city of god: directors interview

City of god interview

Merielles was interviewed shortly after his films release, and noted the significance of many aspects present in his film. 

the director of the City of God was interviewed after the films release:

-The film was only intended to reach audiences in Brazil rather than a wider international audience.

-the director was from a middle-class background in Brazil, however wanted to film City of God from an inside perspective. this gave audiences an accurate representation of the favelas that they were not used to being exposed to.

-the film was a success in Brazil because of the debates it provoked.

-favelas are now worse than in the period that the film ends. they are all controlled by drug dealers

-music is an important part of the film as it is involved in Brazilians day to day life. the film uses it to capture the fun environment of the favelas.

- the majority of what appears on screen has been improvised by the actors in order to give the film a realistic feel.

-Rocket represents hope in the film, as none of the drug dealers experienced hope in their lives.

-the director aimed to present violence and gangs in a negative light, rather than glamorising it.

This interview will help with my understanding of the film as it gives insight as to why the film was made, why it was a success and what the political and social context was around the time the film was made.