Film Theory and Analysis - Essay Example

Within this world, four characters unite to find safety and Twinkies. While Zombieland may exist in the kitsch horror genre, the film can be analyzed with the same critical tools as more artistic films. This essay examines a portion of Zombieland to consider the way elements of mise-an-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound combine to help the viewer understand the complete film.

            A film’s mise-an-scene is perhaps its most comprehensive element. Mise-an-scene is a French term referring to everything that appears on the screen. There are several prominent mise-an-scene elements in the clip from Zombieland. From an overarching perspective, one considers that the entire film world has been altered as a means of establishing the post-apocalyptic environment. In this way, there is the minimum order. There are overturned cars in many scenes. Businesses are depicted as ransacked. In addition to these atmospheric elements, these scenes establish many of the narrative concerns that will be featured throughout the film. For instance, in one scene the mise-an-scene contains a football field, a man running, and a zombie running after the man. These elements are used to establish the importance of escaping zombies. In another scene, the film displays an individual sitting on a bathroom stall. In this scene, mise-en-scene elements are combined with sound noises to create suspense and horror. A medium-range shot establishes the individual sitting in the bathroom stall. Loud zombie noises are then heard before the individual is finally attacked by a zombie.       

            Another major film element is the cinematography. Cinematography is the movement of the camera capturing the film. This specific scene makes great use of cinematography. The opening shots feature an upside-down car. The camera is then turned upside-down as a zombie enters the screen. The next major scene is a long-shot the world. This long-shot of the world demonstrates to the viewer how large-scale the zombie problem has become, as it is clear that the entire globe contains zombies. Another major cinematographic technique implemented in the scene is slow-motion. Slow-motion is implemented during the opening credit sequence and demonstrates specific zombie actions, including eating people. It seems that this technique is implemented for the pure effect of creating excitement. Additionally, it creates a degree of suspense as the viewer familiarizes themselves with the terrors that will occur throughout the rest of the film.  

            While mise-en-scene and cinematography capture images within the film, editing constitutes the fabric of the film itself. In this regard, editing is the combination of film elements to create the sequential appearance of action. Editing is prominently implemented throughout this portion of Zombieland in large part traditional continuity editing is implemented to advance the narrative. For instance, the opening shots of zombies in Washington D.C. are followed by an overhead shot of the world. Still, such continuity editing is highlighted by strong juxtapositions. For instance, the shift between these two scenes is startling as the first scene implements tight close-ups at daytime and the second scene implements a panoramic long shot in the darkness of space. Another prominent editing technique implemented is ma onstage. It’s noted that montage is the combination of disparate shots under a specific conceptual theme. One such instance of montage editing is implemented early in the film, as scenes about ways to survive the zombie-infested world are featured. Another prominent use of montage occurs during the credit sequence. During these sequins, low-motion shots of zombies are displayed. The zombies are featured participating in random actions, such as attacking or chasing humans. This montage sequence adds atmosphere to the credit sequence, as well as suspense for the upcoming film.        

            A final consideration in film analysis is sound. Sound has been considered as providing atmospheric and meaningful elements to the film’s narrative. Sound is prominently implemented in Zombieland through sound effects that startle the viewer. As the film opens there is a voice-over that is punctured by buzzing noises. These noises create an atmosphere of destruction that permeates the rest of the film. As this opening scene advances tetraether sound elements through the zombie noises. These are abrupt and startling sounds set the foundation firmly within the horror genre. Following the film’s introduction, the opening credits start. Accompanying these opening credits is a heavy metal song. The song is loud and abrasive and heightens the on-screen effects and film narrative.   

            In conclusion, this essay has examined Zombieland in agouties-an-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound. Within this context of understanding, it’s demonstrated that the film implements mise-en-scene through the creation of a post-apocalyptic world. Cinematography is witnessed through a variety of close-ups and long-shots, as well as slow-motion. In this way t, the cinematography heightens the film’s suspense elements. Editing occurs through continuity approaches, as well as montage techniques. In this way, strong juxtapositions are implemented as a means of heightening the viewer’s engagement with the narrative. Finally, the sound is implemented through heavy metal music, as well as random effects. These sound elements further enhance the atmosphere and set the foundation for the narrative concerns that will be explored throughout the film.