Case Study #3: Zombieland

2009's Zombieland directed by Ruben Fleischer. 

Ruben Fleischer’s Zombieland, 2009, is a comedy zombie film, which is constructed with the use of micro features. The opening titles show various civilians running away from zombies. This adds to the narrative enigma as the audience questions what happened for zombies to appear in the world. The non diegetic soundtrack of Metallica’s For Whom The Bells Toll exaggerates the already dramatic sequence. This choice in music relates back to the comedy of the film as it adds a sense of humour for the audience as they watch people run away from zombies. The sequence begins with a low angle of a man falling to his death in an attempt to avoid a zombie this is done in slow motion, as is the whole sequence, which adds a sense of humour o the sequence and reflects well on the genre of this film. This use of editing allows the audience to laugh at their misfortunes rather than pity them; also the use of slow motion makes the sequence seem light hearted, as if it's mocking horror zombie films. In addition, the slow motion makes the sequence seem over dramatic, which reflects on the use of type and music.  It’s over exaggeration is what makes the sequence humorous for audiences. 

 The sequence fades into various scenarios with different people, which could show that this zombie outbreak has affected those in various parts of the world. The use of gore for humour purposes is affective as a mid shot of a zombie spitting out blood could add to the shock value of the film and show the audience the level of blood is to be expected. Even though a focus pull makes the zombie the main attention, the audience can see the blue skies in the background. This contrasts with the conventions of a zombie film; the audience would expect for dark skies to reflect on the hopelessness the protagonists feel in the midst of a zombie outbreak. This further shows Zombieland is a comedy film as it can be suggested that the film goes against these conventions. It can also be suggested this film will see a happy ending and will be less sinister and frightening than typical zombie horror films. 

The next shot shows a feminine woman wearing bright clothing  being chased by a zombified woman in dull clothing. The slow motion draws the audience's attention on the milkshake that's been tossed in the air as the woman attempts to escape the grasp of the zombie. It can be suggested that the woman represents the struggle feminine women face in attempts of survival. This can further suggest to the audience that either a feminine character in the film will struggle with the zombie outbreak or an unconventional female character will ultimately win against the zombies. 

 A sense of irony is used for humour as a man holding a 'the end is near' sign is attacked by zombies. This can further suggest this film is humorous and lighthearted in contrast to serious zombie films. The typography chosen is bold and red making it stand out amongst the events on screen, yet the use of editing makes the words seem as if they're in the sequence. The words appear to move and react once something or someone touches it. This interaction could suggest that nothing is safe from the destruction the zombies cause. The use of red connotes danger and blood, which is seen frequently throughout this sequence. 

 An extreme long shot is used as the shot fades into a man being chased by two zombies. Through this shot, the audience could be left feeling helpless as it looks as if the man is running towards us for help. In addition, the long shot could show the audience how far he must run away from both the zombies and the burning car behind him- it can be seen that it would be highly unlikely for his survival. This could indicate to us that there will be many deaths in this film. The man is seen to throw his briefcase in the case and money begins to fall out which can suggest money doesn't matter now as civilisation is lost due to the zombie outbreak. The burning car could connote further darkness and evil relating to the zombies as the man tries desperately to flee potential death.

The props used in this sequence isn't conventional in a horror film with it's use of milkshakes and female nudity- this could be conventional in a comedy film in order to provoke humour for the audience. However, the iconography used such as zombies, violence, gore and blood are conventions of the horror genre, suggesting to the audience that the film is a sub genre of horror- a horror comedy.

Another scene is faded into showing the audience a long shot of a zombie bride attacking her groom. This could be humorous for audiences as the whether zombified or not, brides are usually seen as monstrous. However, audiences can also suggest that the zombie outbreak has ruined happy occasions for people. This further suggest civilisation has been lost as zombies have taken over. Both the colours and choice of typography is the same for the cast name and the title name yet the composition of the film title is placed in the centre whereas the cast names were placed on the sides of the screen. This positioning puts the title as a main focus as a man shatters both the title and glass. The mid shot creates an allusion as if the audience is going to get hit by the glass, allowing for us to immerse ourselves in the action.

A long shot shows a clean firefighter running away from a flaming zombie as another firefighter does his job. This adds to the narrative enigma as we question what will kill the zombies.In addition, this shot could show the zombies are powerful as there is no way of killing them; this could establish the narrative of the film, the protagonists work to find a way to get rid of them. Furthermore, the shot could also represent betrayal in the film as the firefighter chooses to run instead of help his fellow co worker.

A mid shot shows a man dressed in a tuxedo shooting a rifle. From the position of the camera, it looks as if he is shooting at us as if we are zombies. This again allows the audience to immerse themselves in the action of the sequence. This also adds anticipation  as we can see the zombie running towards the oblivious man, we want to tell them there's something behind him but yet we are powerless.

The final shot of the sequence places the audience inside a car as a man spits out blood and shatters the glass. It can be suggested that the man is seeking the audience for safety yet he soon succumbs to his death which could connote the shattering of glass is the shattering of civilization. The sequence ends with a final humorous sound of a bell that resembles the sound of knock out as if the man was in a boxing match with a z