How far can it be argued that your chosen films provide a 'realistic' representation of the people and places they focus on?
In the 2002 film, City Of God, directed by both Fernando Meirelles and Katie Lund, it can be argued that the representation of the people of the favela is realistic and highlights how their environment effects their lives.
The film opens with extreme close ups of a knife sharpening, suggesting that in the favelas, weapons hold the power. This is supported by the fact that the knife appears in the centre of the shot, and takes a dominating position. This is similar to the riot scene in La Haine, where the policeman's gun is the focus of the shot, also holds the power in the scene, controlling the rioters at the projects. However, the focus on the knife could also illustrate how life in the favelas for its people is on a knife's edge, and you can be killed easily, and life is not guaranteed Moreover the scene contains loud diegetic music and people talking, highlighting the busy and bustling nature of the favelas. In addition, the fast editing mirrors the fast lifestyle of the favelas, where power is changes quickly, creating a realistic representation of life in the favelas.
We see Li'l Ze and his gang chasing a chicken through the streets with fast cuts, again showing the fast paced nature of the city of god. But also, the chicken it can be suggested provides a realistic representation of the people of the favela. It illustrates how the people can never escape from crime, but also could show they cannot escape the favela itself, without being threatened with its death. The scene then ends with Rocket between the hoods and the police, highlighting his desire to be neither, but illustrating how the people of the favelas will always be trapped between the battle between the police and the hoods. This is shown by how the police and hoods never share the same shot, and are separated by editing. I found this scene effective as it illustrated, with the long wide shots, how the police and outside world keep their distance from the city of god, but when they do confront it, they are aggressive towards the people, shown by the police immediately pulling out their guns.
Overall, City of God provides a realistic representation of the people and places of the favela, using film techniques to illustrate the power, and the conflict in the favela. But also uses it to explain life in the favela and why some things occur.
