Cry_Freedom

The Director of the film Cry Freedom (1987), Richard Attenborough, portrays the concept that change is imminent through many techniques during the mis en scene of the film such as a montage, the soundtrack, framing and characters. The mis en scene of the film Cry Freedom (1987) is established in the opening credits through the technique of the montage of images of the black settlement. These images of the black settlement are set in the early hours of the day and begin with peaceful African music which is then abruptly interrupted by the African authorities. The authorities invade the village and destroy the settlement as the government assumes that they are plotting against them. This scene represents the immanent change bought upon the black settlers as their life is about to change greatly. Furthermore, the soundtrack of the film sets a melancholy and depressing tone to the film and conveys that change is imminent. The melancholy and depressing tone of the soundtrack indicates that the black settlement has been though hardships which will live with them forever and that this lifestyle and treatment of the black population in Africa will change. This view is emphasised through the images and videos of the black settlement being raided by police that the soundtrack is played to. In addition, the characters that the audience are introduced to in the opening scene exemplify that change is imminent through how they are depicted. Posters and pictures of Steve Biko are seen throughout the opening scene indicating that he is an important character in the film and will have something to do with the change bought on the black African people. Doctor Rampelli, who speaks out against what the local newspaper have wrote about the black settlement and Steve Biko will definitely be a catalyst for change. She will achieve this due to her assertive attitude and strong emotions for her people and their rights. Consequently, these features of the film will contribute toward the change that is imminent throughout the film, it is predictable that there will be an uprising of the black people against the prejudice of the white government toward the black population. As a result of this uprising it will bring great change.