Sean of the dead Flashcards
What is narrative structure?
Explain how narrative structure is used in Shaun of the Dead.
- Largely chronological BUT there’s almost two separate narrative arcs- their relationship and the zombie apocalypse.
- Repetition is used-scenes repeated to show the zombies pre and post apocalypse.
- Nothing much has changed by the end of the film when it comes to the relationship between Shaun and Liz.
Characterisation (development, alignment, identification, use of stereotypes and archetypes):
Shaun’s character development-becomes the unexpected hero-unsuccessful at first then manages to win Liz back and survive.
- By the end of the film, Liz is more accepting of Shaun and their relationship.
- WE are encouraged to align with Shaun from the opening scene-we identify with his character traits longing to be left unnagged, wanting an easy life. Stereotypical setting and characters= the pub, Ed
Setting:
The pub is used as a narrative device-It cause friction in the relationship but also serves as the place of sanctuary at the end of the film. Returning to the flat at the end.
Point of view
Often Shaun’s or Zombie. Moment when the group point of view is used to show David’s death.
Use of binary oppositions (Levi Strauss)
Pete V Ed
Shaun V David
WC V Aspirational MC
Living V Zombies
Representation of time:
Shaun’s rescue plan
Killing the first zombie-done to add humor
Use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound:
diegetic jukebox- Don’t stop me now + If you leave me now (Adds humor)
Opening scene:Shaun
- Steryotypical working class
- Gets distracted easily-lazy
- Close up establishes that he is the protagonist
- Blank expression while talking about his relationship-lack of interest
- Boring relationship- he doesn’t do anything outside of his comfort zone
- Represents adulthood and a man struggling to grow up
Opening scene : Ed
- Lay about- steryotypical working class
- Not independent
- Represents the childish friend we all have who doesn’t take anything seriously
- Ed is playing video games/doesn’t work/swearing/drinking/smoking
Opening scene:Dianne and David
- Aspirational working class
- Vist theatres
- Look at architecture
- vist nice restruants
- costume(Dianne) is a hat , floral shirt -looks artistic and creative
- Costume(David) is a ironed shirt , effort in apperance(Shaun has come straight from work)
- David’s glasses are associated with intelligence
- Believe in steryotipical relationships
Opening scene:Music
- The specials ‘ghost town’-refelcts that youth will literally fight monsters
- Part is from Dawn of the dead-shows it is a parady
Opening scene:setting
Represents Britain- drinking pints, swearing,busy
SOTD closing credits
- We are all zombies in our daily lives-groans,slow walking ,slow actions
- All workerss wear the same clothes- robotic, same action
- All youth wear variations of the same costume , slow , same action, no individualism
Closing credits:Music
Soundtrack is ‘The blue wrath’ by I Monster and feature a Mellotron
Closing credits:Lighting
bright lighting and choice of settings/ time signifies that it is not a conventional horror/thriller
