City of God opens with the residents of the slums preparing their meal. Interestingly, the very first shot is a close up that depicts the male sharpening the knife which he intends to use to cook with. The fact that the first shot was a close-up rather than an establishing shot already creates an enigma code for the audience, as we begin to question things regarding the setting, characters and the overall narrative. The use of straight cuts at this point create an element of speed and a fast pace –which the audience will later be able to relate to the bustling nature of the Brazilian favelas. Interestingly, there is also an eye-line match at this point; however, it is from the perspective of the chicken – not a human. Although this is somewhat unusual of typical cutaways, it successfully conveys the fear that the chicken experiences. T...