This document contains 6 questions about the themes and symbolism in the 2002 film City of God. The questions ask about how certain sequences or elements in the film represent the power struggles, conflicts, and struggles faced by inhabitants of the favelas, including how color changes suggest ongoing conflict, how the relationship between cameras and guns reflects choices available, and how mise-en-scene depicts struggles inhabitants must overcome or live with. The final question asks how systems of power function within the City of God.

1. City Of God
1. What can Clippers’ ‘vision’ in the forest sequence inform the viewer of
the power struggles in the favela?

2. 2. How can ‘The Story of the Apartment’ relate to the overall message of the film?

3. 3. What does the gradual changing of colour throughout the film suggest
about the ongoing conflict?

4. 4. What can the relationship between the ‘camera’ and the ‘gun’ tell us
about the choices available within the favela?

5. 5. How is mise-en-scene used to represent the struggles the inhabitants
of the ‘favela’ have to overcome, or live with?

6. 6. How do systems of power function within the City Of God?