Tsotsi Analysis

Tsotsi opening

I will be analysing the opening scene to the film Tsotsi (2005, Hood) in terms of mise-en scene.

The scene begins with a shot of 4 males playing a game using only dice. We as the audience see their location, which is dimly lit boxed house with the only lighting coming in being from the open window. The light has a yellow tint to it, giving it a gritty feel. We see three of the four males seated around one small table with different styled chairs, suggesting they were possible stolen or previously thrown out by someone as they don't match. There is also a be single bed in the room with thin sheets over it. The props suggest poverty and poor living conditions as the bedroom is also the living room and every other room as we can also see the front door.

Spacing is important in this shot as we see three of the males at the table whereas on in standing at the window, on his own. This provokes the thought that he is the leader as he is not involved in their games and is more independent and is more of an individual, he is also the only one standing representing dominance. His position as the “leader” is reinforced when one of the guys ask him what they are going to do today, meaning he is the one that makes the decisions.

Costume and props helps to represent our characters and their personalities are touched on briefly in the opening. One of the males, sitting is shown wearing glasses, typically associated with smart people, this is supported when he corrects his friend on his multiplication. He is also holding a newspaper showing that he is not involved in the other two males games. One of the other males is shown smoking a cigar and when he lays money on the table he stabs it, this shows that he is the more reckless, aggressive member of the gang.

When they leave the house we see the location, which was probably shot on set because of the stylised sky, which is also has a yellow/brown tint. The shack they were in is made from scrap metal, wood and cardboard, which allows the spectators to know that they are living in a township and that they are in poverty. We see the 3 males standing outside the house waiting for the leader, Tsotsi, showing his status. When he comes out, he walks through them and barges one of the members and they all proceed to follow him. This shows that he is in charge as they are following him and it also suggests that he is feared as no one commented when he barged the other male member of the gang.

They walk through the neighbourhood, which is clearly a township as we see other shacks made from scrap metal around. The spacing in the group is clear indicator of their position. Tsotsi is standing in front followed by the aggressive one, the biggest guy and the “smart” one trailing in the back. This is a clear indicator of their rank. Tsotsi is also shown wearing a red top with a black leather jacket. Red represents danger and blood whereas black represents darkness, mystery, crime, rebellion, superiority and power.

When the gang are at the train station the camera tilts to show an establishing shot, showing a sign that says “We are all affected by HIV and AIDS”. Townships and Shanty towns in South Africa have a high AIDS problem. It is also the most dangerous country in the world, which is not at war.

They scope people around the train station and the leader eventually chooses a man shown dealing drugs. They follow him onto the train, at this time Tsotsi taps the bigger guy giving him an instruction to make the first move, this also reinforced the idea of him being the one that makes the decisions as they are waiting for his instruction. They surround him in a tight circle, generally to intimidate him. Tsotsi give the aggressive one the permission to stab him, which he does. The other gang members faces are looks of fear, shown in close up shots. The leave the man on the floor, alone in the train carriage as a high angle long shot shows his isolation.