Sound – City of God uses narration from Rocket so that the audience sees the events from his perspective and interpret them how he did, as well as simply using it to build an understanding of the city. This is impactful as spectators then wish to see Rocket’s character succeed more so than any other individual in the narrative, and grow familiar with the people around him.

Mise-En-Scene – The run-down appearance of things like houses and cars reinforces the idea that the City of God is not a nice area of Brazil to live in, and is where poorer people are based.

Cinematography – POV shots are used when Rocket watches the release and subsequent murder of Lil Ze. These place spectators in Rocket’s position, with them witnessing the events through what is intended to be the lens of his camera. The fact that these shots appear through his camera is reinforced by the fact that the same shots later appear in the diegetically, through the newspaper.

Editing – Rhythmic montage, one of the five soviet editing techniques, is used in the opening scene. There is a cut at every action that is done (instruments being played, vegetables being cut, chickens moving, etc). This creates a sense of rhythm and energy, immediately immersing spectators in what is being presented to them.