DAWN OF THE DEAD (1979) image analysis

This still image and the scene in which it comes from heavily focuses on the context within the film, ‘Dawn of the Dead’ (1979). Here, George A Romero is portraying the idea of consumerism and the hold it had on people’s lives in the 1970’s. Malls were just becoming a ‘big thing’, and so, to an audience today, a film setting within a mall would mean near to nothing to us, however back then when the film was made it was a huge eye opener and a hint in the direction that consumerism was taking over. The high angle shot denotes a picture from the security camera in which Steven and Peter are sarcastically posing for, but it could also symbolise the great influence consumerism is having over these people during the context of the film as high angle shots using portray authority and supremacy. George A Romero is also taking the mick out of consumerism because they are ‘stealing’ the money, but of course there is no actual need to steal the money as there is no one’ alive’ anymore. Also within this scene contrapuntal music is used, making an idea that is slightly depressing and silly, even more meaningless and amusing.