Discussion of character shots in the film Shaun of the Dead.

1. Character Study
Shaun of the Dead

2. The first time we see Shaun, it is in close up
Liz is wanting more from their relationship, but Shaun is obviously confused

3. Notice his expression in this over the shoulder shot
– how does Liz view him?
He looks unable to give her what she’s wanting…almost paralysed

4. As Shaun goes through his day, he takes no notice of his
surroundings
He is lost in his own world, from which he can’t escape

5. Even at the dawn of the apocalypse, he is
completely self-absorbed
Notice the shot here – shallow focus – what’s important?
Shaun is in focus – his lack of awareness is what the director is focusing on

6. But, also notice the angle – where is Shaun? What implications
does this hold for him?

7. Even when Shaun is alone (in close up again) what does HE see?
Does he look pleased with himself?

8. After the discussion with Pete, notice how Shaun
becomes asymmetrical again – a conflict within
Remember – his conflict is with himself: how to grow up, have a relationship, be a
good son…

9. Here we have Shaun in long shot – the director is asking the
audience to notice Shaun’s surroundings (Shaun does not).
Shaun is still asymmetrical – trying to figure out how to handle all
his problems (Liz, Ed, Mum)

10. And another day just like the preceding day…
Shaun
Shaun has no awareness of the growing disaster…he is still wrapped in his own limited
world

11. Another mix of shot & angle
Shaun is asymmetrical, and rather an establishing shot, as we clearly see in the light of
day what a sty their house is-- he’s literally made a mess of his life

12. A new day, but the same old routine…
Long shot with shallow focus – Shaun is clearly unaware (although the
audience is made quite aware) of the chaos around him.

13. And A classic shot – could Shaun be any more blind?
again here…
(Notice the asymmetry)

14. Finally! Our man has made at least one decision!
Notice the change in him – symmetrical, mid shot, determined
face

15. Relationships
Let’s look at Shaun
and his relationships
with those closest to
him:
• Ed
• Liz
• Mum

16. ED
 Best friend
 No job
 No girl
 No house
 No life?

17. Ed is Shaun’s greatest friend and greatest problem
When we first meet him, he is in mid shot, between Shaun & Liz,
literally

18. We learn right away that he is rude, crude, and obnoxious
(notice he’s a tad off-centre here – possible self-realisation?)

19. But, he is a great foil for Shaun (as his opposite, he lends
humour and eases tension)
Notice in this long shot the utter mess of the house!

20. Shaun’s great reaction shots are with Ed :
Mid two shot – illustrating their close relationship

21. And they remain friends to the end

22. LIZ
•Girlfriend of 3 years
•Lives with friends (one of whom detests Shaun)
•Doesn’t like Ed (much)
•Wants Shaun to commit (“have a plan”)
*It’s worth noting that Liz changes her mind by
the end of the film. She is more than happy to
stay home and go to the Winchester to drink
every evening!

23. Liz is Shaun’s goal
He yearns to be worthy of her and not such a “loser”

24. When he eventually takes control
and comes up with a plan…
See Shaun here in low angle – taking charge with Liz by his side

25. He and Liz become equals
Symmetrical reaction/two shot

26. Mum
•Loves Shaun, apparently her only child, very much
•Married to Phillip for 17 years
•Only wants Shaun to be happy
*Note: she calls Shaun by a childhood nickname
(“Pickle”), adores Ed (who adores her back), and
gives Liz her necklace from Shaun’s deceased father.

27. Lastly is Mum

28. Shaun loves his Mum – he goes to
rescue her even before Liz
This close up tells us how he feels about her –
see the anguish in his face? In shallow
focus, this shot signals that Shaun’s love for his
Mum is more important than dealing w/Phillip as

29. Were you paying attention?
Number a paper 1 – 5.
Write the letter of the appropriate answer,
Like so: 1. a

30. 1.
a.Long shot
b.Two shot
c.Extreme close up
d.Establishing shot

31. 2.
a. Long shot
b. Symmetrical shot
c. Low angle
d. High angle

32. 3.
a. Long shot
b. Low angle
c. High angle
d. Shallow focus

33. 4.
a. Point of view shot
b. Low angle
c. Establishing shot
d. Long shot

34. 5.
a. Two shot
b. Close up
c. High angle
d. A and B

35. Check your answers:
1. C 5 Correct: Excellent! You are ready to write.
4 Correct: Good work – almost prepared.
2. A 3 Correct: Not bad, but could do better.
3. C 2 Correct: You should consider revision.
1 Correct: You MUST revise your work.
4. A
0 Correct: WAKE UP!
5. D