Knut Striak Cry Freedom – Intro – Analysis of the first part

The first shots of the Intro of the film “Cry Freedom”, based on the same named book by Steven Riley and the personal experiences of the journalist Woods, show a black screen with the title in white letters, followed by the names of the actors. You can hear the noise of children and talking in the background. You can also hear a cock crowing and some chicken so it maybe early in the morning. Then an African starts singing and you can see a close-up of a man shaving. The next few shots again show the names of people who play in the film while the singing is still heard.

This is to show the peaceful atmosphere of early morning. It is contrasted to the second part of the scene – the police raid.

The next medium shot shows the man shaving in front of a mirro

The next camera perspective is taken from a booth on the market, where you see a woman walking along with a can in her hand. She is going to fetch some water for her family.

r. In the background you can see the African landscape and the raising sun. With the ticking sound of a typewriter or teleprinter the information on the date 24th Nov 1975 and the place Crossroads settlement, Cape Province, Republic of South Africa is presented. The next long shot shows a boy walking towards the viewer through a dusty street, you can still hear men talking and the singing in the background.

These photos are supposed to show the living conditions of Black Africans in crossroad towns, shanty towns or the border towns for black workers made by the Whites.

Another photo is taken of the three sleeping children. With the next shot you see a man

Some topics in this essay:
Steven Riley, South Africa, Black Africans, Cry Freedom, Nelson Mandela, dusty street, close shot, sound typewriter, sleeping children, medium shot,