Identify one key theme in your chosen film
A key theme is survival
Briefly describe how this theme is important in your film's narrative
In order to survive, Tsotsi kills and robs innocent people in order to get money- survival is attained in a savage and almost animalistic way. This theme of survival is also reflected in the character of Morris, whom Tsotsi attempts to rob and then discovers was a soldier in the army, who is now disabled as a result of this, and begs for money every day at the train station, in order to survive. Gradually, the film becomes less about physical, animalistic survival, and more about mental and even spiritual survival. The theme of survival is important for the films narrative, which is about Tsotsi doing what he can to lead a good life and survive.
Briefly explore how key aspects of film language are used to represent gender in your chosen film
In the scene in which Tsotsi forces Miriam to feed the baby, he follows her home, and he is closely following a camera. The fact that there is a close-up of him walking toward the camera is threatening the audience, and perhaps gives them an insight into a women's life, as many women often face threatening men and the possibility of being followed. Miriam is walking with her baby (arguably a prop), showing that women are needed for maternity and maternal love, which men perhaps cannot achieve? When she is feeding the baby, the camera slowly zooms in on her, highlighting this importance. Tsotsi is wearing black and red- colours signifying danger and darkness. Miriam, the maternal woman, is wearing yellow, juxtaposing Tsotsi’s costume choice. Yellow signifies life and light, as well as happiness, implying that women are necessary in society to bring life and happiness.
Explore how key themes or messages are used to represent gender in your chosen film
Miriam is, in my opinion, the most important woman in Tsotsi, and represents women in the the community that Tsotsi is filmed in. We meet her when Tsotsi follows her home, after she has been to the tap, holding her baby, signaling her role in society. In many African communities, it is the woman’s role to be the homemaker and mother, with many young girls leaving school early or not attending school at all!
In this scene, women’s maternal instincts are explored, as well as the idea that men cannot provide everything a child may need, such as breast milk- which is vital for a baby to survive. The importance of this act is signified through cinematography when Miriam is feeding the baby, with the camera slowly zooming in, reaching a tight frame, also showing how closely Tsotsi is watching this maternal act. The cross- cutting between him and Miriam highlights how focused he is on this maternal act also. Miriam is protective of her child and holds up knives to protect her baby- another maternal instinct. Tsotsi holding up a gun to Miriam and her baby, contrasts this. He is threatening and violent.
Another representation of gender is how Miriam is able to show her emotions in a non-violent way; she juxtaposes Tsotsi’s aggressive nature and communicates her feelings through her mobiles. One created when she was happy is made from colourful glass and another is made from rusted glass and metals, created when she was sad.
This sequence cuts to Pumla- the mother of the baby that Miriam looks after. The juxtaposing scenes of Miriam with Pumla’s baby, then cutting to Pumla links the two women to the theme of motherhood and maternal love. The audience can see from Pumla’s facial expression that she is mourning the loss of her child, furthermore her purpose in life, made even more salient by the way she talks about Tsotsi. Both women cry but not in a highly emotional state (a typical stereotype of women),they seem reserved and controlled, showing their inner-strength.
Miriam asks Tsotsi if she can wash the baby, further showing Miriam’s concern and maternal instincts. As she washes the baby and sings and plays with it, the sequence cuts to Tsotsi’s mother on her deathbed, suggesting to the audience that Tsotsi’s mother was absent. This signifies the importance of a mother-figure in a child’s life.
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