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