Dawn of the Dead (2004) Image Analysis

This scene takes place towards the end of Dawn of the Dead (DOTD) (2004). This scene mostly consists of close ups of both Ana’s and Frank’s face; these expressionist angles are used to reflect the mood of the scene into the audience. Quick to slow montage was used in this scene, after the attack of the zombies, Frank tells the group that he has been bitten, the editing then slows and expressionist angles are used to build an atmospheric vibe within the scene. The American flag is visible in lots of scenes throughout DOTD (2004); the American flag is a representation of freedom. The flag is often behind either Ana or Frank; this is to show their goodness and also reflects a sense of patriotism. The idea of the flag could also symbolize the idea of American vs. ‘them’; ‘them’ could represent the zombies, and the zombies could signify the terrorists.  V.Propp and T.Todorov’s “Classical Hollywood Narrative’s Structure Theory” is used throughout DOTD (2004); the film does not start with a “set out equilibrium”, the equilibrium is already disrupted by the invasion of the virus, as well as the problem with terrorist’s; the “quest to establish new stability” is the search for a safe haven; the quest could be considered as “achieved” as they make it to the boat, but the happy ending does not occur.