In this post I shall be analysing and comparing both Shaun of the dead and Zombieland. Shaun of the dead is a 2004 British zombie romantic comedy film directed by Edgar Wright and written by Wright and Simon Pegg: starring both Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as the main characters/ heroes. Whereas Zombie land is a 2009 American zombie comedy film directed by Ruben Fleischer from a screenplay written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. The film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin as the main characters/ heroes. It is conventionally clear that within zombie films the main characters drive is that they are the only survivors of a zombie apocalypse.
Genre Conventions - Shaun of the Dead
Setting -
The setting of 'Shaun of the Dead' is a small town (in London), however all the filming is done on set or at Ealing Studios: within London. The town itself is enclosed, and within a closed space- because of this it is difficult for the characters to get away. Most of the town has been struck by the apocalypse which only leaves the 'main characters' un-infected. Which is what makes their survival so important. In terms of Zombie movies, most of the film is conventionally filmed on location rather than a set to give the film a more 'real' essence to it.
Characters ( Human/non-human) -
Shaun - Lead Protagonist
Ed - Male lead protagonist (dies)
David - False Hero (dies)
Liz - Female Lead Protagonist
Barbara - Mother of the male lead (dies)
Diane - Female lead protagonist (dies)
Zombie(s) -
As shown above, these are the main characters within 'Shaun of the Dead' we can already see that the cast is sexually diverse as it does not base around males however conventionally it has the typical blonde heroine; although in this case there are two. Usually you would find one blonde female, and the other a brunette to show contrast in personality/ action: however in this case there are two females who are both blonde... And unconventionally neither are in the slightest bit dim.- Diane's foolishness is shown towards the end when her lover 'David' is taken away by the zombies and in the hopes of saving him she goes after him other than that both females are shown as strong and independent: Especially Liz as she is one of the remaining survivors alongside Shaun.
Props and costume -
The props used throughout the movie range from weapons to every day household objects to things such as guns, axes, knives, chairs, wood planks, poles etc. The props which have been used are honestly 'on instinct' type of weaponry: anything that the characters can find/ come across- Giving the film a more 'realistic' essence to it. The movie due to lack of weaponry emphasises that they really are in a 'pickle' and have no idea what to do. Alongside the costumes; that they don't change their clothing on the actual day which could also show their lack of appreciation for materialistic objects. In terms of the clothing for the zombies they are 'blood stained, shattered, ripped' the clothing in which they were attacked in: covered in blood due to the wound bleeding- again depending on where they have been bitten. Which is conventional in terms of zombie films; the clothing is often bloody and ripped and is shown in vintage zombie movies such as 'Dawn of the Dead 1978'
A zombie from the 1978 Dawn of the Dead:
Story -
The story/ plot of Shaun of the dead bases around a mane who is slowly loosing everything: job, love life, his passion etc- And in the attempts to quickly change his ways of being a 'failure of a man' he is faced with 'Z day' Zombies/ a life threatening situation therefore he attempts to be the 'hero' throughout the movie... and in ways fails again miserably. Loosing his mother, step father best friend and others along the way. The survivors amongst his group are him and his 'ex' well at the end 'girlfriend' Conventionally, the story has the basic characters following the plot of survival and sticking together - the fall of certain individuals is also conventional as it shows the harshness of reality as well as the realism that is portrayed within Zombie films. Throughout, the movie we can certainly state that there are defined character roles assigned to each person. For example, Liz is the 'princess'/ lead female protagonist. David the 'false hero' and Shaun the 'lead protagonist/ hero' Many Zombie and horror movies are mostly known for the usage of binary oppositions. In which case the base would be having two opposing teams or individuals: villain v.s. hero (zombies v.s. humans) The teams being, the survivors which get together and form a team to defeat the group of zombies.
