City Of God Question

What is the importance of mise-en-scene and/or sound in creating meaning and generating response in the films you have studied. 

 City of God makes symbolic reference towards the foundations that the city is built upon through using shots of bricks. By situating characters upon bricks it suggests that they are sitting upon the building blocks of the city and perhaps that they see themselves as above the city. During the scene in which the Tender Trio are discussing ways in order to make money, Lil Dice is seen to be sat upon bricks - these have huge importance due to the shots of Lil Ze' in front of a brick wall during the 1970's story arc. The position of characters also creates meaning through suggesting that Lil Dice has more power than the Tender Trio as he is sat above them on the highest point of the bricks. By positioning Lil Dice above the Tender Trio it has the connotations if a power struggle in the sense that he will become a higher power despite the disbelief by the gang - as heard through the dialogue and countless taunts at Lil Dice for trying to asset power. 

 As Rio De Janeiro is overlooked by the statue of Christ the redeemer, the religious symbolism is seen frequently throughout the text - whether this by body language of the characters, religious memorabilia or the statue itself. The religious references are made throughout the text in order to emphasise the importance religion has upon these people and how characters often seek redemption in order to escape the lifestyle they currently lead. Clipper was the only member of the Tender Trio to seek religion as a way out of the lifestyle and was redeemed by his previous criminal actions. During the scene where Knockout Neds girlfriend is raped, she is seen to be walking upon a plank of wood - the plank of wood signifying that she is walking the line. Lil Ze is seen to be blocking her from walking by standing in the stance of Christ the redeemer. She backs away and pushes past him which has connotations of needing to seek redemption in order to move on with your life. Contextually the favelas are known to be dangerous places with a high death toll therefore religion is used as a way to channel their energy and seek guidance - 100 residents die for every 100,000.