Shaun Of The Dead Opening Analysis

The opening scene uses editing, camera angles and sound to establish Shaun's character and his relationship with Liz and Ed. Firstly, the scene begins with the sound of the bell and zooming out slowly from Shaun's face. Being close up highlights his facial expression: he is wide eyed, apathetic, he is daydreaming. This is emphasised by the framing of the shot, as the background is blurred and Shaun is clear. Having him in the centre of shot shows how Shaun is absorbed by his own problems and is unaware of everyone else around, including Liz and her wants and needs. This idea is further reinforced when Liz transgresses the rhythm of scene with her dialogue. It reveals that Liz was talking all along but Shaun wasn't paying attention because her dialogue starts mid conversation. As we are aligned with Shaun and his thoughts, this depicts that he is not mature and not taking there relationship seriously.

Shaun's relationship with Ed also showcased to the audience. For example, first of all the editing of the scene shows Shaun and Liz attempting to have an adult conversation but sharply pans to Ed playing a computer game. The quickness and abrupt nature of that cut slows the rhythm of the scene, could be symbolic of how Ed is dividing Shaun and Liz. This is furthermore proven to be the case in the shot with Shaun and Liz at the Ed literally in between them: the framing of Ed being in middle of them two represents he is stopping Shaun from maturing into a serious adult because he is the literal embodiment of his adolescence (they know each other from school) Ed lack of consideration for their relationship is furthermore conveyed in the shot, as when Liz is trying to talk to Shaun but Ed keeps interrupting by swearing. Not only is childish and rude but also further symbolic of how he is stopping Shaun from developing because he is literally silencing his growth.


Binary Oppositions

                                                        Pub V Restaurant

                                                        Ed V Davs and Di

                                                        Adolescence V Maturity

                                                        Working Class V Middle Class

                                                        Responsibility V Irresponsibility

                                                        Fish V Pub Snacks

                                                        Pint V Red Wine

                                                        Change V Repetition

                                                        Swearing V Posh Speak

                                                        

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