Tsotsi Opening Sequence Notes

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"Tsotsi" Opening Sequence Notes

Images in the opening sequence

multiple close-ups on dice- metaphor for game of luck and chance

dice are also shown when Boston corrects Butcher on his counting- reinforces the fact that some people can have education and still end up in slums

shows that Boston has had an education and Butcher hasn't

one of them having an education and the other not is because of chance

aerial shot looking down on slum to show setting, shows poverty and shows Miriam at the community water pump -> highlights her significance as a character

low angle camera shot looks up at the characters to show the audience their importance in the narrative

the train station and the clothes indicate that the film is set in modern day

the area can be deciphered through the images of the slums

Tsotsi's Personality

when we first see Tsotsi he is on the other side of the room to the others showing him to be more isolated and distant

staring out of the window could mean that he is deep in thought

his shirtlessness = indication of animalness, intimidating and violent nature

bottles up his emotion -> doesn't want people to see hi weak

close-ups of his face, focusing on his eyes- he doesn't say much so his eyes are showing his emotion

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