City of God Analysis FINISHED

"From one hit to the next, Lil 'Dice grew up. At 18, he was the most respected hood in the City of God."

The genre of City of God consists of gangster with a hint of documentary as the film is based on real life yet follows a multi stranded narrative. Events/ actions for example, the use of knock-out Ned's interview and re-enactments. The genre itself is established within the first 15 minutes or so of the movie- many argue with this statement. I personally feel as though the genre had been established from the very beginning due to the creation of atmos introduced and implemented through the entire duration of the film. Minor which are continued throughout aspects such as, use of colours, language (and themes such as loyalty, hope and love.) A brief outline of what takes place within the film is that within the beginning we are introduced to the main characters of the film and the individuals who influenced the main antagonist. So that would be: Shaggy, Goose and Clipper (Tender Trio) Lil Dice, Knockout Ned, Benny and last but not least Rocket. The film itself is a multi strand film consisting of more than one story and more so a combination of at least 13 different stories and how they all build up to lead to such an unfortunate event. Which in a way, is how the audience is kept engaged and awake- due to the unexpectedness of the amount of individuals which are featured not only throughout the film but within the first 15 minutes. In terms of the middle, your basic 'problem' takes place in this case the raping of Knockout Neds girlfriend- thus commencing the downfall of Lil Ze. And the end, the films conclusion although is not straight forward nor what you expect.

In terms of how the genre is introduced to the audience right from the beginning is through the use of the chicken(s) Personally when I first saw the chicken I thought where, when and what decade was this filmed? Simply because of all the aspects which complimented the chicken and it's purpose for the scene. The utensils (knives, barbecue, dancing etc) If anything, where other than farms are we able to see real life chickens. The chicken is in a way a nuance to the film, informing the audience what it is that I questioned. Where is this filmed and when. Letting the audience know the era and location through both cinematography and use of colour. What I found interesting about this film is the unique manner in which they incorporated actual residents of the city to the film.

The target audience for this film consists of 18 mainly men as well as an audience who know what this film refers too but at the same time I personally had no idea that this was based on a set of true events therefore it can possibly aim towards those who want to learn more about the events that took place within Cidade de Deus. Which is also a manner in which they may have constructed gaining a range of audiences. Taking advantage of the fact that their film bases on true events- thus gaining an interest with those who enjoy adaptations. If I were to describe an average targeted individual who would willingly watch this film I would say that he is aged 18, studying History, English and Travel and Tourism in his final year with a passion for discovering new and old facts. So, whilst watching City of God with complete knowledge of what took place within the Rio Degennaro, City of God.

As shown in the two images above, we have been shown to physical representations of two main characters (who are also best friends) both which have been together from a young age to 'adulthood' both we are shown throughout the film to be two complete contrasts. Benny are lover of peace who also attempts to stick to the idea of harmony keeping a non violent mind set who is tagged alongside a man who if even accidentally barged into threatens his life. Many argue that opposites attract, and in this case it is very clear why Benny and Lil' Ze need(ed) each other.  That from a young age, Benny and Lil Ze have been together therefore they both understand one another- linking to their character development allowing the audience to view their background gives the audience more of a reason to like their relationship/ pairing more. Throughout the film we see Benny stopping Lil'Ze from getting himself into violent situations if anything Benny was Lil' Ze's moderator informing him of how much violence he could evoke and how much he shouldn't. E.g. As shown below, is Lil Ze in the attempts of shooting a man in the head for bumping into him yet Benny is quick to pull him away as there is no need. Guiding Lil' Ze from right and wrong- and when Benny's life is taken from him that is the beginning of Lil' Ze's downfall. If anything, Lil' Ze and Benny's relationship is a beautiful thing you have to major opposites working together in peace and harmony in order to gain their dream of money, fame and power... Although Benny's true dreams become apparent after meeting Angelica.

"I’m your friend, but I’m getting out. You got to understand, I have to go. I love you, man, but I’ve had enough." - Benny 

The way in which these two are represented is not just through their actions nor beliefs but also through their clothing. The way in which they both dress is also quite different, Lil Ze dressed like a thug with gold on every inch of his body from chest to wrist when in contrast to Benny who wear little to none jewellery with only one necklace worn. In terms of what these two mean, it again represents the characters themselves Lil Ze with his flashy clothes/ gold emphasises his character in which he has nothing to worry about nor anyone to be afraid of whereas in comparison to Benny he is bare with just a simple t-shirt and newly dyed hair showing his approachable side and goofy/ fun look (Hawaiian shirt)

The development of Lil Dice is shown physically as well as emotionally (name turns into Lil Ze) however his mindset consisting of violence has extended- becoming worse as well as his temper. Some would argue the reason for this would consist of a lack of positive role model e.g. Although the tender trio had never harmed anyone they were still setting an example to a minor that threatening/ use of gun crimes are okay. A slight influence of emotional child abuse towards Lil Dice, constantly being told that he is stupid and useless. It was only natural that he react in a manner whereby he showed the three how big he was. The most respect that he received was from Shaggy, as he gives him credit when it is due for ideas as well as being worried about the boy shortly after the three of them escape. The amount of care and love Shaggy had for Dice can be foreshadowed amongst Benny and Lil Ze over how much of a connection the two have.

