Shaun Of The Dead: Opening Scene Analysis
SHAUN OF THE DEAD
Cinematography (camera): The opening shot is a close up of the main character Shaun
- This introduces the main character that the film will revolve around
- The scene seems to open with Shaun in the middle of a conversation with Liz
Over the shoulder shots of Liz and Shaun talking to one another
- They are shown in separate shots which highlights that there is an emotional distance between them and their relationship
Shot composition of thirds; Ed in between Liz and Shaun
- Symbolises how Ed will and does get in between their relationship
- This also sets up the entire film by showing how it's a comedic film with important messages integrated
Slowly pans across settings and the shop workers
- adds to the impression that the people around them were already acting like zombies due to their cyclical routines
Whip pans to Ed
- Humour and comical effect as we didn’t know he was there
- Reflects how in situations he often did little to help, significantly in the relationship between Shaun and Liz
Editing: Objects used as transitions; shot glasses wiping from one to another
- smooth/seamless transition
- reiterates the point about people behaving like zombies and society being dull
Pace increases when more people start to target Shaun
- Emphasises how he is overwhelmed by the situation and also reflects his relationship with Liz’s friends; Dianne expecting him to be better and David being jealous of him
Montage of Shaun getting ready with rapid cuts
- Adds excitement and humour to what is usually a dull activity
Mise - En - Scene: Costume
- Shaun looks unprepared while still wearing professional attire and Ed just shows up in a T-shirt
Set design: apartment messy and unkept
- presents them as “childish”, could present that they are or have negative influences on them
Costume: David and Dianne’s outfits are much more formal
- indicates a distinct barrier between David and Shaun
- Presents Shaun as the typical male protagonist who would be viewed as not having a chance against his rival lover (Liz)
Setting: typically British and mundane
- Represents Shaun’s mundane life; surrounded by ordinary and banal things
Costume: extras have the same/similar clothing
- Foreshadowing their fate as becoming zombies
- all the same and not unique
Performance: Shaun looking blankly into the camera, not blinking
- Conventional zombie-like actions
- Wright has used zombies as a metaphor, rutted and unable to break his dull routine, Shaun is a social zombie.
Extras move slowly, everyone is performing the same actions in unison
- Reflects how they are already acting like zombies; life hasn’t changed all that much for Shaun
Sound (Non-diegetic and Diegetic): Non-diegetic music sound bridges into diegetic sound ( Ghost Town - Specials )
- refers to the behaviour of everyone at the start of the film and the end
- suggests boredom
- lack of activity
- dull everyday life
Non-diegetic: exaggerations of whooshing sound effects
- comical effect and excitement to a
dull atmosphere
Diegetic: sound of fruit machine
- Makes ed seem immature
- adds humour as it interrupts a serious and emotional conversation between Liz and Shaun
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