Blood Diamond Analysis

As a young adult living in the modern day South Africa and a student of the German School one is often confronted with ethnical, political and the historical views of both Africa and Europe. ‘The Constant Gardener’ and ‘Blood Diamond’ are films that address these issues. They give their viewers a deeper insight through the actions of the characters into the life of corruption, war, self-sacrifice and morality in the land of African paradise.

In ‘Blood Diamond’ Leonardo DiCaprio is casted as a white South African mercenary called Danny Archer that is confronted with these conflicts. He embarks on a dangerous journey through Africa with a black fisherman and an American journalist that will change their lives. DiCaprio is presented as a rugged, unshaven Rhodesian smuggler with a thick South African accent. He dresses in casual outdoor gear. In the scene after his release of prison he reaches into his mouth with a knife to retrieve a small diamond. This gives him a robust image. He is often filmed with golden rays of sunshine in the background. This lighting creates the typical image of a hero to the viewer. Archer is cynical. He is not afraid to abuse and take advantage of others for his own benefit. Danny Archer represents the African economy. Throughout ‘Blood

A civil war is caused through the exploitation of Sierra Leone through a European diamond company that correlates with the Revolutionary United Front by supplying them with weapons in exchange for diamonds. The R.U.F enforces control through fear and violence. They invade and strip Sierra Leone of its raw materials, locals and children to make them child-soldiers. Many characters in ‘Blood Diamond’ are confronted with deciding moments wherein they are forced to determine their identity. Danny Archer comes to terms with himself when he is dying in Sierra Leone and runs his fingers through the red soil of the African