DAWN OF THE DEAD (2004) image analysis

This image from ‘Dawn of the Dead’ (2004) illuminates the fact that historical context has changed since the 1797 version of Dawn of the Dead. Now (due to actors like Will Smith, Eddie Murphy and Ving Rhames) having a strong black character is not considered to be a shock within films. Horror is always shows a strong positive representation of other races and sexualities. An example of this is the relationship between two different ethnicities, André and Luda.  Another example is the fact that Kenneth survives. Usually, in old fashioned films, black people would have been portrayed as dangerous, in a typical ‘gangster’ stereotype but Kenneth’s character challenges this assumption due to the fact that he is a final character, and conveys the notion of wise-ness and agility throughout the film, being seen as in fact a male hero, not a victim or ‘bad guy’. Within this seen Andre himself, although he doesn’t survive and does kill a human over a ‘zombie baby’, highlights how the representation of difference races is changing over time. He discusses how he wants to ‘change’, and admits that even though he has done some immoral things in his life, he wants to give the best for Luda and child. Andre’s attempt of a change within his character is a microcosm for exceeding racial stereotypes within the contextual society.
Another noticeable thing within this shot is the use of costumes within the mise-en-scene. Kenneth is wearing a white top, connoting purity and ‘goodness’, but Andre is wearing all black, foreshadowing his ruthless attack on Norma later on in the film.