World Cinema - La Haine analysis

La Haine analysis in realtion to micro and macro aspects;

Micro
Cinematography

Much like most World Cinema films, La Haine addresses real life issues of drugs and violence in Paris. Throughout La Haine, there are many quick cuts and long shots, some of which would not be expected in contemporary films. For example, in one scene, Vinz is pointing his gun at the camera, and the camera tracks towards him using shallow focus. It also uses a technique whereby the camera almost becomes handheld. It speeds up and shakes whilst the background is blurred. Vinz then addresses the camera, causing the audience to feel apprehensive.It encourages the audience to predict what he will react by analysing his character. The close up shot seen during the this sequence is repeat several times suring the film, when Vinz is reflecting on how he is feeling during that point in time, such as during the bathroom scene, where Vinz talks to the mirror.

One other camera shot is particularly effective. This shot is taken whilst the three youths are on a balcony overlooking the city. The first shot the audience see is a midshot of the youths, however as the scene progresses, the focus changes from deep to shallow. The camera also zooms outwards, making the youths look vulnerable.


La Haine is filmed entirely in black and white and often uses low key or natural lighting to add to the feel of realism. This way the audience can relate to the characters more easily, so the narrative of the film generally receives a better reponse from the audience.

Mise en Scene
The film mainly takes place in the French suburbs, where drugs and violence are a battle to control, particularly for the police. The locations are often rural and low class. The clothing worn by the youths in the community are a typical example of those in reality.

Performance
As expected La Haine uses stars that have been less exposed to mainstream cinema. Vincent Cassel, however, has since appeared in many mainstream film and is often labelled as a 'tough guy' due to his roles. Despite this, most of the characters are very cinvincing, particualrly Vinz. Although it is not so easy for the audience to predict the actions of the characters, they are able to understand the personality of each of the characters.

Sound
Sound is often emphasised in World Cinema films like La Haine. The sound is mostly natural, so the realism feel is made more apparent, such as the use of offscreen sound from a city. When the end of the bathroom scene with Vinz approaches, he points his fingers at the mirror, imitating a gun and fires. A quick cut is then used along with a gunshot sound. This is a very effective way to portray Vinz's character to the audience.

Editing
There is little editing seen in La Haine, apart from the impressive camerawork. Quick cuts are particularly frequent to emphasise on the films hard-hitting approach. Long shots are also used to keep the audience in suspense

Macro
Narrative
  

World Cinema - REC Screening analysis

After watching REC, I will be analysing the film in relation to the micro and macro aspects.


MICRO
Cinematography

The cinematography used during REC successfully attempts to demonstrate aspects of realism, such as handheld cameras, realistic camera angles and low key lighting. Handheld cameras are used throughout the film, so the audience feel a part of the experience. REC approach usual storylines with a different style. The audience feel as though they are watching from the audiences perspective during the first scene and as victims of the virus for the remainder of the film. The camera often pans and tilts to increase suspense and tension, such as the loft sequence.     

The film mainly uses low key lighting, however there are instances where lighting is used to contrast certain objects, such as stairs. It is often used to show the ways of escape or to highlight the important parts of the scene. Lighting can be used as a binary opposition. An example would be where there are bright lights in the medical room whereas dark and low key lighting is used elsewhere (emphasises the danger).        


Mise en scene

. The film mainly takes place in a derelict, run-down block of flats. This is due to the fact that most zombie films rarely change location, such as The Decent, and also take place in a rural, disclosed location. The film follows the codes and conventions of a horror film.

The clothing of the protagonists is casual, apart from the firemen. Due to the stereotypes associated with firemen, the victims and the audience expect them to be the “saviours” from the virus. People don’t often see firemen or those expected to be stronger than others, to be in a vulnerable situation.   

Performance

Unlike mainstream cinema, REC uses untrained stars, or stars that have little mainstream exposure; most have appeared in very few films. Untrained actors often result in higher availability and lower recruitment costs.

The performance of the stars reflects the cinematic style of realism with the handheld cameras. For example, you never see the man behind the camera (Pablo). Pablo’s convincing performance encourages suspension of belief among the audience as they forget that what are seeing is fictitious.

Sound

REC relies heavily on the use of sound, mostly diegetic, to convey realism. For example, there is no music during the film; just natural, realistic sounds such as coughing and heavy breathing. The sound during the film is emphasised in places so the audience become more involved in the narrative.

Editing

Continuity editing, such as montage, is the most common during REC, to represent realism. The first few scenes of the film use quick cuts to show binary opposites. For example, the first shot is a POV shot of the cameraman, so the audience do not feel part of the experience, although they are being spoken to directly. The shot shows connotations of a television programme so the audience are forced to work out what is happening.  However the next few shots are on location, but still from the same perspective. This gives the impression that you are “behind the scenes”, and part of an experience that no one else is part of. 

MACRO
Narrative

The narrative in REC follows the codes and conventions of a zombie horror film. However there is a distinct difference with REC. The audience are placed in a scenario where they follow a camera crew. The situation is a typical everyday routine of a working fireman. This produces questions that the audience need to answer and understand. The narrative used a good example of shocking cinema as what seems a realistic television programme eventually escalates into a 'no win' situation. Due to its excellent representation of realism (apart from those infected by the virus), the audience become very involved and more shocked by what is happening within the each shot (visceral).