City Of God - Lil Ze’s Death - PERFORMANCE

Question 1

What tone of voice does Rocket use?

Answer 1

• calm and neutral with care being taken - not to talk over other characters
• makes him more relatable to the audience and non-threatening

Question 2

Contextual Knowledge

Answer 2

• gun violence - 1 person dies every 30 minutes - from high caliber guns

Question 3

What does the body movement of Rocket show?

Answer 3

• he is constantly retreating and avoids conflict with Lil Ze’ and the gangs
• links to the wider ideas of Rocket as an observant spectator to violence and crime in the favelas

Question 4

When is Rocket small within the frame?
and
What does he avoid? AO1 + AO2 points

Answer 4

• when threatened through the closing of proxemics by the Runts as they surround him, Rocket is small within the frame
• avoids eye contact or an aggressive response - feeds into the hierarchy of the favelas where power and reputation is gained through fear and intimidation

Question 5

What is Rocket required to do for the spectator?

Answer 5

• observe the environment of the favelas in a way that allows them to relate to the idea that anyone could end up in these circumstances

Question 6

Who was the actor of Rocket?

Answer 6

• a local talent and brings with that an authenticity through his performance technique, compliant and avoids conflict
• his position as an observer with screen wise knowledge of the favelas allows him to ultimately escape

Question 7

In contrast to Rocket, how is Lil Ze’s performance?

Answer 7

• aggressive and intimidating
• his facial expressions carry his anger and how desensitised he is to the violence around him
• he is an active agent in the film that constantly changes his environment through aggressive action and assertive performance