How far does the impact of the films you have studied for this topic depend on distinctive uses of film techniques?

La Haine: 

The biggest impact that is dependant on film techniques for me is the narrative of La Haine being solely dependant on the uses of framing and mise-en-scene. La Haine describes relationships and provides key information on the future of the three characters through its two and three shot scenes. During the start of the film, the audience can see each character captured singularly in a frame which shows how each character has its own persona and story, however as the film progresses, we get introduced to the idea of relationships starting to become present. This is shown through Vinz and Said being photographed in a two shot and Hubert left in a one shot. The friendship between Vinz and Said is seen to be stronger during the start of the movie than that of any other combination of friendship, this is due to the quantity of two shot -  one shot edits the audiences see of the three characters. Hubert - Equality - Left out of the group. 

Although, as the film progresses and certain events threaten the friendships of all Vinz, Said and Hubert, the two shot - one shot technique we see of the three of them starts to change and differentiate. During one moment of conflict between Vinz and Hubert regarding the weapon, (a key metaphorical barrier focusing on the divide of personalities), a two shot - two shot is used with Said shared between the both of them. This technique is used reflectively to show the audience how the outcome of this situation could occur. Said could choose Hubert or he could choose Vinz, however the ironic position Said is in is that he can choose neither, only Hubert and Vinz has the power to choose the result subconsciously. The audience sees Said struggling to keep the group together by the close ups on his agonising face and when Hubert turns away from Vinz, and consequently Said, we see Said turning to face Vinz and decidedly walks with him, leaving Hubert to walk off in the opposite direction off camera, mirroring the instant cut off from the group. 

Vinz, Said and Hubert

La Haine         

The three characters in La Haine are the physical representations of French ideology. “Fraternity, Liberty and Equality” is the French mantra what apparently French society adheres to. This film explores this mantra in a satirical format and links each word to the three main personas.

Vinz – Liberty

Vinz is the leader of the three main characters, he always has problems on his mind regarding everything and anything. The audience is able to learn that he is in the most powerful position through the placing of Vinz in each shot. (Normally centre-framed and in front of the other two. He is connected with liberty as he is a dreamer and fantasist. The first opinion we get to have of him is given to us through a dream which he is currently experiencing.

Said – Fraternity

Said is the smallest of the three teenagers, inquisitive and the most childlike of them all. He is connected with fraternity as he has the most socialistic characteristics. There is a clear contrast  between his actions towards being a part of the microcosmic community on the rooftops and the actions taken by his two other ‘brothers’. They are seen to be keeping to themselves talking with each other whereas Said is mixing with his friends and talking about American movies. (The Westernised Dominance theme)

Hubert – Equality

Hubert is an afro-Caribbean and although he is meant to be seen as a French citizen, he is shown to be more of an outsider due to his lack of dialogue throughout the movie. We meet him in what appears to be a burnt down boxing club due to the riots. In there is a single punching bag which he is practising on, (imitating the scene from ask John), which could be a metaphorical symbol of him fighting for what’s left in French society.