'Zombieland' Title Sequence Analysis

Conventions

The title sequence of 'Zombieland' is supposed to be a comedic take on a zombie apocalypse. The sequence has a heavy amount of violence and comedic gore. It does follow many post-apocalyptic films before it, however, as the titles show how the apocalypse happened. This is a common post-apocalypse convention, as it's a quick way to show how the apocalypse happened while also giving the audience the titles.


'Zombieland' does this differently, showing us violent scenes during the apocalypse in slow motion with a heavy rock track placed over it. The comedic and post-apocalyptic conventions work well together, creating a rather exciting and humorous title sequence that is undeniably one of the better title sequences in film.

Titles

The titles themselves are presented in a rare style, with them being placed in every shot and made to look like they're part of the scene. At times the titles are broken by something within the shot, further placing them into the scene. The titles are in red, probably to emphasize on the amount of comedic blood and gore within the films and title sequence. They're not heavily presented, and just seem to be placed to match with the scene.

Shots

There are a number of good shots used in the sequence. This is needed for slow motion, as emphasis is put on the individual shots and what is in them. We see clearly the emotion on every character's face and the items in every single shot. Emphasis is put on everything, so good shots are vital. And it is done well, with every shot working. Most shots focus on people running towards the camera away from zombies chasing them.

Editing

This opening excels in editing. A slow motion effect is used and works very well. The titles are uniquely used, placed to fit with the scene and getting smashed by by something in every shot. The non-diegetic sound works well with the slow motion shots, creating the needed comedic atmosphere within the title sequence. Everything fits together perfectly; something that wouldn't be achieved without the amazing editing used. It feels fast paced while in slow motion.

Sound

The only sound we get during the titles is non-diegetic; a track called 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' by Metallica is played over the slow motion shots. The music fits well the with shots, creating an exciting opening. The music creates the general feeling we get from the titles and makes the scene all the more comedic. The music is crucial to the scene; creating the needed atmosphere. Diegetic sound would not work in the scene as it would destroy the atmosphere created by the non-diegetic sound.

Narrative

A narrative is set through the titles. The apocalypse is shown in action during the sequence, so we know how the apocalypse happened. We're not given a story, but a series of violent shots depicting the end of the world through a zombie apocalypse. So we get a background, but nothing else from the titles, as the titles exist purely to excite the audience and attract them.