Research Task

American Gangster

The opening scene starts with three Black Americans pouring what is depicted as being petrol over a White Colombian whilst being tied up in a dark alleyway. The extreme close up used in the opening scene, of the back of the Colombians head, sets the tone of the scene, with the constant pouring of petrol flowing off his hair. This points out a clear, disturbing image which would traumatise the general public.

The dark alleyway in which the Black Americans and the Colombian  seem to indicate that they are trying to hide their dirty while being in the dark. Black Americans are portrayed as being criminals and impoverished. This clearly shown though out the scene since they are torturing one of many victims. As for the Colombian  the Latino are portrayed as being uneducated, involved with drugs and not taken seriously. This is distinctly used as the Colombian is speaking in his own native language to American guys which implies that he does not understand English.

Police sirens in the background of this scene are diegetic sounds so they are coming from within the frame. Police sirens can make a victim aware of they are on their way however it can also convey areas as being dangerous.

This Is England 

The opening scene begins with Roland Rat, (a British television puppet) live on a 80s TV set, testing his microphone. This implies that the film could be about a child as Rolland Rat was an iconic image for children during the 80s.

During the 80s, United Kingdom and Argentina went to war on each other (Falklands War) which is evident throughout the film with missiles, people protesting, and violence. This insinuates that the film is based on real experiences during the 80s. Racism, discrimination and poverty sparked a series of riots with substantial African-Caribbean populations. This is understood throughout this scene with a host of violence and riots during the opening credits.

The application of Soul music, blended with different British symbols shown throughout the opening credits, illustrates how totally diverse the two cultures were back in the 80s.