'Dawn Of The Dead' (2004) Film Still Analysis 2

This scene from Dawn of the Dead (2004) highlights the representation of conventional characters in the horror genre. The sequence brings the characters together in a small, confined elevator which dominates the frame. Because of this, the strong characters become more prominent due to the contrast in their nature and mannerisms. From left to right: Monica is the stereotypical blonde female victim. Earlier in the film she is seen having sex with Steve. This act seals her fate (as a character that will later die) and this is the last time we see her properly before her untimely end. Next we have CJ the security guard who adds humour to the situation. Just before they entered the elevator they were running from the zombies in a dramatic build-up of suspense and music. Then, when they enter the elevator, collision cutting takes place and the elevator goes very quiet and still. The only sound comes from the elevator music (‘All Outta Love’ by Air Supply). This is when CJ says the line, “I love this song”. The contrapuntal music, dramatic drop in action and CJ’s deadpan line makes this moment comical and unexpected for the audience.

The next character is Kenneth. In the original DOTD (1979) this role would have been similar to Peter. He is the only surviving black character at this point and he acts as the leader of the group, helping as many people to safety as he can (including Andy who isn’t even in their group). The next character is Anna, the female survivor and main protagonist. Everything about her stance and mannerisms suggests she is the ‘tomboy’ of the group who will be the ‘final girl’. Her sporty attire and hair pulled back in a ponytail shows she is ready for action and not afraid to get stuck in. This is reiterated by her job as a nurse and the care she has given others in the past. Next in the line-up is Glen. Glen is by no means the stereotypical horror character. He is the older, gay organ player at the local church with a very sweet disposition. His age works against him in the sense that all of the other older characters have already died because they couldn’t keep up or they weren’t sensible. In the end, ironically, he accidentally kills Monica and himself with a chainsaw, not dying at the hands of a zombie.

The next two people, Nichole and Terry, are the archetypal young couple brought together by unrequited love. They each survive by the end, only through their struggle to stay together. The same is almost true for Michael (on the right). His love for Anna keeps them fighting and in the end he dies trying to protect her and the others. He may be the male hero in this sense but as he doesn’t survive, Kenneth has to take over at the end and become the new hero.