Snatch (2000)

Brief Intro

Snatch (2000) is a British crime comedy film directed by Guy Ritchie. The movie follows two intertwined plots: one involving the search for a stolen diamond, and the other about a small-time boxing promoter who finds himself under the thumb of a ruthless gangster. The film is known for its fast-paced storytelling, colorful characters, and witty dialogue.

Literary Devices Used in Snatch

Irony

Movie Scene	Example
Brick Top explaining how to dispose of a body	Despite his calm demeanor, he’s talking about gruesome acts.
Turkish betting on a boxing match	Betting on a rigged fight only to see it go awry.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Example
Opening scene with diamond theft	Sets up the entire plot of the movie.
Mickey’s reluctance to throw the fight	Hints at his ultimate decision to not follow the plan.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Example
The diamond	Represents greed and the lengths characters will go to obtain it.
Boxing gloves	Symbolize both physical and moral struggles.

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Example
Bullet Tooth Tony’s reputation	Exaggerated tales of his invincibility.
Brick Top’s threats	Over-the-top descriptions of violence.

Dark Humor

Movie Scene	Example
Brick Top’s pig farm	Uses macabre humor to describe disposing of bodies.
Boris the Blade’s repeated survival	Comically survives multiple deadly situations.

Motif

Movie Scene	Example
The recurring diamond	Appears throughout, connecting disparate storylines.
Boxing matches	Recur, emphasizing the chaos and unpredictability of life.

Flashbacks

Movie Scene	Example
Sol and Vinny recounting the heist	Adds context and humor to their bumbling attempts.
Turkish explaining his past	Provides background on his involvement in the boxing world.

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Example
The boxing ring	Represents the battle for survival in the criminal underworld.
Turkish’s narration	Often uses metaphors to describe situations and characters.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Example
Calm dialogue during violent scenes	Highlights the absurdity and normalcy of violence in their world.
Mickey’s gypsy camp vs. urban London	Contrasts different lifestyles and values.

Personification

Movie Scene	Example
Turkish’s caravan	Described as having a life and story of its own.
The diamond	Treated almost like a character driving the plot.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Turkish

Device	Explanation
Narration	His voice-over gives insights into his pragmatic and cautious nature.
Metaphor	Uses boxing metaphors to explain his struggles and strategies.

Mickey

Device	Explanation
Irony	A skilled boxer with no interest in boxing, emphasizing his independence.
Symbolism	His mother’s caravan symbolizes his loyalty to family and tradition.

Brick Top

Device	Explanation
Hyperbole	His exaggerated threats and stories create an aura of fear.
Dark Humor	His casual talk about gruesome acts shows his desensitization to violence.

Character Dynamics

The relationships between characters are crucial in driving the narrative. Turkish and Tommy’s partnership is based on mutual dependence and survival, contrasting with Brick Top’s manipulative dominance over others. Mickey’s interactions with Turkish and Brick Top highlight themes of loyalty and defiance.

Thematic Analysis

Greed

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The diamond as the central object of desire.
Irony	Characters’ downfalls often come from their own greed.

Survival

Device	Explanation
Motif	Recurring boxing matches as a metaphor for the fight for survival.
Dark Humor	Characters’ humorous approaches to life-or-death situations.

Loyalty

Device	Explanation
Flashback	Turkish’s background stories show his loyalty to his partners.
Juxtaposition	Contrasts between loyal characters like Mickey and treacherous ones like Brick Top.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Visual cues	Early scenes visually hint at later events.
Dark Humor	Soundtrack	Upbeat music during dark scenes adds to the humor.
Irony	Camera angles	Contrasting visuals with dialogue enhances ironic moments.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene: The Diamond Heist

This scene utilizes fast-paced editing and witty dialogue to introduce the main plot. The heist’s chaotic execution and humorous undertones set the film’s tone.

Scene: Mickey’s Final Fight

Mickey’s unexpected win is foreshadowed and symbolized through the recurring motif of the boxing ring. The visual and sound design heighten the tension and reveal character dynamics.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, let’s test your understanding with a quick quiz!

Interactive Quiz:

1. Which literary device is used when Brick Top calmly explains how to dispose of a body?
   • a) Foreshadowing
   • b) Irony
   • c) Hyperbole
2. What does the diamond symbolize in the movie?
   • a) Love
   • b) Greed
   • c) Freedom
3. How is dark humor employed in the film?
   • a) Through visual effects
   • b) Through sound design
   • c) Through casual talk about gruesome acts