Analysis into the first 10 minutes of a similar film: 28 Days Later

'28 Days Later' directed by Danny Boyle and released in 2002 describes the story of protagonist Jim on his journey of survival through post-apocalyptic Britain. After a 'rage virus' is released and spread through Britain infecting people and changing them into 'zombies' Jim wakes from a coma and meets several hopeful and pessimistic characters. The horror film follows a theme of science gone wrong and rage- an inner monster. Similarly to our film it has a sub-genre of Zombie's.

The clip begins with many handheld shots showing scenes of violence. The handheld shots are shaky and appear chaotic. The shots also keep the audience on edge as their eyes are darting across the screen. The high number of these shots also show how violence is wide spread throughout the country. Many of the shots shown came from the London riots, this therefore fits the theme of social rage. In addition to this it is implied that media is the reason for wide spread anger. This is due to the fact that it is the news clips shown on the screen which causes the monkeys to be angry and feel enraged.

The camera then dollys out to a high angle shot. It shows a monkey strapped to a bed in a lab setting, being forced to watch the clips of violence. The high angle shot conveys that the monkey is inferior in its trapped state. The deep space of the shot also shows how isolated the monkey is within the room. Low key lighting is also used to give the shot a mysterious, edgy feel therefore making the audience wonder what will happen next.

A cantered angle is then used. This creates disorientation for the audience and matches their confusion on who the masked figures are. A mask is used on the characters to produce a sense of fear and allows the audience to question who they are and whether or not they're dangerous. The character within the shot is an animal rights activist. Shown within the shot is a cage which although in shallow depth of field, covers the activist. This represents how they are trapped within their point of view. They are on a mission to end animal testing and are trapped within their morale crusade, just how animals are trapped within a cage. Throughout the shot there are sounds of banging cages and screeches from the monkeys, this foreshadows that violence will follow.

Extreme close ups of the activists eyes are shown next. This appears threatening and heightens the tension within the scene. Again the activists are shown trapped behind glass. This symbolises how they are trapped within their views.

A wide shot of the activists entering the room and removing their masks is now used. This shot involves the use of dark dull colours and low key lighting which displays the fear of the unknown. Within the shot we see a lab setting which supports horror conventions as well as iconography of blood and medical appliances.

A medium shot of an activist is shown using chiaroscuro, this gives the effect of a silhouette and therefore heightens the tension within the scene. He is shown holding the prop of a camera and takes photographs of the caged monkeys. A straight cut then shows a flash and an image of a highly aggressive monkey. Sounds of screeching and banging are heard implying that the monkey is feeling overpowering rage, warning the activists to stay away however they do not comply.

An establishing shot of the lab shows several cages filled with monkeys used for animal testing. This conveys the the cruel side of human nature. The shot is at a high angle to display how the animals and activists are inferior to the virus, there is no escape from it. The close-ups that follow show several caged monkeys and set the scene for the audience.

The camera then pans to a mid shot of a scientist who watches the break in. Following this shot the pace of the clip fastens heightening tension. Shots are displayed on screen for under 3 seconds. The activists chase the man and prevent him from calling for help.

The scientist tries to reason with the activist, and warn them that the monkeys are infected with 'rage'. However they don't take him seriously and react angrily. This is shown through several fast paced close ups which display angry facial expressions. The use of chiaroscuro lighting and contrast between dark and light puts emphasis on the sinister feel of the scene and heightens the tension. In addition to this the fast pace of the shots builds a tense atmosphere and leaves the audience expectant of violence. Low, foreboding music is used to build suspense.

The activists ignore warnings and continue opening the cages.

A point of view shot follows, this involves the audience and causes the woman to look inferior. She is shown looking isolated within the shot contributing to the fact she is inferior and in danger. The high pitch sound of screeches from the monkey heightens the suspense within the scene and signifies danger and violence.

The monkey proceeds to attack the woman during a jumpscare, as warned by the scientists. The shots which follow involve extremely fast paced editing. Strobe lighting is used which adds an element of disorientation, the audience is left unknowing to where the next attack will be coming from. A red light is also used, the colour red holds connotations of rage and danger a common theme throughout the film. Several close ups are used to show the fear within the characters eyes. 

During the fast paced shots there is an iconography of blood. This creates a visceral response from the audience as they feel disgusted. The blood holds connotations of death and violence, matching the actions shown within the clip.

Ending the clip an extreme close up of the woman's eyes is shown. Contacts as well as make up is used to convey the woman's change from human to an enraged 'zombie'. The eyes are shown to be the colour red. As previously mentioned red has connotations of rage, therefore fitting the theme of the horror genre film. The extreme close up of the eyes also appears threatening to the audience heightening the fear factor of the clip. A high pitched scream accompanies the already low suspenseful music shocking the audience and causing them to feel fearful.