Analysis of the opening scene of La Haine

1. La Haine
•Opening Scene

2. La Haine: Plot and context
•The film is based on true events in the 1990’s, when social
problems in France led to 10 straight nights of rioting
throughout the country.
•These main reasons for the rioting were excessive
unemployment, inadequate housing, poor schooling and
unresponsive political structure.

3. Key Scenes: Opening scene
The opening scene to the film is accompanied by the Bob
Marley song ‘Burnin and lootin’, which suggests a particular
way of seeing the documentary footage. Watch the
opening scene again and think about the ways the lyrics to
the song compliment the footage you are watching.

4. Key Scenes: Opening scene
Marley is strongly associated with radical politics and
willingness to confront state authorities that are seen both
within the music and the associated youth culture as being
repressive. As a result the actions of rioters seem to receive
a form of endorsement that might not have been achieved
had a different choice of musical accompaniment been
made.
Do you agree? Discuss in pairs.

5. Key Scenes: Opening scene
‘This morning I woke up in a curfew;
O God, I was a prisoner, too - yeah!
Could not recognize the faces standing over me;
They were all dressed in uniforms of brutality.’
•The first verse of the song relates to how the three main characters
may feel living in the slum.
•It also reflects the attitudes that the three main characters have
towards the police. The storyline explores the bad attitude that the
people living in the slum towards the police and Vice versa.
•How are each of our characters introduced and what does this tell
us about their attitudes.

6. Close Analysis of the Opening
•Watch this video essay about the opening.
•Take note of what the speaker says about themes,
messages to the audience, values and how micro elements
are used to communicate with the audience
•http://vimeo.com/23921405

7. Your Close Analysis of the Opening
•Watch the sequence again (including the extra Hubert bit)
on your own and answer the question on this sheet in as
much detail as possible
•The film can be found in Student Resources
•Due in on Friday!