Events -
The events which take place throughout the movie:
- Getting flowers for mother
- Breaking up with girlfriend (Liz)
- Meeting the 'zombies'
- Gathering friends/ family: some die
- The end (Shaun and Liz survive)
Structure -
The movie as a whole, is set within a 'non-linear' time warp this being because it not only shows present situations but 'visions' of the future (what they aspire to do/ get done) In terms of the introduction of the movie we are shown this within the first 5-10 minutes introducing each character/ what their role will be throughout the movie. For example, Ed is introduced as the 'tag along' character who essentially in viewing appears to be an adult but mindset wise he is still a child thus needs looking after which brings us to Shaun, a male who has potential/ capable of being so much more yet is brought down due to the relationship he has with his 'best friend' Ed. Shaun, is basically Ed's mother in a sense that he constantly has to look over him, and make sure he's stable/ doesn't get himself into trouble. Which shows that Shaun has a soft side... Maybe too soft as it is stopping him from becoming so much more. It's holding him back. The middle of the movie consists of the cause/ meeting of the characters with the 'issue' which forms the rest of the movie. The ending of the movie is basically the conclusion, in this case it was an open ending although the zombies have been exterminated we do not learn the cause for the outbreak- Also Shaun the lead protagonist keeps his best friend (Ed) who is now a Zombie in the shed... Which informs us again that Shaun is not ready to let him go- and that he is still... Soft.
Technical conventions -
Sound :
The usage of sound within Shaun of the dead is used in multiple of cases; for dialogue, speech, attacks, music and even sfx. In terms of dialogue it is the speech which is said by the main characters therefore it is essential that it is used within the movie so that the audience are aware of what is being said instead of having to guess/ assume. Although subtitles can be used it isn't particularly the same thing: meaning that the diagetic sound added throughout the edit of the movie emphasises the emotion that is being put across the scene/ movie. For example with Shaun of the dead there is an action scene of Shaun, Ed and Liz attacking a zombie whereby the song 'Queen - Don't stop me now' is played which gives the scene a humorous affect to it yet doesn't loose the focus of what is actually happening. Although this particular scene did in fact used diagetic sound for the music as it is coming the 'juke box' as well as using 'speech' as another diagetic sound. In terms of SFX it is mostly for the 'zombies/ weapons' used throughout the movie: so to speak that when the guns are fired special effects as well as SFX are used to extend the noise and make it sound more believable.
Use of Camera -
The usage of camera throughout the movie range from a variety of shots, long shots, middle, landscape, extreme close ups- The reason that there is such a range is because the movie is indeed action/ zombie therefore for the film to only use a limited amount of shots would be ridiculous. The most interesting shot which I found that was used within the movie was 'P.O.V' shots and how they have been manipulated to emphasise a certain characters 'situation' and how it is that they are responding: this is also tied in with the movement of the camera. For example the scene whereby 'David' is taken by zombies we are shown the reaction of Diane and how the camera moves back and forth from the scene of David and helpless Diane taking action. Emphasising Diane's situation having no idea what to do, but the only thing that she's that is right. To go after him, as stupid as it is she is blinded by her 'love' for David and in the attempts of being a 'Heroine' she goes after her lover.
Editing -
In terms of the editing of the movie, they aren't obvious to a point whereby it makes the movie look cheap. It is done in a manner whereby the have taking advantage of their shots. For example, a shot of Shaun standing up is quickly turned into a close up shot of him zipping up his trousers, flushing the toilet, brushing his teeth etc. The speed of editing is normal, however speeds up towards the end as they are being chased by the enemy in terms of the cuts/ fades.
Genre Conventions - Zombie Land
Setting -
The setting of Zombieland is primarily within America as they have been hit by a zombie apocalypse... an empty America. The movie itself was filmed in a variety of locations, ranging from Hollywood, California Atlanta, Hapeville, Morrow, Decatur, Newnan and Powder Springs, Georgia. Like Shaun of the Dead, the movie was mostly filmed on set and some within studio. It is conventional amongst most Zombie movies to be filmed on location; as there are hardly any 'big' action scenes which take place.
Characters ( Human/non-human) -
Columbus - Male Lead Protagonist
Tallahassee - Second Male Lead Protagonist
Wichita/Krista - Female lead Protagonist
Little Rock - Second Female Lead Protagonist
Zombie(s)
As shown above, these are all the main characters within Zombieland all of which; survive. Again like Shaun of the Dead we can see that this cast is also 'sexually diverse' meaning that there is an equal amount of both two males and two females. However, conventionally in comparison to Shaun of the Dead they had two blonde females whereas within Zombieland there are two brunettes. From a social point of view, typically within movies blondes are considered to be dim and stupid whereas brunettes are portrayed as smart, independent and strong. Which is exactly what these two females portray. Within the movie, both Krista and Little Rock are sisters therefore making their bond even stronger. Throughout the film, we are shown the multiple ways in which the two sisters plot to ditch the two men. Showing, not only how independent they are but their intelligence too especially of 'little rocks' as she is only 12.