In comparison to the tender trio and their 'mind sets' a lack of role model or anyone to tell them from right to wrong is completely evident through their actions. They were more supported and praised for the laws they broke as in a way it was a Robin Hood act... Or at least the first robbing was expressed to be as one (the highjack of the gas truck offering some to the poor) However there is a slight exception to this Goose's Father, who is also Rockets older brother. Even though they live within a community whereby they are surrounded by poverty not only them but friends their dad refuses to accept any dirty money. Only wanting to earn in a manner what he himself has earned/ worked hard for. Which I think is an attribute which Rocket himself took on- therefore throughout the film got himself a job alongside starting from the bottom gradually reaching the top.

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Angelica, the beauty. The girl who three men yearned for but only one man got. Benny and Angelica's relationship started off as your usual group hang out. They met amongst friends, and for Benny you could automatically see that it was love at first sight whereas for Angelica she was still a bit oblivious. Their relationship from their blossomed into something much more deeper than just being together, it was as though they had found their missing peace. Having similar life goals and the same mind set. Angelica was no longer torn between worrying over Tiago and his drug addiction she had finally found someone she could trust and love unconditionally. In comparison to Angelica, other females within the film weren't so fortunate in terms of the screen time they received nor love life. Shaggy, and his lover although were able to share a honey mood period before Shaggy was mistakenly shot down (wrongly accused for the killings within the Motel- which was actually done by Lil Dice) similarly to the death of Benny whom was shot by accident when the real aim was towards Lil Ze. Another link between the two could be, that both couples were in the act of trying to get away, therefore the link and mini story foretold through the two relationships is that you can never really leave City of God and if you do... In the midst of it you loose all reason to live.

The representation of both male and female characters, is very subjective due to the setting/ location of the film. Say for example, if a couple from London set out to watch this film they would feel as though the representation of each gender has wrongly been portrayed due to their lack of understanding and need in which the characters within the film had to undergo in real life in order to survive. In comparison to a couple from City of God or say a Mother from the City of God attends a screening all three would understand the reasoning behind the representations as well as their reasoning behind their actions throughout the film. E.g. Rockets, need to escape and see the outside world. Knockout Ned's hatred towards Lil Ze, and the reasoning behind his alignment with Carrot in order to take his nemesis out. If anything, representation as a whole within the film industry is all about mindsets and how the individual's interpretation misguides the whole story of the film itself... But there is constantly there issue of ignorance when discussing representation of both genders- as many will believe they know what they're discussing therefore attempt to only believe in themselves and no one else. Which then causes an outbreak between difference of opinion, and the trouble for an artist/ director to release their work.

Finally, I would like to discuss the use of violence within this film in particularly how it has been used, the manner in which it may have caused offence and why as well as the importance of these violent scenes in order to represent the gangster genre throughout. The way in which violence has been used in this film is completely and totally portrayed as a negative thing, and the use of it within the film only leads to more death and destruction rather than happiness and peace. E.g. Lil Ze's short temper lost him loyal men quickly being annoyed by the rambling of an awe struck and loyal 'fan' of Lil Ze he was quick to end the noise with one bullet. As well as this, the simplistic manner in which each gang was handing out weapons to whomever had such a pathetic excuse. In a way, the montage scene to describe the war outbreak is quite laughable as there are phrases being stated such as "Kill, be respected" as though the killing of another individual would gain them respect... To an everyday individual that theory would come across as barbaric yet within the walls of City of God it was a basic rule. Kill, or be killed and that was it.

The most offensive scene for me and I believe for anyone would be the scene in which a young boy is shot in the foot and another child is killed. This act of violence is inexcusable and with it comes a set of human rights broken that I cannot cope to list. It is human nature, to not want to see anyone of innocence be harmed and when the individual who is not only innocent but consists of a young age is not just being harmed physically but mentally- viewing the death of his friend as well as enduring the pain of being shot... In the foot. As well as the scene of a young child being shot in the foot, I would also count the scene in which Knockout Ned's girlfriend is raped. Although, scenes of rape have taken an up rise throughout film to share the seriousness and humiliation which it can cause in this case- it was visual in no way meaning the audience could not see the rape take place but just the sheer hearing of her yearning and struggle to stop the event from taking place is enough to put an entire village quiet with both horror and fear.

Mentioning the importance of violence throughout the gangster genre: Referring to my Scarface blog post "I believe that a gangster film would not be considered one in the slightest if there is no violence involved" I still hold by this statement for each gangster film that will be created continuously and in the years to come due to the simple fact that if you're a gangster you must prove it. Within their world, there is only one way you can over run. Only one way you can show everyone up, and prove that you are worthy of their respect and that is through the killing of others- whether they have wronged you or not. 

"What should have been swift revenge turned into an all out war. The City of God was divided. You couldn’t go from one section the other, not even to visit a relative. The cops considered anyone living in the slum a hoodlum. People got used to living in Vietnam, and more and more volunteers signed up to die."

Bibliography:

• City of God - 2002 (The Film itself)
• Youtube: "Shall I shoot your hand or foot?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V26Pogm8ktk
• Youtube: "All out War" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgxhkCKXyRs
• All quotes have been obtained from the film.
• Gifs - some obtained from tumblr, whereas others I had created myself.
• Photographs - some obtained from tumblr, google images or my own screen shots.