Thursday, 27 November 2014

'Dawn of the Dead' (1979) Flyboy can't shoot Analysis

This is the scene where Flyboy is attempting to shoot a zombie but failed after many attempts, Roger then steps in and gets a headshot with his first shot. This mid-shot shows both of the characters facial expressions, allowing you to gain knowledge of the power that they behold. Roger is smaller but he is focused and remains calm when needed, proved by the unnerved facial expression he shows. However, Flyboy has a total different expression; he almost seems as if he is in disbelief, almost astonished how he can’t manage the same.

The use of the phallic symbols of the shotguns is very powerful in telling which the superior character is. Roger’s shotgun is aimed at a target connoting to the intense focus and masculinity that Roger’s character is perceived to have. On the other hand, Flyboy’s is to the side, upside down and goes out of the frame, connoting his lesser manhood, almost as if he feminine, he doesn’t behold any male protagonist traits other than his appearance.


This scene is all about George A. Romero reversing the representations of different characters by using the mise-en-scene to create this effect. This is a technique that he repeatedly uses throughout the film, especially with Flyboy. Romero often uses this trick throughout his films where her reverses stereotypes for instance, the likable protagonist zombie ‘Bub’ in Day of the Dead (1985).

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