Dawn of the Dead (2004) Still analysis 3

Here we see Ana ailing away on a boat, staring back at Michael in the bay. Looking at the mise-en-scene, we see the American flag taking up the right side of the shot. This links to historical context, as because of the happenings relating to Iraq and Al-Qaeda, this could connote Ana, an American, to be heroic in some sense, as she has survived the battle, and overcome the challenges, and are now sailing away to freedom, possibly hinting that America itself will overcome the terrible real-life tragedy that had happened in 9/11. This scene of Anna also goes against normal horror conventions, firstly as she looks more of a female victim yet she has survived, but also she is a lot stronger than most people, because even though she has lost her husband, and is now losing Michael. She looks sad, but refuses to cry, showing she can overcome turmoil and loss easily. This could be seen to represent the rise of feminism, linking it to the historical context of the time, as women are becoming more powerful, and independent. The high-key lighting and slow montage calms the audience’s emotions, putting them into the mournful state that Ana is feeling, making the scene more upsetting.