COMP 1C: Shaun of the Dead overview Flashcards
What is Shaun of the Dead known for in contemporary British cinema?
It is one of the most successful contemporary British comedies and encapsulates ideas of post-modern generic hybridity.
The film is often seen as a pivotal work that initiated a new cycle of zombie films, starting with Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later.
Who are the key creative figures behind Shaun of the Dead?
Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost.
The film marks their first cinematic collaboration and is part of The Cornetto Trilogy.
What theme is parodied in the title sequence of Shaun of the Dead?
The shuffling ‘slacker generation’.
The audience is depicted as exhausted ‘zombies’ influenced by video games and a mediated culture.
How does Shaun’s character develop by the end of the film?
He grows up, gets reunited with his girlfriend, and shares a house with her while keeping his old habits alive.
He keeps his friend Ed, now a zombie, chained in the garden shed, symbolizing his reluctance to fully grow up.
What significant cinematographic technique is used in Shaun of the Dead?
Deep focus framing.
This technique highlights the gory details of the zombie genre and Shaun’s shocked reactions.
What iconic weapon does Shaun use against zombies?
A quintessentially English cricket bat.
What is the significance of the mise-en-scène in Shaun of the Dead?
It illustrates Shaun and Ed’s trapped adolescence and their environment filled with video games and junk food.
The contrast is stark between their immature lifestyle and Shaun’s eventual maturity.
What role does music play in Shaun of the Dead?
It provides comic juxtapositions and enhances the film’s emotional tone.
The juke box in The Winchester pub plays a significant part during zombie attacks.
True or False: The film predominantly features diverse ethnic representations.
False.
The ethnic representations are largely of white southerners with few tokenistic zombies.
What does the film critique about modern life in the UK?
It satirizes the brain-numbing effects of work and media consumption on individuals.
Shaun’s colleagues are depicted as juvenile and disaffected, reflecting broader social commentary.
What is the film’s narrative structure?
It has a linear narrative arc focusing on Shaun’s maturation.
The film is presented from Shaun’s perspective, showcasing his relationships and challenges.
Fill in the blank: Shaun of the Dead is a homage to _______’s zombie genre cycle.
George Romero
The film’s title itself references Romero’s Dawn of the Dead.
What editing style is characteristic of Edgar Wright in Shaun of the Dead?
A kinetic style involving crash zooms and fast-paced edits.
What is the impact of the film’s comedic context on its rating?
It helped the film achieve a 15+ audience despite its gore and strong language.
The BBFC rated it 15 due to over 70 uses of the f-word and other explicit content.
What is the significance of the title Shaun of the Dead?
It references Romero’s Dawn of the Dead and indicates a blend of humor and horror within the zombie genre.
What type of humor is prevalent in Shaun of the Dead?
Post-modern humor using intertextual references.
The film includes nods to pop culture, music, and other films, contributing to its comedic style.
What social commentary does Shaun of the Dead provide regarding the apocalypse?
It critiques how society mediates and appropriates the apocalypse for entertainment and employment.
The film shows zombies being integrated into game shows and service industries.
