28 Days Later

In every movie, there exist different ways in which the scenes are shot in. In the British horror film 28 Days Later, the identity of the protagonist and the overall conflict of the movie are introduced to the audience through the use of long shots, medium shots, and close ups, as well as different camera angles which help to give the viewers an understanding of the situation and set the overall tone of the movie.

At the beginning of the movie, a man awakens alone in a hospital, after an infection strikes London and wipes out nearly the entire population. He begins to explore the city on his own. To show loneliness and isolation, a long shot is used. An overview of the setting is given to the audience, and the protagonist is the only person that can be seen. In the first screen-cap above, the camera is up high and pointing down towards the subject, which shows vulnerability and a lack of power.

In the same scene, the camera moves closer into a medium shot and reveals Jim, the protagonist, so the audience knows who the man seen from afar is, and we are able to confirm his identity. More information is being given and identification is being increased.

Finally, as the scene goes on, there is a close up shot of the protagonist's face and a paper that explains the situation even more. Important details about the setting are being given through the words on the paper. Also, emotions and feelings are intensified with the close up of the protagonist's face.

Through the use of the different types of camera shots in the opening scene, the viewers of 28 Days Later are successfully able to learn what is happening, as the setting and characters are being introduced and conflicts are arising.