SOTD - Narrative and Ideology Flashcards
What style of narrative is employed in SOTD?
Linear narrative arc and focuses on the maturation of Shaun. It is presented from Shaun’s perspective - provokes alignment
How does the exposition introduce the audience to the main plot devices?
The Winchester wittily encapsulates the dynamics: Liz wants more commitment, Ed is a foulmouthed kid and D&D are sanctimonious friends posing as the perfect couple
How does the narrative mix high octane action with moments of raw emotion?
It is essentially a suburban action zombie film with grisly violence, speeding cars and fast paced action. However, the narrative also includes moments of cathartic emotion evidenced by moving death scenes.
Is the continuity of the linear narrative disrupted, if so, how?
Yes, the use of innotative narrative devices such as flash-forwards, narrative foreshadowing and subversion of narrative conventions all challenge the typical tropes of the genre
How is narrative foreshadowing achieved?
It is used to inform the spectator, allowing them to stay one step ahead of Shaun - use of dramatic irony
How are flash-forwards in the rescue liz sequence used to actively involve the audience?
Disruption of narrative is seen in the formulating of the plan which allows audience to see the trial and error of the plan. Shaun breaks the 4th wall at the end of each flash forward and winks creating alignment
How does the rescue liz sequence disrupt the typical narrative structure of zombie productions?
Zombie productions often rely on enigma mysteries embedded to hide key information from the spectator however in SOTD the minimal use of enigma codes subverts tradition
How could it be argued that people in contemporary Britain reflect zombies?
We are zombies due to media, digital technology, consumerism, reliance on government and security in mundane lifestyle
How does SOTD revise the zombie genre for British audiences?
The major revisionist is the surburbisation of the zombie film - it is brought to a mundane and dull British settings
What was Wright’s opening ideologies?
Anti-modern consumer culture, mundane modern life and general public as ‘zombies’
What are Wright’s closing ideologies?
Pro-consumerist, comfortable middle-class lifestyle and distractions, inner child, government saves the day and restoration of patriarchal order and hegemonic values
