Dawn of the Dead

Time: 1 Hour and 49 Minutes
Box Office: $58.9 M

Film Analysis

Step 1: Pre-Viewing

1. Title of film: Dawn of the Dead 
2. Director & Producer: Zack Snyder, Richard P. Rubenstein, Marc Abraham, Eric Newman
3. Release Date: March 19, 2004
4. Film Genre: Action, Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller 

Step 2: Viewing

1. Important moments: An important moment in the film is when Vivian bites her dad. Another important moment is when the group decides to go to the mall during the outbreak because they believe that there would be the safest place to be. When the group finds out that there are zombies and other survivors in the mall, they realize there isn't a safe place anywhere anymore. Another important moment in the film is when it is broadcasted that the dead are walking the earth due to everyone's sins since there is "no more room in hell". When the group finds out that when people are bitten is when they turn, is also a turning point because that's when people start going against one another and lose trust for each other. The group then adapts to their environment (the mall) and begin using the products within the stores for entertainment. When the man whose wife was pregnant becomes infected, Norma shoots her which leads him to shoot her out of anger. 

2. Atmosphere of the Film: The film uses many close-ups, establishing shots as well as high angle shots to make the characters seem both vulnerable and powerless. The lighting used in the scenes within the mall are low key and darker than those scenes done outside of it. This helps the mall seem like an unknown place in the time of the outbreak. The outside is brighter due to the fact that they are free from being trapped within the mall with all the zombies. The music is slow paced but loud and provides an eerie feel to the most intense scenes. The editing of the film makes it seem like the outbreak and killings are happening so fast which adds to the viewer's anxiety. 
3. What is the mood or tone of the film? The mood of the film is suspenseful. 
4. Explain the look of the film: The film's look is apocalyptic and mysterious. 

5. Explain the use of sound/music and/or sound effects in the film: When a zombie appears or creeps up on a character, the music slowly grows louder and louder. When the zombies are pursuing them, the music gets extremely loud and faster. 

6. Physical qualities presented in the film: The physical qualities presented in the film are dramatic and eerie music, dramatizations to emphasize the amount of zombies there are in the main character's way, special effects, background noise, and color. 

Step 3: Post-Viewing

1. What is the central message of this motion picture? The central message of the film is that you can't really trust anyone at a time of chaos. 

2. Consider the effectiveness of this film communicating its message. As a tool of communication, what are its strengths and weaknesses?  I think the film does a great job in communicating this message but at the same time there are several other messages that interfere with the most important one. For example, the message could have been about a society driven to consumption, not being able to trust others, or that people will do anything it takes to survive.

3. How do you think the filmmakers wanted the audience to respond? The filmmakers probably wanted the audience to be on the edge of their seat and feel sympathy for the characters. 

4. Does this film appeal more to the viewer’s emotion? How does it make you feel? Yes, it does appeal to the viewer's emotion. It made me feel bad for the characters because they went through all that trouble in trying to survive only to be killed off in the end. 

5. Write a question to the filmmaker that is left unanswered by the motion picture: What caused the virus in the first place? Why didn't the helicopter stop to help them?

6. Would you recommend this movie to your friends? (Y/N)? Yes, I liked the movie and I think they would like it as well.

7. How would you grade this movie? (E-NC) I would give the film a P.