1. La Haine Le Blanc et le Noir. Lesson Objectives: In this lesson we will discuss the use of black and white in the making of La Haine.

2. Black and white in the age of colour. Why? Making a black and white film in 1995 is a statement. Since the 1970’s colour in film became ubiquitous. Some film makers continued to make black and white films E.g. Manhattan (Woody Allen 1979) She’s Gotta Have It (Spike Lee 1986) Raging Bull ( Martin Scorsese 1980)

3. Reasons? In Raging Bull, Martin Scorsese said that black and white makes the blood less disturbing and that technically it fades less than colour. (see also Kill Bill sequences, Quentin Tarantino) It gives a period feel. It appears unrealistic, yet like music videos – cool It allows for more overt play on characters’ skin colours. (Hubert on the poster)

4. Reasons? Reference to film noir (Film noir is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize moral ambiguity and sexual motivation.)cinematicHollywoodcrime dramas Vinz in the cinema – smoke patterns The Boxing Match Uses classic film noir photography (Chiaroscuro (Italian for light-dark) is a term in art for a contrast between light and dark) and backlightingItalianartcontrast Vinz in the BMW looking moodily at the street. Constructs a mood of urban edginess and expectancy.

5. Reasons? To distinguish La Haine from other beur and banlieu films. (Beur is a verlan (French slang) term for a descendant of immigrants of North African origin living in France. Can be used as a pejorative term)verlanFrench slangimmigrantsNorth AfricanFrance Other films in colour. The obvious highlight of black, white and grey subject matter in La Haine.

6. Unrealistic? Unrealistic in that black and white film it is not of now! However, Kassovitz uses other devices to bring it into the present. Newsreel footage Tv news archive Still retains a gritty, cool feel, both real and unreal The film doesn’t really age as it would in colour. E.g. Saïd’s tracksuit is gold!

7. Research Bavure Banlieu Beur Film noir Social unrest/ grèves post 1995. what were people protesting about?

8. See also… DVD extras – scenes in colour Behind the scenes 2 – Filming in the cité.