Boxing Match Scene Analysis

Boxing Match Scene Analysis

The scene begins with a tracking shot of Vinz walking into the boxing match, directed similarly to the shots we usually see within the projects, demonstrating that Vinz is comfortable with his surroundings. Vinz's comfort in this environment stems from the fact he is surrounded by people very much like himself - under class people segregated and cut off from French culture. This goes for the spectators and boxers alike.
The boxers both come from ethnic minorities, demonstrating that this is sub-culture for the under class. The boxers particular ethnicities could also link back to how these ethnicities are encouraged to fight each other, due to a long stemming rivalry between the two following war between France and Algeria in 1945, in which black vigilantes were paid to lynch Algerian villagers and prisoners. This demonstration of the underclass and their behaviour is directly juxtaposed by the art gallery scene, in which the crowd is largely white French and pretentious.
The last shot in the boxing gym is one of four point of view shots in the film, from Vinz's point of view. The shots shows Vinz's realisation of the conflict between different ethnic groups as he observes the boxing match. He see's and is very much resigned to the fact that he is totally surrounded by segregation and division.
The next shot shows Vinz and his acquaintances driving around the streets and listening to rap music. The music is very relevant when demonstrating their adoption of a surrogate culture from the USA. Vinz is seen looking out of the window, looking somewhat distant and deep in thought. The lyrics of the rap could potentially mirror Vinz's thoughts, "I wish I had money in my account to write cheques". This combines the surrogate USA culture combines with the issues the under class face.
It is once again shown that the trio have very little to do with their time due to the fact that they are aimlessly driving around trying to pass the time. When the boys arrive at a club, they try to get in and are refused entry based on their looks. This sets aside the them of prejudice within this society; it doesn't matter who are what you are if you aren't categorically French. The trio are denied entry to the bar by a black bouncer, who is then further racially abused by Vinz's friend, who is also black. This abuse shows a certain hierarchy in the under class, and demonstrates that although they are one community living in the projects, they are further divided and segregated by race and religion once more.
This rejection from the club leads to murder by one of Vinz's friends, who proceeds to shoot the bouncer in the head.
This scene is shot with Vinz's face projected in the foreground, with the events unfolding in the background. Kassovitz does this to give the audience a clear insight into Vinz's reaction to this situation. He appears to be shocked and horrified, reinforcing his vulnerability, and foreshadowing the fact that Vinz would not be able to commit such a heinous act given the opportunity, despite what he says.