First impressions of the film "La Haine"

Opinions of the film: 

I thought it was interesting, because the film highlights the all too common growing problem within failed inner city housing projects. The director succeeds in creating a black and white film of sophisticated structure.

Characters:

Said: 

Seems to be a "bounce-off" as Vinz said. 

His friends are his adopted family.

He seems to be more at ease and more adapted to his surroundings. 

He is almost a conduit for what is happening on the estate between Vinz and Hubert.

Vinz:

The antihero; an angry, embittered man, living with his mother and siblings

Appears devoid of purpose and directing, lacking in self-esteem

Wannabe gangster

Craving the respect of his peers and apparently willing to go to the extra mile in order to be worshipped as "urban folk hero"

Hubert:

Responsible

Most mature one out of all of them, this is juxtaposed to the ending because he is involved with the shooting at the end 

Respectful towards his family 

Amateur boxer 

More worldly and reflective 

Understands discipline

Has a good understanding of the system and the sources of oppression he faces on a daily basis 

He longs for a life of meaning 

He seeks purpose 

 

Analysis of "La Haine"

Falling Metaphor:(00:50)


Society is a free-fall, its crumbling, it is being destroyed by the riots. There is racism fence in society. The opening credits and the footage of real life rioting are accompanied by Bob Marley and  the Wailers song. This song is very significant because it has a connection to the historical context to the Jamaica riots.


Said's and Vinz's introduction:(5:12)

The camera movement throughout this film is consistently slow. This suggests that life and society is slow in Paris. There are close up shots to show the characters facial introduction. There is slow tracking shot of the police to establish how many "pig's" there are. In Vinz's room there is a close up on his ring and there is a pan around his room, which shows that he shares with his sister. This suggests that there is no space as stereotypically a brother and sister wouldn't normally share a room when they are at the age. There are many American references in these scenes. For example, posters of famous American shows and films are mentioned, "Rambo" and "WWE". There is also intertextual reference to taxi driver. In this scene we learn about two characters and their background. Firstly, both characters are Jewish and that they're a religious family. There is a generational opposition between the old and new. Secondly, the conversation that Vinz has with his family tells us that there is opposition with his grandma. they also talk about a "school that has burnt down" the tone that this said shows this a daily occurrence and has become the "norm" of society and that there is no hope since everything has been destroyed. 


Hubert's introduction: (10:35)


During Hubert's introduction we find out that Hubert wants to start a gym, this shows that Hubert seems to have a dream and hope which is juxtaposed with society where there seems to be none. The characters introduce us by talking to him. Hubert seems to be more respectful towards his family then Vinz. They talk about "education" this shows that they're trying to get through the situation.

Film Narrative

Film narrative:

Todorov:

Equilibrium: Is the precarious balance between the anger of youths and the repressive power of the police. The balance is only maintained through an element of self-control in each case.

Disruption to the equilibrium: Is the shooting of Abdel, the riot which ensues or the loss of the pistol which is found by Vinz. The riot is the most significant but for Hubert, Said and Vinz the pistol is more important.

Attempt to repair the equilibrium: Main part of film is certainly concerned with the escalating conflict between the youths and the police. We only see the 3 friends for most of the time and their conflict is with a range of forces representing a threat to their safety, including fascist skinheads.

New equilibrium: The shooting of Vinz and the "Mexican Standoff" between Hubert. Lack of traditional resolution- "The open ending" makes "La Haine" a progressive narrative in the scene that it draws back from a conservative resolution.

Propp:

Hero: The 3 youths
Villain: Police
Princess: The quest is to secure the honour of the wounded Abdel

Strauss:

Hope VS Fear
Dreams VS Reality
Youth VS Maturity
Discipline VS Ignorance

Barthes:
Enigma Codes
Enigma codes ask questions to the demographic which a soon answered after or later on in the film. For instance, who are they? Where are they going? Why are they going? These questions enables the audience to get intrigued and wanting to find out the answers to the questions. They also help to move on the narrative.
Action Codes
Action codes are significant events which helps move the narrative on in a particular direction. For example, a phone ringing or a knock at the door. Both actions are used to change the scene/narrative for specific reason but to also keep the narrative alive. They teach the audience new things, for example, something new about a character or possibly the plot itself. They give the audience needed information.

Enigma codes:
• Who are the youths?
• Why does Vinz have a pistol?
• Why is Abdul killed?
• Why is there so much conflict between the police and the society?
• Why has society crumbled so much?
Action codes:
• Abdul is critical in hospital
• Society is crumbling
• Relationships in society have crumbled
• There is no hope left in society
• Vinz has the pistol