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.
