Opening title sequence analysis

Dawn of the Dead is a 1978 horror film written and directed by George A. Romero. It was the second film made in Romero's Living Dead series, showing in a larger scale the zombie epidemic's apocalyptic effects on society. In the film, a pandemic of unknown origin has caused the return of the dead, who prey on human flesh, causing mass hysteria. The cast features David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott Reiniger and Gaylen Ross as survivors of the outbreak who barricade themselves inside a suburban shopping mall. PLOT- Following an ever-growing epidemic of zombies that have risen from the dead, two Philadelphia SWAT team members, a traffic reporter, and his television-executive girlfriend seek refuge in a secluded shopping centre.

Creative Director: Kyle Cooper Production Studio: Prologue Films

Whereas Romeros original film was in part a metaphor for American consumerism, the title sequence for the updated Dawn of the Dead touches upon the idea of Holy War as harbinger to the apocalypse, and details the consequences for the media when it decides to ask tough questions as the feeding is already upon us (they are shot). Kyle Coopers design dovetails what appears to be real war-torn footage with actual human blood as Johnny Cash raises the stakes in newfound context. Remaining shelters have been compromised and the machine we are trapped in is bleeding to death.

-ART OF THE TITLE

The use of close ups on the zombies creates a dramatic impact for the audience as it is unexpected therefore creates a sense of tension. It helps to build adrenalin for the audience and as the audience we almost become one with the victim as because they are so close up we are seeing it through their eyes as though we are apart of this apocalypse.

The long shot view of the crowd running further highlights the global impact, whilst still mocking the news reports about war The fuzzy unclear effect of the camera metaphorically alludes to the disjointed and unclear ways of the attack

Jump cuts are used throughout the opening title sequence and in particular during the clips of the crowds running.
Non-continuity editing is used throughout and creates a sense of distortion as the audience are yet to know what happened normally in films the main event would start/happen further along in the film, whereas here it starts right in the middle of the event. An insert shot is used for when there is a close up of some cells indicating the link between the zombies and medicine/a manifestation with the body. Cross cutting is used between the credits which creates the feeling that it is all happening at the same time in the different locations and creates havoc when watching. There is an eye line match from the reporter to the zombie invasion this makes the clip that much more real to the audience as if they are there. Cutaway shots are used throughout for example from the fast paced clips of the zombies linked to the shots of the cell mutations.

Interview with the president- official danger and sense of realism, also mocking the media for their reaction of war
Real shootings in the street- global massacre, and world wide attack Constant flash of infected man- alludes to horror genre , heightens gore Difference of camera quality between news and film- mocking news stories and makes news appear fresher and crisper. This heightens the horror aspect fuzzy camera quality adds an eery and mysterious tone Images of cells and DNA- a medical aspect to the horror, audience sees that the infection is deeper within ( a more biological aspect)

Johnny Cash (the man comes around) non diegetic music was written about his newfound belief in religion. The line "There'll be a golden ladder reaching down" refers to Jacob's dream of a ladder or stairwell (Jacob's ladder) from earth to heaven and God's blessing of Jacob in Genesis 28:12. Linking into Dawn of the Deads purpose of showing Holy War. The clip starts with a deep foreboding bass note when combined with the dark screen and red writing creates a sense of unease and suggests something disturbing is yet to come. The noise of blood trickling and being wiped away is highlighted through the use of smeared typography which is a motif symbolising blood and death to play a key role in this film. Parallel sound is used in the form of a screeching when combined with quick shots of gory faces being restrained creating tension and fear within the audience as it suggests Dawn of the dead will be an epidemic. The asynchronous news reporters highlight the severity of this situation as they question Is it a virus which is responded with We dont know creating a sense of fear and suspense as the unknown is going to happen. The introduction of the contrapuntal music highlights the panic within both the characters and the viewer as this upbeat acoustic guitar intensifies the feelings of nervousness as although the beat is not typical of the horror the lyrics create a light-hearted fate driven pace suggesting the characters cannot run from death as the man comes around a metaphor for death.

The writing is red that is a clear connotation of danger, and as the film is about the apocalypse the colour can also represent blood from the massacre to come.

The writing also drips away which suggests the distortion in the storyline and again the gore in the film.

The title Dawn of the Dead immediately triggers the horror genre due to the reference of the dead. However, metaphorically, it alludes to the idea of America being killed by consumerism, which was the original idea from George A. Romero. The title itself reflects the negative impact of the media, dawning on the public and killing society.