity'.
The narration follows Walter as the main protagionist and the story unfolds from his confessions. he recounts his story of his and Phyllis meeting and the plotting of her husbands death. As the story unfolds, we begin to see that Phyllis is not as vulnerable as she had made out and that there is a lot of mystery about her character.
This leads Walter to questioning his decisions and he becomes remorseful and tries to make things right buy killing Phyllis.

Georgy Girl scene analysis

Opening with a classing female motion associated with the 60's, we have the swinging of the main character, Georgy's (Lynn Redgrave), handbag. The upbeat music that introduces this scene reflects the character of Georgy and the boundless energy of what is to be introduced into the movie. The colourless image follows her down the street, the independence of this is a clear contrast from the other black and white films of the 50's. On arriving at a salon, we see the character of Georgy peer into a hair salon, which very much shows what many working class females were like at this time. The fact that we see the character is not like this can lead is to the assumption that she is not working class but middle class. Upon making the decision to get her hair styled, we see that she is conflicted with this decision, reflecting with the middle class morals that she has. However, we see that in making the decision she detaches herself of this lifestyle and accepts the hair cut, which could be a precursor to other decisions that will be made later on in the movie.
Once she exits from the shop, we the see the regret in her decision as she goes running off to the toilets in order to change her appearance to what it was.

Film response: Alfie

An unrepentant ladies' man gradually begins to understand the consequences of his lifestyle. Alfie (Michael Caine) is the main character that the narrative follows, and often he speaks to the audience directly.We see this within the opening of the movie once we get a feel of the character and his 'meetings'.
Concealed within the darkness, he hides and 

Short Film: Response

The Forgotten Hit:

This was the first of the short films that I had watched, it was very interesting with plot twists, flashbacks and a compelling narrative. The scenes are very monotone, using mainly black and white which represent the lack of emotion, and maybe memory of the character.

Indecision:

With the second short film that we saw, I did not find the story compelling at all. However, the film was very good in the aspect of mes en scene, great costume and sticking true to the character with the old car.  The editing was also good, with the revolving scene section, that was done very well. I really enjoyed the sound, or lack of, with the only sound being the voice over which i though suited the film very well.

Farewell Charlie Power:

The longest of the three films and the most detail in them as well. There was both a compelling narrative, great use of mes en scene, truly representing the area the film is located in. Other aspects were also done well, with great seamless editing, accompanied by a sound track