Brief Intro
A Prophet (2009) is a riveting French crime drama directed by Jacques Audiard. The film follows Malik El Djebena, a young Arab man, as he navigates the brutal complexities of prison life, ultimately rising to power through strategic alliances and cunning maneuvers.
Literary Devices Used in A Prophet
1. Symbolism
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Malik’s First Murder | Blood symbolizing lost innocence |
| Malik’s Vision of the Deer | The deer representing freedom |
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Malik’s Arrival at Prison | Glimpses of future hardships |
| Luciani’s Early Conversations with Malik | Hints at Malik’s eventual rise in power |
3. Irony
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Malik Becomes a Killer to Survive | Killing to ensure his own safety |
| Malik’s Role in the Drug Trade | Victim turned perpetrator in the prison |
4. Motif
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The Recurring Visions of Reyeb | Motif of guilt and morality |
| Use of the French Language | Motif of assimilation and identity |
5. Metaphor
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Malik as a “Prophet” | Metaphor for his transformation and foresight |
| The Prison as a Microcosm | Metaphor for societal structures and power dynamics |
6. Flashback
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Malik’s Childhood Memories | Providing context for his current behavior |
| Reyeb’s Murder | Flashbacks to Malik’s initial crime |
7. Allusion
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| References to Prophet Muhammad | Alluding to leadership and vision |
| Biblical References in Conversations | Alluding to morality and judgment |
8. Allegory
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Prison Power Struggles | Allegory for larger societal power dynamics |
| Malik’s Rise to Power | Allegory for personal and social evolution |
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Malik’s Innocence vs. Corruption | Contrasting his transformation |
| Life Inside vs. Outside Prison | Highlighting different worlds and realities |
10. Personification
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Malik’s Visions of Reyeb | Giving Reyeb’s spirit a guiding role |
| The Prison Environment | Depicted as a living, oppressive entity |
Character Analysis Through Literary Devices
Character Studies
Malik El Djebena
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Foreshadowing | Early scenes hint at Malik’s potential for intelligence and leadership |
| Symbolism | His first murder represents the loss of his innocence and beginning of his evolution |
César Luciani
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Irony | Despite being a leader, Luciani is ultimately outsmarted by Malik |
| Allegory | Represents the old guard, the oppressive system that Malik must navigate and overthrow |
Ryad
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Motif | Symbolizes loyalty and friendship in a ruthless environment |
| Flashback | Provides insight into his past, illustrating his motivations and vulnerabilities |
Character Dynamics
The relationship between Malik and Luciani drives the narrative, highlighting themes of power and survival. Luciani’s dominance and Malik’s cunning create a tension that propels the story forward. Similarly, Malik’s bond with Ryad underscores themes of loyalty and sacrifice amidst the brutal prison environment.
Thematic Analysis
Power and Corruption
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | Blood and violence as symbols of power acquisition and corruption |
| Allegory | The prison as a microcosm for larger societal structures |
Identity and Assimilation
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Motif | The use of language as a motif for assimilation and identity |
| Juxtaposition | Contrasting Malik’s Arab heritage with his adaptation to French prison culture |
Survival and Morality
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Foreshadowing | Early hints of Malik’s moral compromises for survival |
| Irony | Malik’s transformation from a victim to a perpetrator |
Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices
| Literary Device | Technique | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Symbolism | Visual Imagery | Use of recurring symbols like blood and deer to underscore thematic elements |
| Foreshadowing | Music and Sound Design | Tense music cues hinting at future events |
| Irony | Camera Angles | Contrasting high and low angles to show power dynamics |
| Motif | Editing Techniques | Repeated visual motifs like Malik’s visions of Reyeb |
Key Scene Analysis
Scene 1: Malik’s First Murder
Link: Malik’s First Murder Scene
Breakdown: This scene is pivotal in Malik’s transformation. The use of close-ups and shaky camera work intensifies the personal struggle and moral corruption. Blood symbolism highlights his lost innocence.
Scene 2: Vision of the Deer
Link: Vision of the Deer Scene
Breakdown: The deer represents freedom and purity, contrasting with the prison’s harsh environment. The serene sound design and slow-motion capture the surreal and hopeful essence of Malik’s vision.
Conclusion
Interactive Quiz:
- What does the deer symbolize in Malik’s vision?
- A) Innocence
- B) Freedom
- C) Power
- D) Corruption
- Which literary device is primarily used to foreshadow Malik’s rise in power?
- A) Irony
- B) Allegory
- C) Foreshadowing
- D) Symbolism
- How does the film use flashbacks to develop Malik’s character?