Mary's Seventh RTF Blog 10-17-10

In the movie Zombieland, directed by Ruben Fleischer, there are many examples of long shots, medium shots and close shots which add important elements to the overall plot. The first example comes early on in the movie, where the main character (Jesse Eisenberg) leaves his hometown in search of his family. While walking on the highway with a suitcase, the camera pulls away to show exactly how alone he really is. Added to that, is the fact that every car on the road is completely empty, with the doors wide open. As mentioned in the lecture, long shots tend to emphasize on loneliness, and isolation, which is exactly what this particular point in Zombieland is working to stress. Later on in the movie, a medium shot is used to show relationship informatin between the Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson.  The two had just entered in a grocery store and were unaware of what they would encounter. By the way that they are standing, the shot establishes that Harrelson is dominant and Eisenberg is scared of the situation. Medium shots are said to not only to show relationship information but also visual information. The visual information in this shot allows for those viewing it to see the situation between the characters and their relationship with what is around them. In one of the last scenes in the movie, a close up shot on Harrelson at the carnival gives the viewers further information about his character. In order to confront the zombie group fast approaching, Harrelson bunkers himself inside of a booth and uses two pistols to fight off the creatures. The close-up shows (through the metal bars) his "no fear" expression even though he faces a possible death. All three scenes in the movie Zombieland emphasize loneliness, relationship information and crucial character information which help to develop the plot throughout the whole movie.