Dawn of the Dead analysis (2004)

The following scene represents the notion of freedom as the remaining survivors escape on a boat, assuming they are safe. The inclusion of the American flag in the shot connotes patriotism and the idea of the American dream – it is positioned to the far right of the frame, thus suggesting the country is good. The film also conveys Prop and Todorov’s theory of the Classical Hollywood Narrative’s Structure, but this scene specifically indicates this idea as it represents the search for a new equilibrium where stability can be achieved, however this is not the case as the remaining survivors are ultimately are all killed. Ana wears a dark jacket over a blue shirt, representing some element of dark nature, perhaps displayed by her desire to be with Michael despite she was married prior. It may also indicate mourning, of her husband’s death early on in the film and by Michael’s suicide following this particular scene. However, the light is significantly bright on her hair which represents the good and innocence within her from her career as a nurse. Throughout the film, she shows a kind and caring nature by trying to help the other survivors, and overall embraces an important role within the group. Typically, blonde women in horrors are the first to die, with the darker haired ones mostly surviving. However, in Dawn of the Dead 2004, Ana is blonde and goes against these common conventions as she seemingly survives until the end with Nicole, a red head, and Luda – who has dark hair, dies earlier on when giving birth. Monica is also blonde but conventionally dies prior to escaping on the boat because she had sex, which is further depicted as a negative aspect of the CDI.