28 Days Later

Time: 1 Hour and 39 Minutes
Box Office: $44.9 M

Film Analysis

Step 1: Pre-Viewing

1. Title of film: 28 Days Later 
2. Director & Producer: Danny Boyle, Andrew MacDonald
3. Release Date: June 27, 2003
4. Film Genre: Horror, Science Fiction

Step 2: Viewing

1. Important moments: An important moment in the film is when the group of men try to steal the monkeys but as they attempt to do this, an infected monkey bites one of them. The guy that was originally bitten then bit someone else, causing the disease to spread to others. When the Jim, Hannah's father became infected and pushed his daughter away so that when he turned, he wouldn't hurt her. This left Jim and the daughter alone with another member as a group and afterwards they met the military. The men within the military, however, were not as helpful as the group had originally thought they'd be. The military men try to rape both the woman and Hannah until they all turned into zombies and the main character killed them to try to escape the premises. Unfortunately, Jim is shot but the remaining Sargent is killed by Hannah which allows them to escape from the area where all the chaos is happening. 

2. Atmosphere of the Film: There are several birds-eye-view shots used to show many zombies there are within a certain area. Another common camera angle used in the film is the close-up to show the character's expressions. There are high angle shots to show how inferior the survivors are compared to the zombies. The music used is oddly calm during the intense scenes which gives a strange feel. The music then grows louder but seems a bit more intense during the action parts. The editing also helps in making the film more suspenseful. Depressing music is also used in those times in which someone dear to the main characters die. 
3. What is the mood or tone of the film? The mood is depressing.
4. Explain the look of the film: The look of the film is apocalyptic, horrifying and gruesome. 

5. Explain the use of sound/music and/or sound effects in the film: As I've stated before, calm music is used throughout the film for the most intense parts but then it grows louder when something bad occurs. Sad music is used for when a loved one dies and becomes infected. 

6. Physical qualities presented in the film: The physical qualities present in the film are music, dramatization, special effects, background noise and color.

Step 3: Post-Viewing

1. What is the central message of this motion picture? I believe that the central message of this film is to not trust anyone and never give up. Especially during a chaotic event such as a zombie apocalypse. 

2. Consider the effectiveness of this film communicating its message. As a tool of communication, what are its strengths and weaknesses? The film does a great job in communicating this message simply because they used the military to represent a strong force that you'd normally would trust in keeping you safe and sound but as the film progresses, you discover that they are the bad guys. They are even seen as the bigger monster compared to the zombies in the film.

3. How do you think the filmmakers wanted the audience to respond? I think the filmmakers wanted the audience to get frustrated with what the military was doing to Selena, Hannah and Jim. 

4. Does this film appeal more to the viewer’s emotion? How does it make you feel? The film appeals to the audience's emotions. It made me feel sad, frustrated and afraid with what was going to happen next. 

5. Write a question to the filmmaker that is left unanswered by the motion picture: Did the plane actually pick them up? Where did it take them if so? 

6. Would you recommend this movie to your friends? (Y/N)? Yes, It was well done and I really love the story behind it. 

7. How would you grade this movie? (E-NC) I would give this film an AE. It was really good and appealed to my emotions alot.