Deconstruction of a film Warm bodies

Titles

The titles in the film open with a close up of a zombies face. This initially makes you think that this film is of his point of view. The close up represents the importance of the character. Also the use of a close up with the writing just slightly over the top of his face makes the writing stand out. The titles appear in light orange calligraphy, the writing is clear and eligible. The writing appears before slowly vanishing with the use of orange doodles and sound effects. The writing over the top of shots gives the audience to analyse and take in what is going in during the first minute of the film.

Camera shots In the opening of the film we are presented with several close ups of R. The use of close ups show us that this character is of importance, they also allow us to see how the character is feeling or in this case not feeling. Close ups are often used however to draw the viewers in and allow them to feel involved in whets happening. In the opening of the film there is an establishing shot; establishing shots allow the viewer to get a real feel of whats going on. In this shot an establishing shot is used to show a new scene. This shot shows us that this is an airport which is usually busy in modern life. The large crowds of zombies indicate that it is still a busy area just without the people.

While R is wondering through the airport at the beginning we get a real sense and understanding of what is happening due to the long and mid shots. Both of these shots are vital as they set up a scene for action. They suggest that something is about to happen in the scene which creates an uncertain atmosphere. Camera work in this film is used to help the viewers create an image of what life could have been like for these people if they hadnt been turned into zombies. Such as the use of high angled shots that gradually come closer to the character before changing into a thought of what life might have been like. Low- angled shots are used at this part of the film to show their power and dominance over the humans, this happens due to the low angle embracing the size of the object zombie to create a point of perspective. This also allows the viewers to fell afraid of the characters and relate to others in the scene because of this. A head on shot is used here to enhance the sense of involvement and excitement. This shot also creates tension.

Mese- en -scene In this shot we are presented with an establishing shot that one would presume is an early morning due to its blue/ grey lighting. The establishing shot is of what appears to be an airport what we would generally associate with busy crowds. The blue lighting creates a cold atmosphere however also the fact that only one person appears to be in this scene it also creates an eerie atmosphere. The music in this part of the film is contrapuntal sound as it doesnt fit in with the eerie haunting atmosphere; instead it contrives a peaceful setting. This is to allow the audience to feel sympathetic to R and allows them to relate to him.

Although this scene has similar lighting which suggests that throughout the film blue light is used to portray a dreary lonely atmosphere. We are also presented with a more aggressive scene. This is due to the armed soldier. This shows counter typical behaviour as we associate zombies with being aggressive, where as it appears to be the other way around in this film. In this scene, the music is a slower rhythm that suggests this isnt a safe joyful place to be. The fire is the only sense of warmth in this shot as suggest by the damp, dank atmosphere.

Editing Throughout the beginning of this film we frequently see jump cuts, such as after R has opened the door to the aeroplane the camera jumps to him at his record player, this is to show disorientation in the character so that the audience understand what the character is like in order to relate to them. Superimposed images and newspaper articles are used to explain what could have started the zombie apocalypse, this allows the audience to feel involved and create their own scenarios and ideas. It also adds to the interest of the film as its something that isnt shown frequently. We are also presented with an edit of an old fashioned movie clip this adds to the interest of the film and also makes the viewers wonder how long the apocalypse has been going on for. Eyeline match is used during a zombie attach on humans, so that the audience can see what the zombies can see, as its putting across their point of view. Such as R claims he doesnt like killing humans however he needs to kill people to stay alive, which makes the viewers sympathises with him and are able to relate to him on an emotional level. Shot reverse shot is used in this film opening, frequently to portray how Julie feels towards R and the other way round. They are also used to show conversations that are happening, this allows the viewers to see how each character is feeling. This allows them to feel involved and make their own judgements on each character.

Sound

Non diegetic sounds are used in this scene to create a humorous feel to the otherwise tense, uncomfortable environment. The uproar f crowds and cheers create an ironic seen due to the empty football stadium. As the zombies are breaking into the medical centre to attach the humans soft dark music is played to enhance the tension and to create an eerie fearful atmosphere. Sound effects are also used in this scene to exaggerate the amount of danger the characters are in. Sound effects are also used to enhance the sounds of guns, knives and general weapons. This makes the film seem more realistic.

Contractual sound is used frequently throughout this film, such as when R is really close to Julie as it looks as if he is going to kill. We hear soft, peaceful music that is playing in the background which throws the viewers off and makes them feel at ease and clam when actually they should feel tense and uncomfortable. This is to portray how different and unique R is and that he isnt like the rest. Diegetic sound is used during every scene. Cries for help and screaming are the most common uses of diegetic sound in this film. This creates tense atmospheres and creates dark scene openings that make the viewers feel apprehensive and confused after hearing contractual sound. Dialogue is used throughout the scene while humans are present however we frequently hear deep groans and the occasional word from the zombies. Apart from R which shows how different he truly is.

Character representation

Although R is a zombie and should be seen as an evil, crewel character he is actually portrayed as a protagonist character. He is also seen in some ways heroic as he saved Julie from the others. This is counter- typical behaviour and also puts a twist on our thoughts and opinions of zombies. Julie is seen as a perfect innocent character due to her blonde hair and blue eyes, however this is not the case due to he ability to stand up and look out for herself. She is also shown as strong willed and determined, this is seen when she tries to escape from R countless times. Julies dad is presented as a firm stern man whom doesnt listen to anyone else, as well as having antagonist traits he is still seen as a protagonist character. The zombies at the beginning of the film are shown as dead emotionless evil creatures, however towards the end of the film they living emotional beings which changes our opinion of zombies.

Conclusion From this film I will use the lighting (dark blue, greys) and I will also use eerie music to help create different atmospheres. I have also been looking at using superimposed images like they have done in this film to create a unique uncertain atmosphere. Editing was a big thing that I have been looking at during this film such as shot/ reverse shot, slow motion and visual effects I will take these all into consideration when I am planning and forming my own shot film.