Zombieland

Time: 1 Hour and 28 Minutes
Box Office: $75.6M

Film Analysis

Step 1: Pre-Viewing

1. Title of film: Zombieland
2. Director & Producer: James L. Frachon, Ruben Fleischer
3. Release Date: October 2, 2009
4. Film Genre: Comedy, Horror

Step 2: Viewing

1. Important moments: An important moment in the film is when Tallahassee and Columbus meet when  Columbus asks for a ride. Tallahassee was on a journey to find twinkies when the both of them ran into Witchita and Little Rock at the supermarket when they fall into their trap. Witchita and Little Rock then took their guns and stole their car. Later throughout the film Tallahassee and Columbus run into the girls again but are held hostage and agree to work as a team. They all take refuge at Bill Murray's house and meet him but Columbus accidentally shoots him mistaking him for a zombie.When Columbus and Witchita almost kiss, Witchita remembers to not trust anyone and escapes with her sister to go to an amusement park. While they get there, Witchita and Little Rock are chased by zombies and Tallahassee and Columbus save them. 

2. Atmosphere of the Film: Medium, high angle, over the shoulder, and panorama shots were used throughout the film. Lowkey lighting was mostly used to make the settings very dark and mysterious as well as scary to roam. The music is loud, upbeat, sometimes suspenseful and fast when action is occurring. There is comedic narration used in the beginning of the film to explain the rules of Zombieland in order to survive. The editing helps the film appear more fast paced.
3. What is the mood or tone of the film? The mood of the film is humorous and gory.
4.  Explain the look of the film: The look of the film is post-apocalyptic, gruesome, and adventurous.

5. Explain the use of sound/music and/or sound effects in the film: The music and sound used in the film are loud, suspenseful, and at times upbeat. 

6. Physical qualities presented in the film: Music, narration, dramatizations, special effects, background noise and color are physical qualities presented in the film. 

Step 3: Post-Viewing

1. What is the central message of this motion picture? The central message of the film is that it is always important to work together in the times of chaos and need. 

2. Consider the effectiveness of this film communicating its message. As a tool of communication, what are its strengths and weaknesses? The film communicates this message clearly by the characters always sticking together when zombies come along which allows them to survive in the end. 

3. How do you think the filmmakers wanted the audience to respond? I think the filmmakers wanted the audience to laugh and see the importance in working together during an emergency. 

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 sympathy for the characters and made me feel much at ease when they were getting along with one another. 

5. Write a question to the filmmaker that is left unanswered by the motion picture: What ever happened to Columbus' family? 

6. Would you recommend this movie to your friends? (Y/N)? Yes, I would because I thought it was really good, it was funny and amusing to watch. 

7. How would you grade this movie? (E-NC) I would give this film an AE because it was well put together and had a strong central message that actually made sense.