COG- Mierelles Article and Brazilian film prior to COG

• The film is based on the book by Paolo Lins. It gives you an insight into what was life like living in the Favelas from the perspective of someone who lived there.
• Mierelles, when reading the book, was shocked as he, Brazil and the rest of the world did not have a clear understanding into what life is like in the Favelas.
• Mierelles, when making the film, took into account Brazilian audiences.
• Originally, a lot of information about the Favelas came from middle-classes. It was the first film of its kind and Mierelles wanted to visualize what Lins saw.
• The film had such an impact that the Brazilian president went to Mierelles and said the film changed policies on public security.
• After the film was set, the Favelas got a lot worse.
• Permission was granted by community centers in the Favelas to allow the film to be shot in certain areas. No direct contact was made with any drug dealers.
• The frequent use of music in the film, reflects on the Brazilian culture. The upbeat music is trying to show that the Favelas are a fun and colorful place to be.
• The aim of using non-professional actors was to recreate Lin's book. The plots and personality of each character was explained to heir actor and they improvised. It gives the film reality.
• The only source of hope in the film is Rocket. He is based on Paolo Lins, who lived in the City of God. But through his profession he was able to encounter with the outside world.
• Violence  is taken very seriously in the film. It was there for a purpose unlike Tarantino where it is glamorized and comical.
• People who live outside of the Favelas, it isn't there fault for what happens in the Favelas as it doesn't affect them. It is a global issue as here is a similar problem all over the world. For example the US and parts of Africa.

Black Orpheus (1959)

• Very colorful film. mise-en-scene very similar:                                                                                -Location: Set in Favelas                                                                                                                   -Color: Colorful scenery and costumes
• Non-diegetic, upbeat, fast-paced music creates a positive atmosphere. But the music turns contrapuntal when anger/violence are displayed on screen.
• High key lighting conveys a content mood and dim lighting creates a suspenseful atmosphere. 
• Narration has a similar theme and commentates on there opinion of each character and gives us further insight into what we didn't know already. 
• On the other hand, editing is a low slower and the transition of scenes slows the pace of the film down.
• The cinematography is a lot more fixed and there seems to be a lot less hand-held shots. Also less shots of close-ups to get an idea of character's emotions as well.