In La Haine, director Mathieu Kassovitz transitions from non-diegetic to diegetic sound to deepen audience immersion. The film starts with non-diegetic music, Bob Marley’s “Burnin’ and Lootin’,” playing over riot scenes. This music sets a contrasting tone to the violent imagery.

After the opening credits, the same song transitions to diegetic as it plays faintly in the background when Saïd appears. This change makes the music part of the characters’ environment, drawing viewers into the story.

Kassovitz’s use of this technique connects the initial detached view of the riots with the personal story of the teenagers, maintaining thematic continuity. It reminds viewers of the prior violence and foreshadows the characters’ potential involvement in similar events, enhancing engagement and narrative depth.