Title Sequence Coursework - Analysis 2

Zombieland

In the Zombieland title sequence there are many indicators that display the film is set in America. For example we are shown a prison that clearly has American features, like the orange jumpsuits. Also we are shown the American currency, which are dollars, and we are also shown American firemen and their trucks. In addition, we are shown cars and highways, which are also connoted, as American.

There are many contrasting themes that are portrayed in the Zombieland title sequence. Such as we can see the film could be a comedy as we see the zombie bride killing her groom. However, the title sequence also shoes conventions of the genre horror. We get this as we are shown gory seems with zombies covered in blood and one throwing up blood. The title sequence clearly states that, in the film, the zombie population will become superior and will kill everyone. I get this because we see all class of society being overturned, such as: businessmen, the homeless, commoners and also criminals. 

The iconography proves that the genre of the film will be comedy/horror as we see an overweight businessman running away from a zombie, who is shown to be a stripper. In the title sequence we see a lot of blood and gore, which are conventions of horror. The use of the colours red and black also signifies the genre horror as red is normally associated with danger and blood, whilst black is associated with darkness and mystery. 

We also see the comical aspect of the film when we are shown an overweight man running away from what seems like a zombie coach on an American football field. This would be amusing to the audience because the words ‘RULE #1 CARDIO’ are shown on the screen, suggesting the first rule of not being eaten by a zombie is cardio, which not something overweight people are associated with.

From watching the title sequence we can see the film will be funny, but gruesome and ghastly. We can suggest this because what we understood about the themes of the film. The themes will give the audience expectation on what they are about to watch. Although we cannot clearly see what the narrative is going to be, which leaves the audience wondering what is going to happen. This engages them in the film and leaves them wanting to watch the rest of the film. 

In the title sequence we are not shown any main character, we just see the chaos that is happening that prepares us for the rest of the film. However we are introduced to the zombies, which is shown clearly that they are the antagonists of the film. 

The whole Zombieland title sequence are shown in slow motion, which makes is funny, showing the comical side of the film. On the other hand, it counters acts with the gruesome images shown, which changes the perspective of it. This changes the way it is presented as 'funny'. The non-diegetic track that is being played over the title sequence is parallel to the events happening in the title sequence. The pace of the track corresponds with the pace of the cuts and works well together. 

In the background of the title sequence the non-diegetic track is a metallic version of the American national anthem is being played. This suggests that there is danger looming in America. We can assume this, as the normal American anthem would just connote the nation, and with the metallic element it suggests something is wrong, which creates a sense of mystery and suspense for the audience.