Textual Analysis: 28 Weeks Later

28 Weeks Later (Juan Carlos Fresnadillo; 2007).

Story-line:

'28 Weeks Later' is the prequel to the previous apocalyptic film '28 Days Later' it is intended to be set 28 weeks after the first original outbreak of the rage virus that was so prominent in the first film. In the opening sequence to this film we are introduced to a group of survivors barricaded in a cottage. Soon a boy is heard at the door and they decided to let him. However he has been followed by a group of the infected. These infected kill most of the survivors in the cottage but 'Alice' the 'Boy' and 'Don' head upstairs but soon get trapped. 'Don' decides to save himself and escapes through the window and soon gets a motorboat away from the cottage, leaving the rest to the mercy of the infected.

Tempo:
There are two main tempos to this opening sequence, the first is a subdued speed to the action when the survivors are seated round the kitchen table; (as pictured below);

The second tempo appears as soon as the little boy arrives, pounding on the door. With the infected following the boy the tempo is at a much higher pace all the way to the end of the opening sequence. The pace of the final bit as 'Don' runs away, includes a lot of cut editing to add to the pace and tempo. (as pictured below).

Characters:

Our introduction to the characters is unconventional of a horror film. Where we would normally being introduced to one or two character who would either play an important part in the film, or who would set up the horror film by being killed off; we are instead introduced to seven characters.

Karen

Portrayed as a quieter character, the audience can feel some empathy towards here, this in turn draws the audience into the film in the opening sequence. However we feel sorrow for her as well, as she believes her boyfriend will return. This reveals her optimistic side, towards such a down cast outset.

Jacob

The first image of Jacob is one of him sitting on the sofa, carelessly flicking through a newspaper. This shows that he is a pessimistic character which contrast greatly from the feelings of Karen who tries to remain optimistic. This again, makes the audience distance themselves away from him in the feelings that they put into the film.

Don Harris

The action of the this character makes him seem heroic in the first moments of the film, but soon the audience begin to see the true Don. His lack of caring for others when the infected trap some people, is scattered with a  small amount of self prevarication and therefore saves his own skin.

Lighting:

The low-key lighting used in this opening sequence highly illustrates the genre of the film. The lack of lighting is used to keep the audience prepared and disconcerted, therefore conveying mystery to the opening sequence. The candle-light used in the shot (as pictured below); gives the characters a silhouetted look.

Opening Scene 28 Weeks Later from Nick Vasutin on Vimeo.