Props and costume -
In terms of props and costume, again like 'Shaun of the Dead' the main characters clothing does not change: you again could state that it is their personal opinion and lack of appreciation of materialistic things which again is emphasised within the movie: As they trash an actual store for the 'hell of it' enjoying, the 'little things' Their clothing stays the same, yet gains splatters of blood and mud as they rummage through the stranded country. In terms of costume for zombies, again like 'Shaun of the Dead' and any conventional zombie movie the clothing in which they have been attacked in does not change. It becomes dirtier throughout their reign, but does not change in terms of outfit. The props used within this movie, in comparison to Shaun of the Dead is more thorough/ though through. This being because the individuals are already aware of their situation therefore have prepared themselves for the task ahead however within this movie you could say that it is more likely for these characters to find weaponry as the movie is based with America... Americans are known for having guns within their homes etc.
Events -
The events which take place throughout the movie:
- Columbus attacked by zombies
- Columbus roams streets alone
- Picked up by Tallahassee
- Mugged by Little Rock and Krista
- Columbus and Tallahassee save both Little Rock and Krista
Story -
Based on a college student who is unsociable and unaffected by the 'mad cow disease' (which slowly turned the whole population of American citizens into zombies) attempting to reach his parents in Columbus, Ohio. Along his travels in the attempts to find his family he encounters man in his mid 30's (another survivor) who also takes pleasure in killing zombies- Though he also seems unsociable like Columbus, we grow to learn that he also has a soft side- demonstrating it towards his 'pet dog' which turns out to be his son who was killed by zombies: as well as having an affinity for Twinkies, which he actively attempts to pursue. As well as this we meet two young siblings who are 'con artists' which only makes the situation for both Columbus and Tallahassee harder as they rob them both blind of their weapons and wheels. Thus commencing the on-going journey of the four each trying to reach their own destinations. In terms of the characters within Zombieland there are two main protagonists one male and one female. Whichita and Columbus, with Tallahassee and little rock as second. Although they are all important both Whichita and Columbus are the main this being because their friendship, could possibly blossom into a relationship- which automatically makes them quite important as the idea of a possible relationship is not only another form of recreating the human race but a concept which will create an equilibrium.
Technical conventions -
Sound -
The sound used throughout Zombieland consists mainly of diagetic sound; meaning not only was the speech done live but most of the music too e.g. Ghostbusters theme tune. In particular the scene of Columbus and Krista as they sip on wine and dance. This particular scene is used to show the beginning of a 'relationship' maybe. The way in which they have manipulated 'sound' to emphasise this point is by using a 'seductive' track: as well as the characters body language. Making the audience question, whether or not they will kiss or not... Whether it will last or not, will it cause issues within the group? Etc. The most common sound affect used within the movie would be the 'gun shots' again to make it more believable and have more of an affect in the final cut of the movie.
Use of Camera / Editing & Sound -
The use of camera within Zombieland consists of a range of shots: long, middle, extreme close up, landscape etc. The reason being because conventionally zombie movies are known for the mass destruction which takes place amongst the world or in this case; country. Therefore landscape/establishing shots are used to not only inform the audience of where they are but to show the damage which has been done to the town; affecting the characters as well as the audience. In terms of movement of the camera again, it has been done in a manner whereby it compliments the scene/ character. For example the ending scene from 0:00 - 1:31 the film has been edited into 'slow mo' but it does not stop the director from using a variety of angles in the end scene. Alongside the scene, non-diagetic music has been used throughout to emphasise the situation of all the characters but most importantly 'Tallahassee' as he is surrounded by dozens of zombies; which is shown by the P.O.V shot used to emphasise the 'impossible' situation he is faced by. Making the audience question whether or not he will come out of this situation alive or not (he does) The slow mo is used to show how skilled Tallahassee is with a gun: and how he is capable of taking care of himself.
