Shaun Of The Dead: Opening Scene Analysis

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 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.

Dialogue: David and Dianne are mature and well-spoken while Ed is immature, crude and uses a lot of profanity 

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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