DAWN OF THE DEAD (2004) SCENE ANALYSIS

This scene is where the remaining survivors escape, hence why the American Flag is part of the mise-en-scene on the boat as it represents freedom and patriotism. The American flag is often placed behind Kenneth and Ana as they are the main protagonists. Ana breaks away from character stereotypes as she is a blonde woman who is sexually active at the beginning of the film (with her boyfriend Luis) who survives all the way until end making her the final girl fitting in with the more modern context. She is also a nurse and is capable of handling body horror this also brings out her sympathetic side when they are about to kill Frank and she gets protective and feisty in the situation. Her costume isn’t particularly feminine throughout that the film as she wears tank tops, t-shirts and jeans or trousers. She is also a lot tougher than Fran from Dawn of The Dead (1979) as she plays a more active role in fighting against the zombies. Also Kenneth survives too, showing how horror continues to have positive roles for black people; this was perhaps inspired by earlier auteurs such as George A. Romero.